Latest Football (Soccer) News

đź“…December 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM
European mid-season transfer links and managerial stories dominate, plus Globe Soccer finalists, World Cup qualifying updates, and club/player injuries and suspensions.
1

Globe Soccer Awards 2025 finalists revealed; Ronaldo to attend

The 16th Globe Soccer Awards finalists were announced, with Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Liverpool and Flamengo competing for Best Men's Club and Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed to attend the Dubai ceremony on December 28, 2025Source 1. PSG players Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé appear on the Best Men's Player shortlist, while Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is listed among emerging talentsSource 1.

2

Barcelona target Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol

Reports indicate Barcelona are targeting Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol as they seek centre‑back reinforcements amid squad concerns, with other targets including Alessandro Bastoni and Nico Schlotterbeck according to Mundo Deportivo and ESPN's transfer roundupSource 2. The interest comes as Barcelona manage injuries and contract expiries at centre‑back positionsSource 2.

3

Summer transfer scouting: Kees Smit attracts top‑club attention

AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has drawn scouting interest from Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid after impressive performances this season, making him one to watch for the upcoming transfer window according to ESPN reportingSource 2. Smit has made 26 appearances this term with two goals and five assists, per reportsSource 2.

4

Manchester City linked with Bayern’s Aleksandar Pavlović for midfield succession

Manchester City are reportedly monitoring Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović as a potential long‑term replacement for Rodri, signaling proactive succession planning in midfield ahead of future windowsSource 2. This is part of City’s broader summer recruitment strategy outlined in transfer coverageSource 2.

5

Atlético Madrid monitor Leon Goretzka’s contract situation

Atlético Madrid are reported to be tracking Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka as his contract situation becomes uncertain, with Bayern reportedly unwilling to make a large renewal offer and other Serie A clubs also interestedSource 2. Goretzka’s expiring deal has prompted multiple clubs to evaluate a potential moveSource 2.

6

Interest in Denzel Dumfries from Premier League clubs

Manchester United, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are reported to be interested in Inter Milan right‑back Denzel Dumfries, though a January move is unlikely due to his current ankle injury and clubs are monitoring his recovery ahead of the summer windowSource 2. Reports stress clubs want regular updates on his rehabilitation before pursuing a transferSource 2.

7

Chelsea, City, Real, Barca and Atlético scouting young talents across Europe

Top European clubs are actively scouting youth talent, including Barcelona’s reported interest in 15‑year‑old Norwich winger Ajay Tavares and broader monitoring of young midfielders like AZ’s Kees Smit, reflecting clubs’ long‑term recruitment focus in the January/summer windowsSource 2. Multiple outlets highlight these youth scouting trends in transfer roundupsSource 2.

8

Premier League title pressure: Arsenal discussed on ESPN FC

ESPN FC’s coverage highlights mounting pressure and external scrutiny around Arsenal’s title challenge, with pundits debating whether recent performances indicate fatigue or temporary dips while the club remains well positioned in the title raceSource 3. The segment focuses on squad dynamics, injuries and psychological factors affecting formSource 3.

9

European mid‑season fixtures spotlight USMNT players abroad

Soccer America previews key mid‑season European matches that will feature USMNT World Cup hopefuls as clubs compete in promotion, relegation and European qualification battles ahead of the winter breakSource 4. The piece emphasizes that performances now can impact selection and momentum for national team considerationSource 4.

10

Transfer window narratives point to big summer moves rather than January upheaval

Multiple transfer reports compiled by ESPN suggest many high‑profile moves are being planned for the summer, with clubs conducting scouting and early negotiations now but often deferring major deals until the end of the season to manage finances and squad stabilitySource 2. January activity is expected to be selective, focusing on injury cover or short‑term fixesSource 2.

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