January 2026 – A Leagues

As the January transfer window heats up and major leagues navigate crucial fixtures or mid-season breaks, today’s football landscape is brimming with significant developments. From a seven-goal Premier League spectacle to a tense Spanish Super Cup semifinal and a flurry of international transfers, clubs worldwide are actively shaping their destinies on and off the pitch.

Premier League: Newcastle Edges Leeds in Seven-Goal Thriller

The most captivating match from the latest round of Premier League action saw Newcastle United triumph over Leeds United in a thrilling 4-3 encounter on January 7, 2026. This high-scoring affair captivated audiences with its end-to-end action and numerous goals, though specific goalscorers were not detailed in the immediate match summaries. The victory for Newcastle provided a crucial boost in their campaign, highlighting their attacking prowess and resilience in a fiercely contested fixture. Meanwhile, other notable results from the same period included Fulham’s surprising 2-1 victory over Chelsea, Bournemouth securing a 3-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur, and a hard-fought 2-2 draw between Burnley and Manchester United. The Premier League table remains tight at the top, with Arsenal leading by a narrow margin, followed closely by Manchester City and Aston Villa, both tied on 43 points.

In the transfer market, Crystal Palace has made a significant statement by securing the services of Tottenham Hotspur winger Brennan Johnson in a deal reportedly worth €40 million. Johnson’s move is seen as a clear indication of Crystal Palace’s ambition to bolster their squad and provide more attacking options for head coach Oliver Glasner, particularly amidst speculation about Glasner’s future at the club. This confirmed deal stands out as one of the most substantial early January transfers in England’s top flight, reflecting the competitive nature of the winter window as clubs look to strengthen for the second half of the season. Other notable Premier League movements include Aston Villa signing Gremio prospect Alysson for €12 million and West Ham United bringing in Pablo Felipe for €23 million and Taty Castellanos for €29 million.

La Liga: Real Madrid Claims Super Cup Semifinal Victory

In Spain, the major headline comes from the Spanish Super Cup semifinal on January 8, 2026, where Real Madrid defeated fierce rivals Atlético Madrid 2-1 in a hotly contested match. The decisive goal for Real Madrid came from a stunning free-kick by Federico Valverde, securing their place in the final. This high-stakes derby showcased the intensity and quality expected from two of La Liga’s giants, with Real Madrid demonstrating their championship pedigree to overcome their city rivals. The Super Cup provides an early opportunity for silverware and a psychological edge in the domestic season.

Regarding transfers, Real Madrid is reportedly stepping up its pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s highly-rated German defender Nico Schlotterbeck. With just one year remaining on his contract this summer and no signs of an extension, Schlotterbeck has become a prime target for Los Blancos, who are keen to reinforce their central defense. Reports suggest that Dortmund would prefer to sell the 26-year-old abroad, giving Real Madrid a potential advantage over other interested parties, including Bayern Munich. This potential move could be a crucial piece of business for Real Madrid as they aim to compete on all fronts, currently sitting second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona.

La Liga: Real Madrid Claims Super Cup Semifinal Victory

Serie A: Milan Held by Genoa, Füllkrug Arrives

Italy’s Serie A saw AC Milan held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at home against relegation-threatened Genoa on January 8, 2026. Despite a late equalizer from Rafael Leao for Milan, Genoa had taken the lead through Lorenzo Colombo and even missed a penalty in the dying moments of the match, denying Milan the chance to close the gap on league leaders Inter Milan. The result was a missed opportunity for the Rossoneri to gain ground in the title race, underscoring the unpredictable nature of Serie A, where any team can pose a challenge.

In transfer news, AC Milan has completed the loan signing of German striker Niclas Füllkrug from West Ham United, with an option to buy. Füllkrug, who officially joined on January 2nd, has already made his debut for the Rossoneri, indicating the club’s immediate need for attacking reinforcement. This acquisition is expected to provide much-needed depth and a different attacking profile to Milan’s squad as they push for domestic and European success in the latter half of the season.

Bundesliga: Winter Break Continues, Transfer Rumours Swirl

The German Bundesliga is currently observing its traditional winter break, with no league matches played on January 8th or 9th, 2026. The league is scheduled to resume with fixtures on January 10th. This period allows teams to rest, regroup, and, crucially, engage in transfer market activities.

The biggest transfer story dominating headlines for a top Bundesliga club involves Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who is strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid. As previously mentioned, the German international’s contract situation and Dortmund’s reported willingness to sell abroad have fueled speculation about a potential high-profile transfer. On the confirmed deals front, FC Augsburg has secured its first reinforcement of the January window by bringing in defensive midfielder Yannik Keitel on loan from VfB Stuttgart.

A-Leagues (Australia): Melbourne Victory Secures Win, Nduka Joins

In Australia’s A-Leagues, Melbourne Victory secured a 2-1 victory over Adelaide United in a recent match from Round 8. The key goalscorer for Melbourne Victory was Nikos Vergos, who netted twice, while Dylan Pierias scored for Adelaide United. This result contributes to the ongoing competitive season in the Australian top flight.

Off the pitch, Melbourne Victory has announced the signing of Japanese attacker Charles Nduka. The 27-year-old striker, who previously played for Kagoshima United, has agreed terms for the remainder of the 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League season. Nduka’s transfer will become effective when the transfer window officially opens on January 14th, and he is expected to add a new dimension to Victory’s attacking options.

A-Leagues (Australia): Melbourne Victory Secures Win, Nduka Joins

Thai League: Transfer Activity Ahead of Season Resumption

The Thai League 1 season, which commenced in August 2025 and is scheduled to conclude in May 2026, has seen recent transfer activity, though no league matches were played on January 8th or 9th, 2026.

Amidst the break, Lamphun Warrior has completed the signing of striker Kenshiro Michael Lontok Daniels on January 2nd. Daniels joins from Kaya and represents a notable reinforcement for Lamphun Warrior as they prepare for the resumption of the league campaign. Other movements in the Thai League include Manyluak Aguek joining Nakhon Ratchasima and Yoshiaki Takagi moving to BG Pathum United.

Indonesia League (Liga 1): Ramon Bueno Joins Persita

For Indonesia’s Liga 1, the most significant recent match result was Malut United’s dominant 6-2 victory over PSBS Biak Numfor on January 3, 2026. While specific goalscorers for this high-scoring encounter were not detailed in the available summaries, the comprehensive scoreline highlights a strong performance from Malut United. The Liga 1 winter transfer window officially opened on January 2nd and runs until February 28th, with fixtures for January 9th, 10th, and 11th being upcoming.

In transfer news, Persita Tangerang has moved swiftly to sign former Persija Jakarta midfielder Ramon Bueno on January 7, 2026. Bueno, who was without a club for half a season, expressed his enthusiasm to return to Indonesian football and help Persita in the second round of the 2025/2026 Super League. Persebaya Surabaya has also been active, confirming the arrival of two foreign players, striker Bruno Paraiba and defender Jefferson Silva.

Philippine League (PFL): Quiet Period on the Pitch, No Major Transfers

The Philippines Football League (PFL) is currently experiencing a quiet period in terms of match fixtures, with no recent games reported for January 8th or 9th, 2026. The league’s next scheduled matches are set for mid-January.

Correspondingly, there has been no significant transfer rumor or confirmed deal dominating headlines for a top club in the PFL during this specific period. The PFL season began in August 2025, and while transfer activities may occur, no high-profile movements have been reported in the current window.

Malaysia League (Liga Super): Loan Deal Confirmed

The Malaysia Super League has seen some transfer activity in early January, although no recent match results for January 8th or 9th, 2026, were available in the latest reports.

A notable confirmed transfer sees Daniel Sang Ting move from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) to Ratchaburi on a loan deal, finalized on January 3, 2026. This move indicates strategic adjustments for both clubs as they navigate the transfer window. Other confirmed deals include Mio Tsuneyasu’s return from loan to Gainare Tottori from Negeri Sembilan.

V. League (Vietnam): Mid-Season Break and New Signings

Vietnam’s V. League 1 is currently in a mid-season break, which commenced on November 24, 2025, and will last until January 27, 2026. This hiatus is to accommodate Vietnam’s U23 national team participation in the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. Consequently, no match results for January 8th or 9th, 2026, were recorded.

Despite the break, transfer activity is underway. Ho Chi Minh City Police FC has made a significant signing by acquiring midfielder Ngo Dang Khoa on January 4, 2026. Khoa, an Australian citizen with Vietnamese parents, previously played for Perth Glory in the A-League and is expected to be a valuable addition to the squad. Additionally, Hanoi FC has parted ways with goalkeeper Nguyen Ba Minh Hieu, and SHB Da Nang has terminated the contract of defender Luong Duy Cuong, signaling further squad changes across the league.

As the January transfer window heats up and leagues across Europe and Asia navigate crucial fixtures, today, January 7, 2026, brings a fresh wave of significant match results and captivating transfer narratives. From a tense draw in the Premier League to a dominant display in La Liga, and pivotal player movements shaping the landscape of top clubs, the football world is buzzing with activity and anticipation.

Premier League: Stalemate at the Etihad and Chiesa’s Unsettled Future

The most significant result from the recent round of Premier League fixtures saw Manchester City held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on January 4, 2026. This highly anticipated clash between two of England’s footballing giants delivered a tense affair, with both teams battling fiercely for supremacy. Manchester City, looking to maintain their push at the top of the table, found themselves challenged by a resilient Chelsea side. The draw represents a crucial point for Chelsea on the road against a formidable opponent, while for City, it means dropping valuable points in a tightly contested title race. The match showcased tactical discipline from both managers and highlighted the competitive nature of the Premier League. The goalscorers and specific details of the match, while not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets beyond the scoreline, reflect a hard-fought contest where neither side could find a decisive advantage. This result will undoubtedly have implications for the league standings as other top clubs look to capitalize.

In the transfer market, Federico Chiesa’s future at Liverpool is currently dominating headlines, with strong interest from Serie A powerhouses Napoli and Juventus. The Italian winger, who has reportedly struggled for consistent starts at Anfield, is a target for both clubs, who are exploring a potential loan move this January. However, reports indicate that Liverpool is reluctant to sanction a temporary departure for the 28-year-old, preferring to entertain only permanent offers. Chiesa, who has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, has made only two Premier League starts in his 17 months at the club this season, despite injuries affecting other attackers. While formal approaches have reportedly been made by Juventus, Liverpool has yet to receive official communication. This ongoing saga keeps fans on edge, wondering whether the highly-rated attacker will make a return to Italian football or remain in England. The situation is further complicated by Liverpool’s current squad depth concerns, particularly with key players like Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Premier League: Stalemate at the Etihad and Chiesa's Unsettled Future

La Liga: Real Madrid’s Rout and Asensio’s Potential Return

In Spain, the most significant match result from the last round saw Real Madrid deliver a commanding 5-1 victory over Real Betis on January 4, 2026. The Santiago Bernabéu faithful were treated to a sensational performance, with G. García emerging as the star of the show, netting a magnificent hat-trick for Los Blancos. This dominant display underlined Real Madrid’s formidable attacking prowess and their intent to maintain pressure in the La Liga title race. The comprehensive win sent a clear message to their rivals, showcasing their depth and quality across the pitch. Other goals were scored by R. Asencio and F. Garcia, further cementing the emphatic nature of the victory. Real Betis managed a consolation goal through Hernandez, but it was not enough to stem the tide of Real Madrid’s relentless attack. This result significantly boosts Real Madrid’s confidence and strengthens their position at the top of the league.

The transfer rumor mill in La Liga is abuzz with speculation surrounding a potential return to Spain for Marco Asensio, with Atletico Madrid reportedly keen on securing his services from Fenerbahce. Asensio, who made a summer move to the Turkish club from Paris Saint-Germain for approximately £6.5 million, has been in scintillating form in the 2025/26 Super Lig campaign, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 13 appearances. Despite his strong performances, the possibility of a substantial bid from Atletico Madrid could tempt Fenerbahce to part ways with the three-time Champions League winner. Atletico Madrid, looking to keep pace with Barcelona in the title race, views Asensio as a valuable addition to their attacking department, especially with rumors of Inter Miami eyeing key players like Koke and Antoine Griezmann. This potential transfer would add significant creative flair and experience to Diego Simeone’s squad, making it one of the most intriguing sagas of the January window in Spain.

Serie A: Füllkrug Bolsters Milan’s Attack and Juventus’s Strong Showing

Italy’s Serie A witnessed a significant result in the last round as Inter Milan secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Bologna on January 4, 2026. This match was a test of strength for Inter, who are vying for the Scudetto, against a strong Bologna side that has been performing well this season. Inter’s ability to overcome a challenging opponent with a clear margin underscores their title credentials and the depth of their squad. While specific goalscorers for this match were not fully detailed in the snippets, the victory itself is a statement of intent from the Nerazzurri, reinforcing their position at the top or near the top of the Serie A table. The win will provide a significant boost to their confidence as they navigate a demanding schedule and aim to maintain their momentum in the league.

In transfer news, AC Milan has successfully secured the services of German striker Niclas Füllkrug on a loan deal from West Ham United. This move represents a significant reinforcement for the Rossoneri’s attacking options as they look to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season. Füllkrug, known for his physicality and goal-scoring ability, will provide a different dimension to Milan’s front line and is expected to contribute immediately. The loan deal highlights Milan’s strategic approach to the winter transfer window, addressing key areas without committing to a permanent transfer immediately. This acquisition could prove vital for Milan as they aim to compete for a top-four finish and potentially challenge for silverware in domestic competitions. This is a confirmed deal that adds significant quality to a top Serie A club.

Serie A: Füllkrug Bolsters Milan's Attack and Juventus's Strong Showing

Bundesliga: Winter Break and Bayern’s Transfer Talk

The Bundesliga is currently observing its traditional winter break, with league fixtures set to resume later in January 2026. Therefore, the “last round” refers to matches played before the break in late December. The most significant result from that period was Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive 3-1 away victory against RB Leipzig on December 20, 2025. This clash between two of the league’s top contenders had significant implications for the title race, with Leverkusen asserting their dominance. While specific goalscorers were not explicitly detailed, the result highlighted Leverkusen’s strong form and their serious challenge for the Bundesliga crown. This win allowed them to potentially extend their lead or keep pace at the very top of the table, making it a crucial psychological boost heading into the winter break.

Regarding transfers, the biggest story currently dominating headlines for a top Bundesliga club revolves around ongoing speculation concerning the futures of Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry at Bayern Munich. Despite Bayern’s record-setting season and strong position in all competitions, rumors persist about potential departures for these high-profile players. While sources suggest that a January exit for either player is unlikely, the discussion surrounding their roles and long-term commitment to the club continues to be a prominent topic in German football media. Bayern’s earlier substantial investments in players like Luis Diaz from Liverpool for €70 million and Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea on a €16.5 million loan deal also remain part of the broader transfer narrative, showcasing the club’s financial power and ambition. However, the internal discussions and external speculation regarding Goretzka and Gnabry’s potential moves represent the most significant current transfer headline for the German champions.

V. League 1: Hanoi Police’s Upset and a Blockbuster Youth Signing

In Vietnam’s V. League 1, while January 2026 fixtures are scheduled for later in the month and early February, the most significant recent result available from the last completed round in late 2025 was a surprising upset: Cong An Ha Noi (Hanoi Police FC) suffered a 0-3 defeat against Hong Linh Ha Tinh on November 10, 2025. This result was particularly significant as it involved one of the league’s prominent clubs, Hanoi Police FC, and a comprehensive loss of this nature can have considerable ramifications on team morale and league standings. While specific goalscorers for Hong Linh Ha Tinh were not detailed in the provided snippets, the emphatic scoreline indicates a dominant performance from the winning side and a challenging day for the reigning champions or contenders. This unexpected outcome highlights the unpredictable nature of the V. League 1 and the competitive spirit of all teams involved.

The biggest transfer news currently dominating headlines in the V. League 1 is the confirmed “blockbuster” signing of young midfielder Ngo Dang Khoa by Ho Chi Minh City Police FC. Born in 2006, Ngo Dang Khoa is an Australian citizen with Vietnamese parents who previously played for Perth Glory in the Australian A-League. He made six appearances and scored his first goal in Australia’s top flight during the 2025/2026 season. Known for his speed and preferred attacking midfield position, Khoa is expected to bring a “fresh breeze” to Ho Chi Minh City Police Club’s playing style. This acquisition signifies a growing trend of Vietnamese clubs attracting talented players of Vietnamese descent from overseas and represents a significant investment in youth for one of the V. League’s ambitious teams.