Mainoo shines as Manchester United book last-16 spot in the Europa League.
Manchester United secured a spot in the Europa League last 16 with a commanding 2-0 victory over FCSB, thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo. United extended their unbeaten run in the competition to eight matches, finishing third in the league phase with five wins and three draws. After a lacklustre first half, the introductions of Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo injected energy into the attack. Mainoo set up Dalot’s opener on the hour mark before sealing the win eight minutes later with a composed finish from Garnacho’s cutback. FCSB, despite showing glimpses of promise, finished 11th and now face a two-legged play-off. Ruben Amorim, in charge of United, became the second manager after Sir Alex Ferguson to win his first four European games. The victory provides a significant morale boost after a turbulent start to his tenure.
🚨 FULL TIME! Automatic qualification for United! #mufc
Thoughts on the game? 👇 pic.twitter.com/nCpA2M5miX
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) January 30, 2025
Álvaro Morata close to joining Galatasaray six months after joining AC Milan.
Galatasaray are in advanced negotiations to sign Álvaro Morata from AC Milan in a surprising January move, just six months after his arrival at San Siro. Reports suggest the Turkish club is pushing to finalize the deal within hours, as revealed by Fabrizio Romano. Milan had been seeking an additional striker but now appear open to offloading Morata, who has struggled for form. Since joining from Atlético Madrid for €13 million last summer, the Spanish forward has scored six goals and provided two assists in 25 appearances. With Tammy Abraham and Noah Okafor available, Milan is prepared to part ways with Morata. Galatasaray view him as an ideal attacking addition alongside Victor Osimhen. Morata earns €4.5 million per season, with a contract until 2028 and an optional extension. His agent, Juanma López, is working on the deal, with both Loan and permanent transfer options being considered. His future could be decided imminently.
🚨🔴🟡 EXCLUSIVE: Galatasaray are in advanced talks to sign Álvaro Morata from AC Milan!
Talks underway to get the deal done soon, all parties ready to get it sealed in the next hours.
💣🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/4bkgrk7G7V
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 30, 2025
Xavi Simons completes a €50 million permanent move to RB Leipzig from PSG.
Netherlands forward, Xavi Simons has completed a permanent transfer to RB Leipzig, the Bundesliga club confirmed on Thursday. According to ESPN sources, the deal is valued at around €50 million ($52m) plus significant add-ons, potentially rising to €75-80m. The 21-year-old had been on loan at Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain since last season and has now signed a contract until 2027. Considered one of Europe’s top young talents, Simons has impressed despite an ankle injury sidelining him for part of the season, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 17 appearances. Expressing his excitement, Simons stated, “I feel at home in Leipzig and appreciate the club’s trust. My focus now is on securing Champions League qualification and reaching the DFB-Pokal final.” Previously, he spent the 2022-23 season on loan at PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch international has earned 24 caps for the national team, scoring three goals and providing three assists.
Xavi Simons has made his loan from PSG to RB Leipzig a permanent deal for a fee worth up to $83M, per multiple reports 🔴 pic.twitter.com/btalxQIUwQ
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 30, 2025
Brown Ideye expresses his dissatisfaction as to the state of the NPFl.
Enyimba forward and former Super Eagles striker, Brown Ideye has voiced his dissatisfaction with the state of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), calling for significant improvements. Expressing concern, Ideye stated that the league is “getting worse” and still has a long way to go. He highlighted key challenges, including poor travel arrangements, inadequate feeding, and substandard hotel accommodations, which he believes negatively impact players’ well-being. Additionally, he questioned Nigeria’s readiness for continental competitions, urging better organization to avoid embarrassment on the international stage. “We should put our house in order before competing abroad,” he remarked. Ideye joined Enyimba in December 2024 and has since scored twice for the nine-time Nigerian champions. While he appreciates his time at the club, he insists that addressing these structural issues is crucial for the league’s future success and the overall growth of Nigerian football.
Enyimba forward, Brown Ideye speaks about the state of the Nigerian league. pic.twitter.com/gUj8ASSiw5
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) January 29, 2025
Jordan Henderson set to complete surprise move to Monaco from Ajax.
Former Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson is reportedly close to leaving Ajax for Ligue 1 side Monaco. The midfielder joined Ajax from Al-Ettifaq in January 2024 after a brief six-month stint in Saudi Arabia. With the 2025 winter transfer window nearing its deadline, Monaco have made an approach, and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Ajax are close to agreeing on a permanent deal. Henderson is expected to sign a one-and-a-half-year contract until the summer of 2026, linking up with USMNT forward Folarin Balogun. However, Dutch outlet, Voetbal International reports that Ajax are hesitant to let him leave mid-season. Despite this, Henderson is open to the move and hopes Ajax will cooperate in negotiations. With the transfer window closing on February 3, Monaco must act swiftly to finalize the deal. The former England international has been a key figure for Ajax this season, making 31 appearances in all competitions.
🚨🔴⚪️ EXCLUSIVE: AS Monaco are closing in on deal to sign Jordan Henderson from Ajax as new midfielder!
Permanent move almost agreed on contract until June 2026.
Here we go, soon 💣🏴 pic.twitter.com/zdKo518vf2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 30, 2025