As the year 2025 draws to a close, the world of football remains as captivating as ever, with dramatic league encounters across Europe and the impending January transfer window sparking a flurry of rumors. From pivotal wins shaking up the top of Serie A to crucial victories in the Premier League and major transfer sagas unfolding, fans have plenty to discuss. Today’s update brings you the most significant match results and the hottest transfer gossip dominating headlines for top clubs in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, and the V. League.
Premier League: Tottenham Secures Crucial Win as Transfer Rumors Swirl
The English Premier League delivered its usual dose of festive period drama, with a significant result impacting the top half of the table. On Sunday, December 28, Tottenham Hotspur edged past Crystal Palace with a narrow 1-0 victory at Selhurst Park. The solitary goal came from Archie Gray in the 42nd minute, marking his first for the club and providing much-needed relief for manager Thomas Frank, whose position had reportedly been under scrutiny following a challenging run of form. Other notable results from the weekend included Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Brighton, which kept the Gunners at the top of the league, Manchester City’s 2-1 triumph against Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea, and Liverpool securing a 2-1 win against Wolves. These results continue to shape a tightly contested Premier League season as teams battle for European qualification and to avoid relegation.
On the transfer front, the biggest rumor dominating headlines for a top Premier League club involves Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. Manchester City is reportedly emerging as the frontrunner to sign the Ghana international, with a £65 million release clause in his contract set to become active in January. Sky Sports News understands that City is currently Semenyo’s preferred destination, and a deal could be concluded this week. Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the Premier League leaders will be “actively looking” to bolster their squad during the January transfer window, particularly in defense, given a recent spate of injuries. Manchester United and Arsenal are also reportedly monitoring Hoffenheim teenager Bazoumana Toure, a highly-rated Bundesliga winger who has enjoyed a breakthrough season. Another intriguing rumor suggests that Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling could make a shock move to Manchester United in 2026, though this is currently a longer-term prospect.
La Liga: Rashford’s Future Dominates Transfer Talk Amidst Quiet Fixture List
In Spain’s La Liga, the festive period appears to have brought a quieter schedule in terms of recent match results, with no prominent fixtures reported for December 28th or 29th, 2025. Many European leagues observe a short winter break or have fewer games around this time, allowing players a brief respite before the intensity of the new year.
However, the transfer market is anything but quiet, with the future of Marcus Rashford being a major talking point. Currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, reports suggest that Barcelona’s sporting management is hesitant to make his €30 million move permanent, citing a focus on financial stability and other urgent positional needs. This has opened the door for Atlético Madrid, who are reportedly keen to meet Manchester United’s asking price for the 28-year-old winger. Rashford’s pace, physicality, and experience are said to make him an ideal fit for Diego Simeone’s tactical approach at the Rojiblancos. Elsewhere, Real Madrid has reportedly received a substantial €200 million offer for Jude Bellingham, while Manchester United and Chelsea have made bids for Vinicius Junior, indicating a potentially blockbuster January window for La Liga’s giants. A confirmed deal saw Javi Galán move from Atlético Madrid to Osasuna on loan on December 24th.
Serie A: Inter Milan Climbs to the Top as Maignan’s Contract Looms
Italy’s Serie A witnessed significant action over the past few days, with crucial results at both ends of the table. The most significant match saw Inter Milan secure a vital 1-0 victory over Atalanta on Sunday, December 29. The decisive goal came in the 65th minute from star striker Lautaro Martinez, propelling Inter to the top of Serie A with 36 points, one point clear of city rivals AC Milan and two ahead of Napoli. This win underscores Inter’s title aspirations as they head into the new year. Other notable results included AC Milan’s dominant 3-0 win against Verona on December 28th, with goals from Christian Pulisic (45+1′), Christopher Nkunku (48′ pen, 53′). Napoli also secured a 2-0 victory over Cremonese, thanks to a brace from Rasmus Højlund (13′, 45′). Furthermore, Roma moved into the top four with a convincing 3-1 win against Genoa on December 29th, with Matías Soulé (14′), Manu Koné (19′), and Evan Ferguson (31′) finding the net.
The biggest transfer story in Serie A revolves around AC Milan’s star goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Milan is reportedly planning an “important meeting” with Maignan’s agent in the coming days to discuss his future. The French international could potentially leave on a free transfer in a few months or even sign a pre-contract with a foreign club in January. Coach Massimiliano Allegri is said to be putting pressure on the goalkeeper to stay. Elsewhere, Juventus is reportedly eyeing Brentford full-back Michael Kayode as a potential summer target, with a rumored asking price of €30 million.
Bundesliga: Winter Break Pauses Play, Transfer Window Anticipation Builds
The German Bundesliga is currently observing its traditional winter break, with competitive action having paused after Matchday 15 (December 19-21, 2025). Matches are scheduled to resume on January 9, 2026. This period allows players to rest and clubs to strategize for the second half of the season.
Despite the on-field hiatus, the transfer market is gearing up, with the January 2026 transfer window officially opening on January 1st. A significant rumor involves Hoffenheim’s teenage winger Bazoumana Toure, who is reportedly being “monitored” by Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal. Toure has had a breakthrough season since joining Hoffenheim in February 2025, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. His potential call-up to the national team could further accelerate the race for his services. Other Bundesliga transfer news includes Fortuna Düsseldorf (from the 2. Bundesliga) being set to sign Japanese midfielder Satoshi Tanaka for approximately €1 million. VfB Stuttgart is reportedly pursuing Arnaud Kaliumendo from Nottingham Forest, while Bayern Munich is rumored to be preparing a €25 million bid for a 16-year-old phenom.
V. League: Season on Pause, Focus Shifts to International Tournaments
The Vietnamese V. League 1 is also currently in a scheduled winter break, having commenced its 2025-26 season on August 15, 2025. The league will observe a substantial 64-day pause from November 24, 2025, to January 27, 2026, to accommodate the participation of Vietnam’s U23 national team in the 2025 SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup. This extended break prioritizes national team commitments and ensures adequate preparation and recovery time for the young players.
Due to this prolonged hiatus in league play, there are currently no major transfer rumors or confirmed deals dominating the headlines for V. League clubs. The focus for Vietnamese football is firmly on the upcoming international tournaments, with clubs likely to resume transfer activities closer to the restart of the domestic season in late January.
