Football – A Leagues

As the January transfer window heats up and leagues across Europe and Asia navigate crucial fixtures, today, January 7, 2026, brings a fresh wave of significant match results and captivating transfer narratives. From a tense draw in the Premier League to a dominant display in La Liga, and pivotal player movements shaping the landscape of top clubs, the football world is buzzing with activity and anticipation.

Premier League: Stalemate at the Etihad and Chiesa’s Unsettled Future

The most significant result from the recent round of Premier League fixtures saw Manchester City held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on January 4, 2026. This highly anticipated clash between two of England’s footballing giants delivered a tense affair, with both teams battling fiercely for supremacy. Manchester City, looking to maintain their push at the top of the table, found themselves challenged by a resilient Chelsea side. The draw represents a crucial point for Chelsea on the road against a formidable opponent, while for City, it means dropping valuable points in a tightly contested title race. The match showcased tactical discipline from both managers and highlighted the competitive nature of the Premier League. The goalscorers and specific details of the match, while not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets beyond the scoreline, reflect a hard-fought contest where neither side could find a decisive advantage. This result will undoubtedly have implications for the league standings as other top clubs look to capitalize.

In the transfer market, Federico Chiesa’s future at Liverpool is currently dominating headlines, with strong interest from Serie A powerhouses Napoli and Juventus. The Italian winger, who has reportedly struggled for consistent starts at Anfield, is a target for both clubs, who are exploring a potential loan move this January. However, reports indicate that Liverpool is reluctant to sanction a temporary departure for the 28-year-old, preferring to entertain only permanent offers. Chiesa, who has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, has made only two Premier League starts in his 17 months at the club this season, despite injuries affecting other attackers. While formal approaches have reportedly been made by Juventus, Liverpool has yet to receive official communication. This ongoing saga keeps fans on edge, wondering whether the highly-rated attacker will make a return to Italian football or remain in England. The situation is further complicated by Liverpool’s current squad depth concerns, particularly with key players like Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Premier League: Stalemate at the Etihad and Chiesa's Unsettled Future

La Liga: Real Madrid’s Rout and Asensio’s Potential Return

In Spain, the most significant match result from the last round saw Real Madrid deliver a commanding 5-1 victory over Real Betis on January 4, 2026. The Santiago Bernabéu faithful were treated to a sensational performance, with G. García emerging as the star of the show, netting a magnificent hat-trick for Los Blancos. This dominant display underlined Real Madrid’s formidable attacking prowess and their intent to maintain pressure in the La Liga title race. The comprehensive win sent a clear message to their rivals, showcasing their depth and quality across the pitch. Other goals were scored by R. Asencio and F. Garcia, further cementing the emphatic nature of the victory. Real Betis managed a consolation goal through Hernandez, but it was not enough to stem the tide of Real Madrid’s relentless attack. This result significantly boosts Real Madrid’s confidence and strengthens their position at the top of the league.

The transfer rumor mill in La Liga is abuzz with speculation surrounding a potential return to Spain for Marco Asensio, with Atletico Madrid reportedly keen on securing his services from Fenerbahce. Asensio, who made a summer move to the Turkish club from Paris Saint-Germain for approximately £6.5 million, has been in scintillating form in the 2025/26 Super Lig campaign, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 13 appearances. Despite his strong performances, the possibility of a substantial bid from Atletico Madrid could tempt Fenerbahce to part ways with the three-time Champions League winner. Atletico Madrid, looking to keep pace with Barcelona in the title race, views Asensio as a valuable addition to their attacking department, especially with rumors of Inter Miami eyeing key players like Koke and Antoine Griezmann. This potential transfer would add significant creative flair and experience to Diego Simeone’s squad, making it one of the most intriguing sagas of the January window in Spain.

Serie A: Füllkrug Bolsters Milan’s Attack and Juventus’s Strong Showing

Italy’s Serie A witnessed a significant result in the last round as Inter Milan secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Bologna on January 4, 2026. This match was a test of strength for Inter, who are vying for the Scudetto, against a strong Bologna side that has been performing well this season. Inter’s ability to overcome a challenging opponent with a clear margin underscores their title credentials and the depth of their squad. While specific goalscorers for this match were not fully detailed in the snippets, the victory itself is a statement of intent from the Nerazzurri, reinforcing their position at the top or near the top of the Serie A table. The win will provide a significant boost to their confidence as they navigate a demanding schedule and aim to maintain their momentum in the league.

In transfer news, AC Milan has successfully secured the services of German striker Niclas Füllkrug on a loan deal from West Ham United. This move represents a significant reinforcement for the Rossoneri’s attacking options as they look to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season. Füllkrug, known for his physicality and goal-scoring ability, will provide a different dimension to Milan’s front line and is expected to contribute immediately. The loan deal highlights Milan’s strategic approach to the winter transfer window, addressing key areas without committing to a permanent transfer immediately. This acquisition could prove vital for Milan as they aim to compete for a top-four finish and potentially challenge for silverware in domestic competitions. This is a confirmed deal that adds significant quality to a top Serie A club.

Serie A: Füllkrug Bolsters Milan's Attack and Juventus's Strong Showing

Bundesliga: Winter Break and Bayern’s Transfer Talk

The Bundesliga is currently observing its traditional winter break, with league fixtures set to resume later in January 2026. Therefore, the “last round” refers to matches played before the break in late December. The most significant result from that period was Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive 3-1 away victory against RB Leipzig on December 20, 2025. This clash between two of the league’s top contenders had significant implications for the title race, with Leverkusen asserting their dominance. While specific goalscorers were not explicitly detailed, the result highlighted Leverkusen’s strong form and their serious challenge for the Bundesliga crown. This win allowed them to potentially extend their lead or keep pace at the very top of the table, making it a crucial psychological boost heading into the winter break.

Regarding transfers, the biggest story currently dominating headlines for a top Bundesliga club revolves around ongoing speculation concerning the futures of Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry at Bayern Munich. Despite Bayern’s record-setting season and strong position in all competitions, rumors persist about potential departures for these high-profile players. While sources suggest that a January exit for either player is unlikely, the discussion surrounding their roles and long-term commitment to the club continues to be a prominent topic in German football media. Bayern’s earlier substantial investments in players like Luis Diaz from Liverpool for €70 million and Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea on a €16.5 million loan deal also remain part of the broader transfer narrative, showcasing the club’s financial power and ambition. However, the internal discussions and external speculation regarding Goretzka and Gnabry’s potential moves represent the most significant current transfer headline for the German champions.

V. League 1: Hanoi Police’s Upset and a Blockbuster Youth Signing

In Vietnam’s V. League 1, while January 2026 fixtures are scheduled for later in the month and early February, the most significant recent result available from the last completed round in late 2025 was a surprising upset: Cong An Ha Noi (Hanoi Police FC) suffered a 0-3 defeat against Hong Linh Ha Tinh on November 10, 2025. This result was particularly significant as it involved one of the league’s prominent clubs, Hanoi Police FC, and a comprehensive loss of this nature can have considerable ramifications on team morale and league standings. While specific goalscorers for Hong Linh Ha Tinh were not detailed in the provided snippets, the emphatic scoreline indicates a dominant performance from the winning side and a challenging day for the reigning champions or contenders. This unexpected outcome highlights the unpredictable nature of the V. League 1 and the competitive spirit of all teams involved.

The biggest transfer news currently dominating headlines in the V. League 1 is the confirmed “blockbuster” signing of young midfielder Ngo Dang Khoa by Ho Chi Minh City Police FC. Born in 2006, Ngo Dang Khoa is an Australian citizen with Vietnamese parents who previously played for Perth Glory in the Australian A-League. He made six appearances and scored his first goal in Australia’s top flight during the 2025/2026 season. Known for his speed and preferred attacking midfield position, Khoa is expected to bring a “fresh breeze” to Ho Chi Minh City Police Club’s playing style. This acquisition signifies a growing trend of Vietnamese clubs attracting talented players of Vietnamese descent from overseas and represents a significant investment in youth for one of the V. League’s ambitious teams.

As the festive football period winds down and the January transfer window swings open, major leagues across Europe and Asia are buzzing with significant match outcomes and intriguing transfer developments. From crucial league victories that reshape title races to high-profile player movements, the football world remains captivated by every twist and turn.

Premier League: Dorgu Delivers for Manchester United Amid Winter Window Buzz

The Premier League delivered a solitary but impactful fixture on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025, as Manchester United secured a vital 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford. The decisive goal came from an unlikely source, with Patrick Dorgu finding the back of the net to give the Red Devils a much-needed win. This result helped Manchester United climb to fifth in the standings, offering a glimmer of hope for their season.

In the realm of transfers, Patrick Dorgu himself has been a subject of significant movement. The talented player recently completed a confirmed transfer to Manchester United from Italian Serie A side Lecce for a fee reported to be around €37 million. This deal, finalized before the January window officially opened, has already seen immediate dividends on the pitch. Meanwhile, one of the biggest rumors dominating headlines involves Manchester City as they are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, has hinted that “everything can happen” during this transfer period, fueling speculation about potential incomings and outgoings at the Etihad Stadium.

Premier League: Dorgu Delivers for Manchester United Amid Winter Window Buzz

La Liga: Barcelona’s Dominance Continues as Guehi Linked with Camp Nou Move

In Spain, the last round of La Liga fixtures saw Barcelona maintain their strong form with a convincing 2-0 away victory against Villarreal on December 21, 2025. This crucial win solidified their position at the top of the 2025-26 La Liga standings. Elsewhere, Real Madrid also secured a notable 2-0 win over Sevilla on December 20, keeping the pressure on the league leaders.

Off the pitch, Barcelona is reportedly making moves to bolster their defensive line for the upcoming summer transfer window. The Catalan giants are said to be keenly monitoring Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, with a potential free transfer being explored. This interest comes as Barcelona aims to strengthen their defensive depth, especially after losing Andreas Christensen to injury earlier in the month. The prospect of acquiring an England international on a free transfer is certainly a significant rumor for the Spanish powerhouse.

Serie A: Juventus Triumphs in Top Clash, Kvaratskhelia’s Blockbuster Exit Confirmed

Italy’s Serie A saw some intense matchups in its most recent round, which concluded on December 21, 2025. The standout fixture was a hard-fought encounter where Juventus emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over AS Roma. This result was a significant one in the context of the league’s competitive top spots. Other notable results from the round included Fiorentina’s dominant 5-1 victory against Udinese.

The Serie A transfer market has already witnessed a monumental confirmed deal that sent shockwaves across Europe. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the highly-rated winger from Napoli, has completed a blockbuster transfer to French champions Paris Saint-Germain for a reported fee of €75 million. This represents one of the most significant sales from the Italian top flight in the current winter transfer window. Beyond this major departure, AC Milan is reportedly exploring options to reinforce their defense, with names like Juventus’ Federico Gatti, Fenerbahçe’s Milan Skriniar, and Monaco’s Eric Dier being considered.

Serie A: Juventus Triumphs in Top Clash, Kvaratskhelia's Blockbuster Exit Confirmed

Bundesliga: Bayern Munich Dominates Before Winter Break, Adeyemi Eyed by Liverpool

The German Bundesliga wrapped up its fixtures before the traditional winter break around December 21, 2025. League leaders Bayern Munich showcased their dominance with a commanding 4-0 away victory against Heidenheim on December 21. Star striker Harry Kane continued his prolific form, netting his 19th Bundesliga goal of the season, further solidifying Bayern’s nine-point lead at the top of the table. Earlier in the round, Bayer Leverkusen also secured an impressive 3-1 win at RB Leipzig on December 20, moving them into third place.

As the January transfer window officially opens, speculation is mounting around several Bundesliga talents. One of the most prominent transfer rumors involves Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi. Premier League giants Liverpool are reportedly eyeing the 23-year-old forward as a primary target for January 2026, with a potential fee of around £20 million being discussed. Adeyemi, who has struggled for consistency this season, could represent a significant attacking reinforcement for clubs across Europe. While some smaller confirmed deals have been noted for clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt, the potential movement of a high-profile player like Adeyemi is currently generating the most significant transfer buzz in Germany.

V. League: Cong An Ha Noi Secures Important Away Win Ahead of Break

In Vietnam, the V. League 1 concluded its latest round of matches around December 18, 2025, before a scheduled break for the Vietnam U-23 team’s participation in international tournaments. A key result from this round saw Cong An Ha Noi FC achieve an important 3-1 away victory against Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC. This win contributed to Cong An Ha Noi’s strong start to the 2025/26 season.

Regarding transfers in the V. League, the 2025/26 season has already seen an “unprecedented race” for player acquisitions, with clubs making significant investments. One of the most notable confirmed deals from earlier in the season, which continues to resonate, is the transfer of central defender Matheus Felipe to Ho Chi Minh City Police for a reported fee of €1 million. This “record contract” highlights the growing ambition and financial power of V. League clubs to attract top talent. Other significant early season transfers included Willian Maranhão to Hanoi Club for €900,000 and Njabulo Blom to Nam Dinh Steel Blue for €950,000.

As the festive football period continues to captivate fans worldwide, top leagues are delivering thrilling encounters and generating intense transfer speculation. With the January transfer window just around the corner, clubs are actively assessing their squads, leading to a flurry of rumors and a few confirmed deals. This daily round-up, delivered at 3:30 p.m. on December 26, 2025, details the most significant match results from the last completed round and the biggest transfer stories dominating headlines across the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, and the V. League 1.

Premier League: Manchester City’s Dominance and Semenyo’s Suitors

In the last completed round of Premier League fixtures before the busy Boxing Day schedule, Manchester City delivered a commanding performance with a resounding 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace on December 14, 2025. This crucial win underscored City’s title aspirations, showcasing their depth and attacking prowess against a resilient Eagles side. While specific goalscorers for this particular match were not detailed in the available reports, the dominant scoreline reflects a strong team effort from Pep Guardiola’s squad, further solidifying their position near the top of the league standings. Other notable results from the same period included Arsenal’s hard-fought 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool’s comfortable 2-0 triumph over Brighton and Hove Albion. These results highlight the competitive nature of the English top flight as teams vie for crucial points during the demanding winter schedule.

The transfer rumor mill is buzzing with activity, and one name consistently linked with multiple top Premier League clubs is Antoine Semenyo, the talented right-winger from AFC Bournemouth. Reports on December 25, 2025, indicate that Semenyo is a target for Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool, with varying degrees of interest and assessment percentages from each club. Manchester City is reportedly at 60% likelihood, while Liverpool stands at 59%, and Manchester United at 41%. The 25-year-old Ghanaian international’s impressive performances have clearly caught the eye of England’s elite, suggesting a potential bidding war in the upcoming January transfer window. His pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability make him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to bolster their attacking options. Liverpool is also said to be considering Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi as a serious January target, with preliminary talks reportedly held and a potential price tag of around £20 million.

Premier League: Manchester City's Dominance and Semenyo's Suitors

La Liga: Real Madrid Extends Lead as Nico Williams’ Future Dominates Talk

The Spanish top flight witnessed a significant clash in the last round, with Real Madrid securing a vital 2-0 victory over Sevilla on December 20, 2025. This result further cemented Real Madrid’s strong position in the La Liga title race. While the goalscorers for this specific encounter were not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets, the win against a formidable opponent like Sevilla is a testament to Real Madrid’s consistent form and tactical discipline under their current manager. Other important results from the round included Barcelona’s 2-0 win against Villarreal and Atletico Madrid’s dominant 3-0 away victory over Girona. These outcomes underscore the intense competition at the top of La Liga as the traditional powerhouses continue to assert their dominance.

The biggest transfer story currently dominating headlines in La Liga revolves around Nico Williams, the highly-rated winger from Athletic Bilbao. Reports from December 20, 2025, suggest a “transfer bomb” with the Spain international reportedly “determined” to move after a significant 10-year deal was agreed upon elsewhere. While the destination is not explicitly named, this development indicates a major shift in the transfer landscape and could trigger a significant move for one of La Liga’s most exciting young talents. Several top clubs across Europe are likely to be monitoring the situation closely, given Williams’ potential and impact. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid is reportedly nearing a €32 million transfer deal, signaling their intent to strengthen their squad in the upcoming window. Real Madrid is also reportedly eyeing Michael Olise, further highlighting the intense competition for top talent in Spain and beyond.

Serie A: Juventus Edges Roma, Milan’s Goalkeeper Conundrum

In a fiercely contested Serie A fixture from the last round, Juventus emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over AS Roma on December 20, 2025. The goals for Juventus came from Conceicao in the 44th minute and Openda in the 70th minute, while Baldanzi scored Roma’s lone goal in the 75th minute. This crucial win allowed Juventus to close the gap on the league leaders, showcasing their resilience and ambition in the Scudetto race. The match was a tactical battle, with both teams demonstrating strong defensive organization and opportunistic attacking play. Other results from the same period included Lazio’s goalless draw with Cremonese and AC Milan’s 2-2 draw with Sassuolo.

The most significant transfer story currently emanating from Serie A centers around AC Milan’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper and the uncertain future of their current number one, Mike Maignan. On December 26, 2025, it was reported that Milan had submitted a written offer to Corinthians for Hugo Souza, but the bid was rejected. Corinthians reportedly believes Souza’s value is higher, and the Brazilian goalkeeper is keen to remain with his current club until the World Cup. This development comes amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mike Maignan’s contract situation, as his deal with the Rossoneri is set to expire on June 30, 2026. With just weeks until Maignan could sign a pre-contract agreement with another club, Milan is eager to open fresh talks for a renewal, but the current feeling is that the Frenchman may leave at the end of the season. This creates a significant dilemma for Milan as they look to secure their goalkeeping future.

Serie A: Juventus Edges Roma, Milan's Goalkeeper Conundrum

Bundesliga: Bayern Munich’s Dominant Display and Leverkusen’s New Arrival

The German Bundesliga saw Bayern Munich deliver a dominant performance in the last round, securing a comprehensive 4-0 away victory against Heidenheim on December 21, 2025. This emphatic win further extended Bayern’s lead at the top of the table, taking them a nine-point advantage into 2026. The goals for the Bavarian giants were scored by Stanisic, Olise, Diaz, and the prolific Harry Kane, who netted his 51st club goal of a remarkable 2025. Bayern’s attacking prowess and solid defense were on full display, highlighting their status as the team to beat in the Bundesliga. Other notable results included Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive 3-1 away win against RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund’s comfortable 2-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach.

In terms of transfer news, the official Bundesliga transfer centre for January 2026 has already listed some confirmed movements. One notable confirmed deal is Issa Traoré joining Bayer Leverkusen from Djoliba AC. While not a blockbuster signing, it signals Leverkusen’s intent to strengthen their squad as they compete for top honors. Bayern Munich has also reportedly reached a “full agreement” with an unnamed Ecuadorian defensive player, indicating further squad reinforcement plans for the reigning champions. The winter transfer window, which officially opens on January 1, 2026, and closes on February 2, 2026, is expected to see more activity as clubs look to fine-tune their rosters for the second half of the season.

V. League 1: Seasonal Break and Last Round’s Action

The V. League 1, Vietnam’s top football division, is currently observing a seasonal break. The league paused its fixtures on November 24, 2025, and is scheduled to resume on January 27, 2026, allowing for the Vietnam U-23 team to participate in the 2025 SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. Therefore, there are no recent match results from the past day or two.

The most significant match result from the last completed round before the break was on December 18, 2025, when Cong An Ha Noi FC secured a 3-1 away victory against Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC (HAGL FC). Cong An Ha Noi FC, currently sitting second in the league standings, showcased their strength with this impressive win. Due to the ongoing break and limited international reporting on Vietnamese football transfers, there are no dominating transfer rumors or confirmed deals currently making headlines for V. League 1 clubs. The focus for teams and fans alike will be on the upcoming resumption of the league in late January.