Today's top global international football news, transfers and more - 27th Jan

Catch Up On Today's Top Global International Football News.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is facing mounting pressure after his side suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Leicester City. The loss, which saw Tottenham concede two quick goals after taking an early lead, has further fueled fan frustration with the team's recent inconsistency. Postecoglou's project at Tottenham, while showing flashes of attacking brilliance, has struggled to gain consistent momentum, leaving them adrift of the top spots in the Premier League. Defensive lapses and a lack of clear tactical identity in crucial moments have raised serious questions about the team's direction under the Australian manager.

Pep Guardiola's decision to allow Julian Álvarez to join Atlético Madrid on loan has come under scrutiny following the Argentine's impressive performances in the Champions League. Álvarez's goal for Atlético, highlighted by UEFA, has served as a stark reminder of the talent that Manchester City allowed to depart. Many fans and pundits have questioned the wisdom of letting such a promising young player leave, especially given the depth and quality of the squad Guardiola has assembled at the Etihad. Álvarez's departure has raised questions about City's transfer strategy and whether they have made a mistake in allowing a player of his caliber to seek regular first-team football elsewhere.

Celtic may have to wait until the summer to reunite with Kieran Tierney. The Scottish champions have a pre-agreement in place to sign the Arsenal left-back on a free transfer at the end of the season. However, Arsenal are eager to sell Tierney this window to recoup some transfer fee, but finding a suitable buyer has proven difficult. This delay could force Celtic to wait until the summer to secure their top transfer target, as they prioritize finding a replacement for Josip Juranovic in the current window.

Gerardo "Tata" Martino has rejected an offer from Botafogo, opting to take a break from football. The experienced Argentine manager, who recently guided Inter Miami in MLS, has decided to step away from the sidelines for the time being. This decision comes after a period of intense pressure and a demanding schedule at Inter Miami, including the arrival of Lionel Messi and other star players. Martino, known for his successful stints with the Argentine national team and FC Barcelona, will now focus on personal time and recharge before considering his next professional challenge.

Liverpool is reportedly eyeing Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, whose contract expires at the end of the season. With Salah's future uncertain, the Reds are exploring attacking options, and Adeyemi has emerged as a top target. The 23-year-old German forward, known for his versatility and goal-scoring prowess, has attracted interest from several top clubs, including Napoli. Liverpool will face stiff competition for Adeyemi's signature as they seek to bolster their attacking options for the upcoming season.

Lionel Messi's future continues to be a subject of intense speculation. Following his move to Inter Miami, rumors have swirled about his next destination. Now, Argentinian journalist Yanina Latorre has claimed that Messi plans to return to FC Barcelona after his stint in MLS. While this information remains unconfirmed, it has sent shockwaves through the football world, igniting excitement among Barcelona fans. Latorre claims this information stems from conversations with Messi's family, adding fuel to the speculation surrounding the Argentine superstar's potential return to the club where he achieved legendary status.

Radja Nainggolan, once considered one of Belgium's finest midfielders, is facing serious legal trouble. 1 The former Roma and Inter Milan star has been arrested and charged with drug trafficking, a stark contrast to his illustrious footballing career. 1 This shocking turn of events serves as a stark reminder of the complexities that can arise in the lives of professional athletes, even those who have achieved immense success on the field. Nainggolan's fall from grace stands in stark contrast to the continued success of his compatriot, Kevin De Bruyne, who has established himself as one of the world's best midfielders.

In a surprising turn of events, Nigerian striker Victor Boniface is on the verge of joining Al Nassr, despite strong interest from European giants like Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The 22-year-old, known for his impressive performances with Union Saint-Gilloise, is set to sign with the Saudi Arabian powerhouse, raising eyebrows across the footballing world. This move highlights the growing influence and ambition of the Saudi Pro League, attracting top talent from across the globe. Boniface, with his combination of pace, power, and technical ability, is poised to become a key player for Al Nassr, potentially forming a formidable partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Barcelona's resounding 7-1 victory over Valencia has sparked renewed speculation about the futures of Andreas Christensen and Ansu Fati. Despite the convincing win, both players were once again omitted from the matchday squad. With the transfer window nearing its close, their absence has raised questions about their long-term prospects at the club. While the likes of Héctor Fort, Gerard Martín, Pau Víctor, and Pablo Torre were given opportunities to impress, Christensen and Fati remain on the sidelines, fueling rumors of potential departures.

Tension has escalated at Manchester United following Ruben Amorim's scathing criticism of Marcus Rashford. The manager bluntly stated that he would prefer the goalkeeping coach to a player who doesn't give his maximum effort "in training, in life, in every detail." This public condemnation effectively seals Rashford's fate at Old Trafford, leaving no room for reconciliation and marking the beginning of the end for the forward at the club. Amorim's words not only question Rashford's footballing ability but also his professionalism and commitment, creating an irreparable rift between the player and the manager.

Maghnes Akliouche has cemented his status as one of France's most promising young talents with a breathtaking scissor kick against Rennes. The 22-year-old AS Monaco winger produced a moment of pure magic in the 15th minute, leaving the goalkeeper stunned with an audacious, acrobatic finish. This goal has ignited conversations about a potential Puskas Award nomination, showcasing Akliouche's exceptional skill and creativity on the pitch.

Paulo Dybala has extended his contract with AS Roma until June 2026. The renewal, triggered by performance clauses, was officially confirmed by the club on Sunday. Roma's sporting director, Florien Ghisolfi, expressed his delight, emphasizing Dybala's importance as a leader and a symbol for the club. This extension comes with a significant salary increase, reflecting Dybala's crucial role in the team's success.

Rodrygo Goes, the talented Brazilian winger at Real Madrid, is reportedly a target for Paris Saint-Germain. PSG, driven by their ambition to conquer the Champions League, are actively seeking young and talented players to strengthen their squad. Rodrygo's potential and ability to impact crucial matches align perfectly with PSG's long-term project to rejuvenate their attack. While a transfer may not be imminent, PSG's interest in the Brazilian star highlights their continued pursuit of top-tier talent to compete at the highest level.

Daniele De Rossi, the former AS Roma legend, has embarked on a new chapter in his football career. After being dismissed as Roma's coach, he has unexpectedly become the owner of Ostia Mare Lido Calcio, the club where he began his footballing journey. De Rossi, who expressed his desire to remain at the helm for "30 years," sees this as a deeply personal and ambitious project. He aims to revitalize the Serie D club, reflecting his enduring love for football and his deep connection to Ostia Mare.

Erling Haaland has redefined goalscoring in the Premier League. With 96 goal involvements in just 89 appearances, his impact is undeniable. His combination of physicality, pace, and clinical finishing has made him a dominant force, leaving many to ponder if he's already among the greatest strikers in Premier League history. Haaland's arrival at Manchester City has ushered in a new era of attacking dominance, leaving a lasting mark on the English top flight.

Ronaldinho Gaúcho's "Manual do Bruxo" football talent program has garnered significant global interest, with over 300,000 aspiring players registering from around the world. The program, designed to identify and develop young talent, has attracted a massive response, particularly in Brazil, where registrations have been received through nearly 260 WhatsApp groups. The program's website welcomes participation from players globally, reflecting its ambition to become a truly international talent scouting initiative. Sérgio Estevam Jr., CEO of Growth Venture, emphasized the program's global focus, stating that "this project aims to find and develop football talents from different cultures and backgrounds, making global expansion a crucial step for our methodology and vision."

Omar Marmoush, the Egyptian forward, has made a strong early impression at Manchester City, drawing comparisons to Julian Alvarez. His aggressive attacking style, particularly his knack for exploiting space with incisive runs, has caught the attention of pundits and fans alike. Journalists like Aritz Gabilondo and Roberto González have highlighted Marmoush's ability to read the game and make diagonal runs, similar to Alvarez's playing style. These comparisons have fueled speculation that City may have unearthed another promising young talent with the potential to make a significant impact on the team.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Neymar is set to make a sensational return to Santos. The Brazilian superstar, who rose to fame at the club, has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to rejoin "Peixe" after a successful, albeit turbulent, career in Europe. This move has sent shockwaves through the football world, igniting excitement among Santos fans. Neymar's return is more than just a transfer; it's a homecoming for a club legend, a symbolic moment that promises to be one of the most significant in Brazilian football history.

Liverpool face uncertainty regarding the future of Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires at the end of the season. While an offer has been made to extend his stay, nothing is certain until a deal is signed. Meanwhile, the club is facing increasing competition for the promising young talent, Fabio Carvalho. Real Madrid and Chelsea have expressed interest in the midfielder, prompting Liverpool to consider making a move for him sooner rather than later to avoid a potential bidding war.

Radja Nainggolan, the former Roma and Inter Milan midfielder, was arrested in Antwerp as part of a cocaine trafficking investigation. The news, which comes just days after his return to professional football with Lokeren-Temse, has sent shockwaves through the Belgian football world. Nainggolan, known for his powerful shots and controversial personality, has been embroiled in legal troubles before. This latest incident casts a long shadow over his career and serves as a stark reminder of the complexities that can arise in the lives of professional athletes.

Barcelona is closely monitoring Marcus Rashford's situation at Manchester United. If they can convince Ansu Fati to leave the club, they will actively pursue the English international. However, Barcelona faces financial fair play obstacles. Rashford's desire to leave United, coupled with manager Rúben Amorim's public statements about the player's attitude, has created an opportunity for Barcelona. The Catalan giants are keen on Rashford and believe he could be a valuable addition to their squad.

Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich. With his contract expiring in 2025 and negotiations for a new deal stalling, Kimmich's future at the Allianz Arena remains uncertain. This has alerted several top clubs, including Liverpool, who are closely monitoring the situation. Kimmich is a world-class midfielder known for his versatility, passing, and defensive abilities. However, signing him will be challenging due to Bayern's desire to retain him and the strong competition from other top clubs. The coming months will be crucial in determining Kimmich's next destination, with Liverpool hoping to capitalize on the situation and bring the talented German to Anfield.