James Rodríguez prepared to terminate his contract with Rayo Vallecano.
Former Real Madrid star, James Rodríguez’s return to La Liga has not gone as planned, and the Colombian star is now expected to leave Rayo Vallecano in January. The 33-year-old midfielder joined Rayo in a surprise move last summer after departing Sao Paulo, but his impact has been minimal, with just one league start to his name. Amid growing speculation about his future, reports suggest Rodríguez is attracting interest from MLS side Inter Miami, a move that could see him link up with Lionel Messi. Rayo are reportedly open to terminating Rodríguez’s season-long deal early, while rumours of a potential move to Espanyol have been dismissed by their coach, Manolo Gonzalez. A switch to the MLS seems more viable, given its proximity to Colombia and the opportunity to revive his career in Florida. Rodríguez’s exit would mark another chapter in his unpredictable career trajectory.
🚨🇨🇴 James Rodriguez could leave Rayo Vallecano as free agent in the next days.
Discussions ongoing to terminate the contract and try new chapter as free agent for James. pic.twitter.com/3KDkwdJmSi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 6, 2025
Manchester United secures a well-earned draw against league leaders, Liverpool.
Amad Diallo’s late strike earned Manchester United a dramatic 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. United, struggling for form, took the lead in the 52nd minute when Lisandro Martínez fired a powerful shot from a tight angle. Liverpool responded quickly, with Cody Gakpo curling in a stunning equaliser in the 59th minute and Mohamed Salah converting a penalty to put the hosts ahead. Amad’s 80th-minute finish salvaged a point for Ruben Amorim’s side in an intense contest. The thrilling finale saw both teams miss late chances, including Harry Maguire’s wasted opportunity for United in stoppage time. Liverpool remain six points clear at the top with 46 points from 19 games, holding a game in hand over second-placed Arsenal. United moved up to 13th with 23 points, showing signs of improvement despite their struggles.
FT: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United.
MANCHESTER UNITED LEAVE ANFIELD WITH A POINT, MASSIVE DISSAPOINTMENT FOR LIVERPOOL! ❌ pic.twitter.com/sOpPByj4Md
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) January 5, 2025
Patrick Kluivert finalizes deal to become the new Indonesia head coach.
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has named former Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert as the new head coach of the national team. The announcement, made on January 12, 2025, in Jakarta, follows the termination of Shin Tae-yong’s contract, who had led the team since 2021. PSSI Chairperson Erick Thohir expressed confidence in Kluivert, stating, “Patrick Kluivert’s vast experience as a player and coach will bring fresh energy to our national team.” Kluivert enjoyed a stellar playing career with clubs like Ajax, AC Milan, and Barcelona, as well as the Dutch national team. His coaching résumé includes roles with Ajax’s youth system and the Curaçao national team. Indonesian fans are optimistic about Kluivert’s leadership as the Garuda squad prepares for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, hoping his appointment signals a new chapter of success.
🚨🇮🇩 Patrick Kluivert set to sign as new Indonesia head coach, deal done.
2 years plus 2 years option, presentation to take place on January 12 in Indonesia.
The goal is to reach the World Cup qualification. pic.twitter.com/TWdqhN2eCW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 6, 2025
PSG clinches the French Super Cup, thanks to Dembélé’s stoppage time winner.
Ousmane Dembélé’s stoppage-time strike secured Paris Saint-Germain a 1-0 victory over AS Monaco in the French Super Cup on Sunday, earning the Ligue 1 champions their third consecutive title. PSG, who claimed both the league and French Cup last season, lifted the trophy for a record 13th time and their 11th in the last 12 years. The match, held at Doha’s Stadium 974, was a lively affair, with PSG creating 27 chances but struggling to break the deadlock. Summer signing Désiré Doué hit the bar early, while Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn denied Lee Kang-In and others. Dembélé finally found the net in injury time, finishing Fabián Ruiz’s precise pass. Monaco, four-time winners, last lifted the trophy in 2000. PSG now prepares to host St. Etienne next Sunday, while Monaco faces Nantes on Friday.
🔴🔵🏆 Paris Saint-Germain win the French Super Cup with late goal scored by Ousmane Dembélé! pic.twitter.com/bEWleTt3Gu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2025
Arsenal’s full back, Kieran Tierney reportedly in talks to return to Celtic.
Kieran Tierney’s Arsenal journey appears to be coming to an end, with the 27-year-old reportedly in talks for a return to Celtic, according to Fabrizio Romano. Tierney, who became a hero at Celtic Park by winning four consecutive league titles between 2015 and 2019, may need to accept a pay cut to facilitate the move. Since joining Arsenal in 2019 for £25 million, the Scotland international has endured persistent injury setbacks, including a hamstring tear during the European Championships that delayed his summer departure. Although he became a key player under Mikel Arteta during the Covid era, Tierney struggled to adapt to the demands of the inverted left-back role after Oleksandr Zinchenko’s arrival. Following a successful Loan spell at Real Sociedad last season, Tierney is keen to revive his career at Celtic, hoping to leave injuries behind and regain form.
🚨 Kieran Tierney has REJECTED Leicester City, Brentford, and West Ham to secure a return to Celtic.
(Source: @MailSport) pic.twitter.com/Dca9nFsbB9
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 5, 2025