Marcus Rashford’s camp in Italy amid AC Milan loan interest.
The January transfer window is open and Marcus Rashford’s future is shaping up to be one of the month’s biggest stories. The 27-year-old forward has been in the spotlight after being dropped from Manchester United’s squad for the Manchester City derby. Manager Ruben Amorim benched Rashford for four matches due to concerns about his attitude before including him as an unused substitute against Newcastle. AC Milan has emerged as a key contender for Rashford’s signature, with reports from Fabrizio Romano confirming that his representatives have held talks with the Italian club. Rashford’s agent, Dwaine Maynard, was spotted in Milan on Tuesday to discuss a potential Loan move. Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and Galatasaray are also interested in the England international. With Milan struggling for goals and sitting eighth in Serie A, Rashford could be the spark they need. Further discussions are expected.
🚨 Marcus Rashford’s camp, arrived in Italy tonight — as @lauriewhitwell reports.
Talks with AC Milan will take place from tomorrow — Italian clubs want to understand loan conditions.
🔄 Early stages as they’ll also talk to Borussia Dortmund in the next days… and more clubs. pic.twitter.com/t4eoaRPUDs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2025
Spurs trigger extension in Son Heung-min’s contract until 2026.
Tottenham Hotspur have exercised their option to extend Son Heung-min’s contract by one year, securing the captain’s future until the summer of 2026. The South Korean international, who joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, has become a modern club legend with 431 appearances and 169 goals across all competitions. The extension prevents Son from leaving on a free transfer this summer amid interest from top European clubs. “Sonny has become a global star and a modern-day great for Tottenham,” read the club’s statement. Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou praised Son’s impact, calling him “a key figure” over the last decade and expressing hope he will end his Tottenham career with silverware. Despite a challenging season marked by injuries, Son’s contract renewal brings optimism to the club. The former Golden Boot winner remains among the Premier League’s top forwards.
BREAKING: Tottenham extend Heung-Min Son's contract until 2026 🚨⚪ pic.twitter.com/x8PG4xyTrn
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 7, 2025
The NFF appoints Eric Sekou Chelle as new Super Eagles’ head coach.
After months of deliberation, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Eric Sekou Chelle as head coach of the Super Eagles, tasked with reviving Nigeria’s fortunes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Chelle, 47, a former Mali coach with limited international pedigree, faces a daunting challenge as Nigeria sits fifth in their group with just three points, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin Republic (all on seven points). Only Zimbabwe ranks below Nigeria. Chelle, born in Côte d’Ivoire to a Malian mother and French father, enjoyed a modest playing career in France and nearly guided Mali to the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau stated Chelle’s immediate priority will be leading the home-based Eagles at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The NFF hopes Chelle can restore Nigeria’s footballing glory.
Malian Éric Chelle has been appointed as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/FBjwIL2gI2
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) January 7, 2025
Vinícius Jr. handed a 2-game ban following his red card against Valencia.
Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. has been handed a two-game suspension following his red card against Valencia last week. The incident occurred during Real Madrid’s 2-1 comeback victory, where Vinícius was sent off after a VAR review revealed him directing his hands toward the head and neck of Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski. Initially, it was speculated that the Brazilian international could face a ban exceeding four games. However, reports later suggested a reduced suspension, which was confirmed on Tuesday. According to Fabrizio Romano, “Vinícius Jr has been suspended for the next two games in La Liga.” This ruling means Vinícius will be available for this week’s Spanish Super Cup, including a potential final against Barcelona. However, he will miss Real Madrid’s upcoming league fixtures against Las Palmas and Real Valladolid, dealing a temporary blow to Los Blancos’ attacking options.
🚨🚫 OFFICIAL: Vinicius Jr has been suspended for the next two games in La Liga.
He will be able to play Spanish Super Cup this week, then out against Las Palmas and Valladolid. pic.twitter.com/rU3ugP8FRP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2025
Deschamps to leave role as France head coach after the 2026 World Cup.
France’s head coach, Didier Deschamps will step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to L’Équipe. The announcement, expected during his appearance on TF1, will mark the end of a remarkable 14-year tenure. Deschamps led Les Bleus to World Cup triumph in 2018 and a UEFA Nations League title in 2021, cementing his legacy as a defining figure in French football both as a player and coach. His decision to leave, reportedly in motion for months, aims to provide clarity on the team’s future. Under his leadership, France also reached the finals of UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup, narrowly missing out on victory in both. Attention has shifted to his successor, with Zinedine Zidane emerging as the favorite. The former France international boasts an impressive managerial record, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
🚨🇫🇷 Didier Deschamps, set to announce his decision to LEAVE French national team job after the World Cup 2026.
It’s all decided, reports L’Équipé. 👋🏻 pic.twitter.com/SeXFbBxyfv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2025