Neymar reportedly eyeing a sensational return to his boyhood club, Santos.
Acclaimed forward, Neymar is set to end his difficult stint in Saudi Arabia, with reports suggesting he is close to rejoining his boyhood club, Santos, on a six-month loan. The Brazilian forward, who struggled with injuries and form at Al-Hilal, is eager to regain his top-level performances ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Santos has reportedly made an official offer to Al-Hilal, edging out MLS clubs for his signature. Should the deal go through, Neymar will spend the remainder of his contract with Al-Hilal on Loan at Santos, passing up a potential reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami. Neymar, who rose to prominence at Santos before his 2013 move to Barcelona, is expected to receive a hero’s welcome upon his return. His future after the loan remains uncertain, including a potential return to the Brazil squad.
🚨🧨 Neymar Jr, close to returning to Santos as the Brazilian club has now submitted formal loan proposal!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 19, 2025
Santos are waiting for green light from Al Hilal, timing depends on the Saudi club.
Santos, way ahead of Chicago Fire in Ney race as @diariodopeixe @clmerlo called. pic.twitter.com/ohn8NwF2hV
Mitoma stars as Brighton defeats Man United at Old Trafford.
Manchester United suffered a brutal 3-1 defeat to Brighton on Sunday, their sixth loss of the season at Old Trafford. The Red Devils fell behind early when Kaoru Mitoma’s cross allowed Yankuba Minteh to score in the fifth minute. United equalized through a Bruno Fernandes penalty after Carlos Baleba fouled Joshua Zirkzee, but their performance lacked conviction. Brighton retook the lead early in the second half with Joao Pedro’s goal, though VAR ruled it out for a foul on Diogo Dalot. However, United’s defensive frailty continued, and Mitoma scored the decisive goal, set up by Minteh. To add insult to injury, André Onana made a blunder, pushing a low cross into Georginio Rutter’s path for Brighton’s third. The loss leaves United 13th in the Premier League, and on current form, they deserve to be even lower.
🔵⚪️ Big win for Brighton at Old Trafford…
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 19, 2025
…as Man United conceded 12 goals in the last 5 home games in Premier League 🚨📉 pic.twitter.com/6oC8Hukf7n
Bayern set to seal the final details of Alphonso Davies’ new contract this week.
Bundesliga giant, Bayern Munich is in advanced negotiations with Alphonso Davies to extend his contract for another four years, with talks progressing smoothly, according to sources. Davies’ current deal expires at the end of the season, allowing him to negotiate with overseas clubs. Despite interest from clubs in England and Spain, including Real Madrid, Bayern is close to finalizing an agreement. Talks had previously hit a rough patch, leading to tension, but only a small gap remains between the club and the 24-year-old left-back’s demands. Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, expressed his frustration with the prolonged negotiations but assured that both parties were working toward a resolution. Davies, who has been a key figure at Bayern for seven years, is now expected to stay in Munich and focus on securing the Bundesliga title this season.
🚨🔴 Bayern want to seal final details of Alphonso Davies new deal this week, after big progress made on Friday.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2025
One more round of talks expected to discuss again and get new contract also formally sorted. pic.twitter.com/BPoiI50EZv
Kylian Mbappé scores a brace as Real Madrid defeats Las Palmas.
French star, Kylian Mbappé scored twice to inspire Real Madrid to a 4-1 comeback victory over Las Palmas on Sunday, lifting them to the top of LaLiga. Madrid moved ahead of Atletico Madrid, who lost 1-0 to Leganes, and are now two points clear of their rivals. Las Palmas shocked Madrid by taking the lead just 25 seconds in with a goal from Fábio Silva, the earliest Madrid have conceded since 2011. However, Madrid responded with Mbappé converting a penalty in the 18th minute, followed by Brahim Díaz ‘s goal in the 33rd. Mbappé then netted again with a superb strike in the 36th minute, and Rodrygo completed the scoring in the 57th. Las Palmas were reduced to 10 men after a red card to Benito Ramírez in the 64th. Despite disallowed goals and missed chances, Madrid cruised to the win.
FT: Real Madrid 4-1 Las Palmas.
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) January 19, 2025
REAL MADRID ARE THE NEW LA LIGA LEADERS, THEY GO 7 POINTS ABOVE BARCELONA! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/KToeynReJD
Phil Foden inspires Manchester City to a big victory over Ipswich Town.
Manchester City thrashed Ipswich Town 6-0 on Sunday, sending a strong message ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. The Premier League champions dominated the match, moving into the top four. Despite a bright start from Ipswich, City soon took control. Erling Haaland missed an early chance, but Phil Foden opened the scoring after Kevin De Bruyne’s cross deflected into his path. City doubled their lead as Mateo Kovačić scored from outside the box, and Foden added another, making it five goals in three league games. In the second half, Jérémy Doku’s curled shot deflected in off Dara O’Shea, and Haaland scored his 17th league goal of the season. Pep Guardiola rested key players late in the match, and substitute James McAtee quickly made an impact, heading home the sixth. It was one of City’s most comfortable Premier League wins in recent months.
FT: Ipswich Town 0-6 Manchester City.
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) January 19, 2025
WHAT A VICTORY! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/kk0mS8VMmq