Wayne Rooney leaves his head coach role at Plymouth by mutual consent.
Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney’s tenure as Plymouth manager has ended after just seven months, with the club announcing a mutual agreement to part ways. Appointed in May on a three-year deal, Rooney departs with the team bottom of the Championship, four points from safety, and winless in nine matches, including six defeats. This poor run culminated in back-to-back losses at Coventry and Oxford over Christmas, prompting Plymouth’s board to act ahead of their New Year’s Day clash with Bristol City. First-team coach Kevin Nancekivell and captain Joe Edwards will take temporary charge. Rooney’s departure raises questions about his future in coaching. Previously, he was sacked by Birmingham after three months in January 2024 and left DC United by mutual consent in October 2023. England’s former record goalscorer began his managerial career with Derby in 2020 but resigned in 2022 following their relegation to League One.
🚨⚠️ Official: Wayne Rooney leaves Plymouth Argyle with immediate effect.
Club confirms mutual decision after only one win in 14 games since joining the club. pic.twitter.com/oJrNWG2D6m
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 31, 2024
Galatasaray approaches Paris Saint-Germain to discuss a loan deal for Škriniar.
Former Inter Milan defender, Milan Škriniar’s future at Paris Saint-Germain is in question as manager Luis Enrique increasingly favors Willian Pacho and Marquinhos in central defense. The Slovakian defender, who rejected transfer offers last summer, is now linked with a January move. PSG are reportedly open to offers around €35 million, with Newcastle United and Tottenham among potential suitors. Newcastle view Škriniar as a cost-effective solution to strengthen their backline, while the Spurs see him as a rotational option alongside Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. Meanwhile, Galatasaray have entered talks for a possible loan, awaiting Škriniar’s decision. Despite his struggles to adapt to PSG’s system, the 29-year-old reportedly prefers a return to Serie A, though Juventus, Napoli, Bayern Munich, Sporting Lisbon, and Premier League clubs like Everton and West Ham are also interested. Offers from Saudi Arabian clubs, including Al Nassr, further widen his options.
🟡🔴 Galatasaray have already approached PSG to discuss Loan deal for Milan Skriniar.
Turkish club, waiting for Skriniar to make his final decision on the future club he wants to join. pic.twitter.com/W3y3NdU2ID
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 1, 2025
AC Milan set to initiate a loan-to-buy deal with Liverpool for Darwin Núñez.
With the January transfer window open, Liverpool faces a pivotal decision regarding Darwin Núñez’s future. According to Milan TMN, AC Milan is in advanced talks with Liverpool over a potential deal for the Uruguayan striker. The proposed arrangement involves a six-month loan with a £41.5 million obligation to buy. Since joining Liverpool from Benfica for an initial £64 million, Núñez has struggled to meet expectations, marked by inconsistent finishing and tactical challenges. His limited impact has seen him fall out of favor, especially with Luis Díaz thriving as a centre-forward and Diogo Jota’s return from injury. Offloading Núñez could provide Liverpool with funds and flexibility to explore other options. Emerging talents such as Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush have been linked to Anfield, signaling potential moves to revitalize Liverpool’s attacking lineup.
🚨 AC Milan are willing to pay an initial €5m loan with an obligation to buy worth €45m for Darwin Núñez, and Liverpool are considering accepting.
(Source: AC Milan TMN) pic.twitter.com/KREm7K5VoS
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 31, 2024
Jesus and Martinelli inspire Arsenal to a crucial win over Brentford.
Arsenal staged a comeback to secure a vital 3-1 victory over Brentford on Wednesday, climbing to second in the Premier League behind leaders Liverpool. Facing a Brentford side strong at home, Arsenal endured an early setback as Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring in the 13th minute with the hosts’ first attack. Undeterred, Arsenal equalized before halftime when Gabriel Jesus headed in decisively. The Gunners dominated the second half, with Mikel Merino capitalizing on a defensive lapse to score five minutes after the break. Moments later, Gabriel Martinelli’s sublime volley sealed the win. The triumph pushed Arsenal to 39 points from 19 games, just six behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Meanwhile, injury-hit Brentford, suffering only their second home defeat of the season, sit 12th with 24 points from 19 matches.
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal.
ARSENAL CLOSE THE GAP WITH LIVERPOOL BACK TO 6 POINTS, THOUGH LIVERPOOL STILL HAVE A GAME IN HAND TO MAKE IT 9 POINTS! pic.twitter.com/lX0XU1s4aQ
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) January 1, 2025
Gift Orban on the verge of moving to Bundesliga side, Hoffenheim.
Nigerian forward Gift Orban is set to complete a major transfer to Bundesliga club Hoffenheim, with medicals scheduled in Germany. Renowned Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news on Wednesday via X, reporting that Hoffenheim and Olympique Lyon have agreed on the transfer terms. “Hoffenheim and Olympique Lyon have agreed on a deal for Gift Orban, green light from OL to proceed,” Romano revealed. The move represents a significant milestone in Orban’s promising career as he prepares to compete in one of Europe’s elite leagues. The transfer is now awaiting final formalities on the player’s side before completion. “Formal steps to follow on the player’s side to get the deal sealed,” Romano added. Once finalised, Orban is expected to become a key player for Hoffenheim, further solidifying his reputation as one of Nigeria’s brightest football prospects.
🚨🔵 Hoffenheim and Olympique Lyon have agreed on deal for Gift Orban, green light from OL to proceed.
Formal steps to follow on player side to get the deal sealed. 🔜🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/GpETjWrLh5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 1, 2025