As the football world kicks off the new year on January 1, 2026, the transfer market is officially open for business in several major European leagues, promising a flurry of activity. Meanwhile, the festive fixture schedule across Europe delivered some significant results, with top clubs asserting their dominance and star players making headlines. From Arsenal’s commanding victory in the Premier League to Kylian Mbappé’s record-equalling feat in La Liga, the recent action has set the stage for an exciting second half of the season.

Premier League: Arsenal’s Statement Win and Semenyo on Manchester City’s Radar

The English Premier League wrapped up its festive fixtures with a crucial set of matches, none more impactful than Arsenal’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Aston Villa on December 30, 2025. This significant result saw the Gunners solidify their position at the top of the table, showcasing their title credentials with a dominant performance at the Emirates. Key goalscorers for Arsenal included Gabriel, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus, each contributing to a comprehensive win that sent a strong message to their rivals. Elsewhere, Chelsea faced a tougher challenge, drawing 2-2 with Bournemouth, while Manchester United also shared the points in a 1-1 stalemate with Wolves. These results highlight the unpredictable nature of the Premier League, where every point is hard-fought.

Off the pitch, the January transfer window officially opened today, January 1, 2026, and speculation is already rife. The biggest transfer rumor currently dominating headlines involves Bournemouth’s dynamic forward, Antoine Semenyo. Manchester City is reportedly at the forefront of clubs ready to trigger his substantial £65 million release clause. Semenyo’s impressive performances have attracted significant attention, and a move to the reigning champions would undoubtedly be one of the window’s most high-profile deals. Other whispers suggest Liverpool’s continued interest in defender Marc Guehi, while Arsenal, despite their strong league position, might be looking to bolster their squad with strategic loan signings to navigate the demanding schedule ahead.

Premier League: Arsenal's Statement Win and Semenyo on Manchester City's Radar
Premier League: Arsenal's Statement Win and Semenyo on Manchester City's Radar

La Liga: Mbappé’s Historic Goal and Ter Stegen’s Potential Barcelona Exit

In Spain, the end of December brought noteworthy results before the brief winter break. Real Madrid secured a vital 2-0 win against Sevilla on December 20, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match was particularly significant as Kylian Mbappé netted a late penalty, his 59th goal of 2025, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for goals in a calendar year. Jude Bellingham had earlier opened the scoring for Los Blancos with a first-half header, assisted by Rodrygo, ensuring a crucial three points for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Meanwhile, defending champions Barcelona also registered a win, beating Villarreal 2-0 away on December 21, with goals from Raphinha (penalty) and Lamine Yamal, assisted by Frenkie de Jong.

The La Liga transfer window, however, will officially open a day later than some other European leagues, on January 2, 2026. Despite the slight delay, transfer news is already swirling, particularly around Camp Nou. The most significant rumor involves Barcelona’s veteran goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen. Reports suggest that the German international is willing to leave Barcelona in January if the club agrees to pay off his remaining contract in full. This potential departure, driven by financial considerations, could mark a major shift for the Catalan giants. While Barcelona is actively seeking reinforcements, their ongoing financial challenges mean they are exploring various options, including the return of players from loan spells like Rodrigo De Paul to Atletico Madrid.

Serie A: Nkunku’s Brace Lifts Milan and Gomez Linked with Rossoneri

Italy’s Serie A also saw compelling action in the final days of 2025. AC Milan delivered a strong performance with a 3-0 victory over Hellas Verona on December 28, 2025, at San Siro. The Rossoneri were propelled by a brace from Christopher Nkunku, who opened his Serie A goal-scoring account for the season, with his first goal coming from a penalty early in the second half. Christian Pulisic had scored the opener in first-half added time, volleying home from close range after a flick-on from Adrien Rabiot following a Luka Modrić corner. This win allowed Milan to temporarily leapfrog rivals Inter at the top of the standings. AS Roma also secured a 3-1 win against Genoa on December 29, with Matìas Soulé, Manu Koné, and Evan Ferguson finding the net for the Giallorossi.

The Serie A transfer window is set to open on January 2, 2026, aligning with La Liga. A prominent transfer rumor making rounds is AC Milan’s approach to Liverpool regarding a potential January move for defender Joe Gomez. Milan is reportedly exploring several defensive options as they aim to strengthen their squad for a tight title race. While Milan has also reportedly lined up the signing of Niclas Fullkrug, who has already been training with the team, his official unveiling awaits the formal opening of the transfer window. Meanwhile, Chelsea is reportedly preparing a substantial €60 million bid for Atalanta’s highly-rated 17-year-old center-back, Honest Ahanor, indicating significant interest in young Italian talent.

Serie A: Nkunku's Brace Lifts Milan and Gomez Linked with Rossoneri
Serie A: Nkunku's Brace Lifts Milan and Gomez Linked with Rossoneri

Bundesliga: Bayern’s Rout and Frankfurt’s Early January Signings

The German Bundesliga concluded its 2025 fixtures with some dominant displays before heading into its traditional winter break, with the transfer window opening today, January 1, 2026. Bayern Munich showcased their formidable strength by defeating Heidenheim 4-0 on December 21, 2025. The goals for the Bavarians came from Josip Stanisic, Michael Olise, Luis Díaz, and a late strike from star striker Harry Kane, who continued his impressive scoring run. This victory solidified Bayern’s position at the top of the league. Another notable result from the last round of matches saw Bayer Leverkusen secure an important 3-1 away win against RB Leipzig on December 20. Leipzig’s Xaver Schlager opened the scoring, but Leverkusen responded with goals from Martin Terrier, Patrik Schick, and a late strike from Montrell Culbreath to claim all three points.

The Bundesliga’s winter transfer window is officially open, and clubs are already making moves. Eintracht Frankfurt has been particularly active, confirming the transfers of two promising talents on January 1, 2026: Keita Kosugi for €6.5 million and Paul Love Arrhov for €4.6 million. These early confirmed deals highlight Frankfurt’s ambition to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season. Borussia Dortmund is also reportedly close to finalizing a new signing, while there have been rumors linking Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka with a move to Barcelona, though a January departure seems unlikely.

V. League (Vietnam): Seasonal Break and Past Blockbuster Transfers

The Vietnamese V.League 1 is currently in an extended break, with no recent match results to report. The league commenced its 64-day hiatus from November 24, 2025, and is scheduled to resume on January 27, 2026. This break allows the Vietnam U-23 national team to compete in the 2025 SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. Consequently, there have been no significant match results from the “last round” in late December or early January.

While the V.League 1 transfer window is technically open, there are no currently dominating transfer rumors or confirmed deals specifically for January 1, 2026, in the same vein as the European leagues. However, the pre-season and earlier parts of the 2025-26 season saw considerable transfer activity. Notably, Ho Chi Minh City Police made a significant acquisition by signing central defender Matheus Felipe from Atlético Clube Goianiense for a reported €1 million, making him the league’s most expensive player at the time. Hanoi Club also secured the services of Willian Maranhão for €900,000, while Nam Dinh Steel Blue brought in Njabulo Blom for €950,000 and Mahmoud Eid for €600,000. These earlier “blockbuster” deals underscore the growing investment and ambition within Vietnamese football.

As the festive football season unfolds, clubs across Europe and Asia are navigating crucial fixtures and the burgeoning January transfer window. Today’s update brings a mix of stunning results, record-breaking performances, and high-stakes transfer sagas dominating the headlines, with some leagues currently observing their traditional winter breaks. From a significant upset in the Premier League to a historic goal in La Liga, the football world remains as dynamic as ever, even amidst the holiday period.

Premier League: Aston Villa Stuns Manchester United

The most significant match result from the last round of the Premier League saw Aston Villa secure a remarkable 2-1 victory over Manchester United on December 21, 2025, a result that sent shockwaves through the league and highlighted Villa’s growing prowess. The match, held at Villa Park, was a fiercely contested affair that saw the home side capitalize on their opportunities. Leon Bailey opened the scoring for Aston Villa, demonstrating his clinical finishing. Manchester United, under manager Ruben Amorim, managed to pull one back through Rasmus Højlund, showcasing their attacking threat. However, Villa’s resilience proved too strong, and they netted the decisive goal in the second half. The key goalscorers for Aston Villa were Rogers, who bagged a brace, finding the net in the 45th and 57th minutes. Manchester United’s sole goal came from Matheus Cunha in the 45+3 minute. This unexpected defeat for Manchester United has intensified scrutiny on their campaign, especially with the January transfer window looming.

The biggest transfer rumor currently dominating headlines for a top Premier League club involves Manchester United’s young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. Despite manager Ruben Amorim publicly stating that Mainoo “will be the future of Manchester United,” the highly-rated talent has seen limited first-team action this season, primarily making substitute appearances. Reports suggest that Mainoo, along with teammate Joshua Zirkzee, is keen on securing a loan move in January to gain more playing time. This desire for minutes is particularly pressing given the upcoming 2026 World Cup, with players vying for a spot in their national squads. Amorim, however, has indicated that United are “short” on players and would be reluctant to let him leave, especially after Bruno Fernandes suffered a hamstring problem, further complicating any potential exit. Napoli had reportedly been pushing hard for a loan move for Mainoo in the summer, which was blocked by United. Meanwhile, Manchester United is also being linked with a move for Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, facing competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

Premier League: Aston Villa Stuns Manchester United
Premier League: Aston Villa Stuns Manchester United

La Liga: Mbappé Equals Ronaldo’s Historic Goal Record

In La Liga, the most significant match result from the last completed round saw Real Madrid defeat Sevilla 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu on December 20, 2025. This victory was particularly notable for a historic achievement by star forward Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar opened the scoring for Los Blancos, with Jude Bellingham adding the second goal. Bellingham’s header in the 38th minute, assisted by Rodrygo, put Real Madrid ahead. Mbappé then sealed the win with a penalty in the 86th minute after Rodrygo was fouled in the box. This penalty marked Mbappé’s 59th goal for Real Madrid in 2025 across all competitions, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for the most goals scored in a calendar year, set in 2013. The win allowed Real Madrid to cut the gap on league leaders Barcelona, who are currently four points ahead.

The biggest transfer news in La Liga centers around a confirmed deal for Real Madrid’s young Brazilian sensation, Endrick. The 19-year-old forward has completed a loan move to French side Lyon until the end of the current season. This move comes after Endrick has reportedly struggled for playing time at Real Madrid, barely featuring this season. Lyon is understood to be paying around $1.1 million (€1 million) for the loan and will cover 50% of his wages for the six-month period. Endrick is expected to wear the No. 9 jersey at Lyon, with the aim of gaining crucial experience and making a push for the Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup. Real Madrid is also reportedly monitoring Roma full-back Wesley as a potential future replacement for Dani Carvajal, who is nearing 34. Despite earlier rumors, Real Madrid is not planning to pursue transfers for defenders Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano, or Marc Guéhi.

Serie A: Juventus’ Pursuit of Tonali and Vlahovic’s Uncertain Future

Serie A is currently observing its traditional winter break, with no significant match results from the last round within the specified December 24-26 period. The January transfer window is set to open on the first day of the new year, promising renewed activity across the league.

However, transfer rumors are already swirling, with Juventus heavily linked with a move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti reportedly highly values the 25-year-old Italian and believes he could significantly strengthen the team. While Newcastle is reluctant to part ways with Tonali, they might consider an offer if the player expresses a desire to leave and a satisfactory bid is made. Juventus is exploring various agreement formats, including a loan deal with an obligation to buy or even a potential swap deal involving Canadian striker Jonathan David. The substantial financial investment required for a full transfer is a consideration for Juventus, who are not currently prepared for such an outlay.

Adding to the transfer speculation, AC Milan’s sporting director Igli Tare has reportedly met with Dusan Vlahovic’s agent, Darko Ristic, to discuss a potential free transfer for the Juventus striker next summer. Vlahovic’s contract negotiations with Juventus have reportedly stalled, opening the door for a possible exit at the end of the season. Milan had shown concrete interest in Vlahovic during the last summer transfer window, but a deal did not materialize at that time. This rumor signals a significant potential move for one of Serie A’s prominent forwards.

Serie A: Juventus' Pursuit of Tonali and Vlahovic's Uncertain Future
Serie A: Juventus' Pursuit of Tonali and Vlahovic's Uncertain Future

Bundesliga: Winter Break and Upamecano’s Future

Similar to Serie A, the Bundesliga is currently on its winter break, meaning there are no recent match results to detail for the period of December 24-26, 2025. The German transfer window is also scheduled to officially open on January 1, 2026, when clubs will look to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season.

The biggest transfer rumor involving a top Bundesliga club focuses on Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano. While there are no confirmed deals, discussions surrounding the French international’s future are gaining traction. Teammate Jonathan Tah recently commented on the situation, stating, “I think Dayot feels very comfortable at Bayern. He has mentioned this several times. He has been playing here for a while and knows well what the coach can offer him”. Tah emphasized the strong team and internal atmosphere at Bayern, which he believes is important for the player. However, he also made it clear that “the final decision will be made by Upamecano himself”. This suggests that while Bayern would prefer to keep him, Upamecano’s future remains in his own hands amidst ongoing contract discussions. Bayern Munich has also been linked with scouting a young talent from Cardiff City and has an interest in PSG star Bradley Barcola.

V. League: Hanoi FC’s Mid-Season Departure

The V. League 1 in Vietnam is currently on a mid-season break, with fixtures set to resume on January 31, 2026. Therefore, there are no recent match results from the last round to report.

The most significant transfer news for a top V. League club comes from Hanoi FC, who confirmed the departure of Brazilian defensive midfielder Willian Maranhao on November 24, 2025. This decision came after an underwhelming start to the 2025/2026 V. League 1 campaign by the 29-year-old. Despite being valued at approximately 900,000 euros, Maranhao failed to make the desired impact, featuring in 10 league matches but not meeting the club’s expectations for ball recovery, transitional play, and overall midfield control. His unexpected departure has left Hanoi FC actively searching for a new defensive midfielder to bolster their squad for the remainder of the season, a crucial step as they aim to stabilize their performances and climb higher in the standings.

As the festive season continues, the football world remains abuzz with thrilling match outcomes from the last round of fixtures and the ever-present speculation surrounding the upcoming January transfer window. Clubs across Europe’s top leagues and Vietnam’s V. League 1 are strategizing for the second half of their respective seasons, with key results shaping league tables and transfer rumors hinting at potential squad shake-ups.

Premier League: Aston Villa Stuns Manchester United

The most significant result from the last round of Premier League fixtures saw Aston Villa secure a notable 2-1 victory over Manchester United on December 22, 2025. The match, which took place just days before the traditional Boxing Day schedule, saw Morgan Rogers emerge as the hero for Aston Villa, netting both goals to sink Manchester United. This decisive win was a crucial boost for Villa as they continue their push in the upper echelons of the league table. Meanwhile, Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, faced a setback, adding pressure as they navigate a challenging period.

On the transfer front, Manchester United are heavily linked with several midfield targets as the January window approaches. Reports indicate that the Red Devils are monitoring Al-Hilal’s Rúben Neves and Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher as potential reinforcements for Ruben Amorim’s squad. Furthermore, United are also reportedly in contention with Liverpool and Manchester City for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, though he is thought to prefer a move to Liverpool. Adding to the potential Old Trafford upheaval, head coach Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that young talents Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee are reportedly keen on departing in January in search of more first-team minutes, highlighting a busy period ahead for the club’s recruitment team. Amorim has, however, stressed that Mainoo is “the future of Manchester United” and needs to wait for his chance.

Premier League: Aston Villa Stuns Manchester United
Premier League: Aston Villa Stuns Manchester United

La Liga: Mbappé’s Brace Secures Real Madrid Victory

In Spain’s La Liga, Real Madrid ended 2025 on a high note with a commanding 2-0 victory over Sevilla in their 17th-round clash on December 21, 2025. The star of the show was undoubtedly Kylian Mbappé, who scored both goals for Los Blancos, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most goals scored for Real Madrid in a calendar year. This crucial win allowed Real Madrid to maintain pressure at the top of the table.

Regarding transfer speculation, Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is currently dominating headlines for Real Madrid and Villarreal. Reports on December 24, 2025, suggest that Villarreal has approached Real Madrid regarding a potential transfer for Lunin, either in January or next summer. Lunin, who has consistently performed reliably when called upon despite living in the shadow of Thibaut Courtois, is reportedly considering a move to secure a starting role. Real Madrid values Lunin highly but has previously indicated they would listen to reasonable offers if the player desires more regular playing time. The deal is considered complex, partly due to Real Madrid’s reliance on him as a backup.

Serie A: Juventus Edges Roma in Festive Thriller

Italy’s Serie A delivered an exciting encounter on December 20, 2025, as Juventus secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over AS Roma. The key goalscorers for Juventus were Francisco Conceição and Loïs Openda, with Openda’s goal marking his first for the club in Serie A. Roma’s consolation goal came from Tommaso Baldanzi [cite: 28 from earlier search, 19]. This result was significant for Juventus in their pursuit of the Serie A title.

In transfer news for Serie A, there is considerable interest swirling around Juventus’ young talent, Vasilije Adzic. Several Serie A clubs are reportedly closely monitoring the attacking midfielder ahead of the January window, with a view to a six-month loan deal. Juventus, however, is said to be open to the idea only if the move guarantees meaningful playing time for the 2006-born prospect, whom they consider a player of immense potential for the future. Earlier reports from September 2025 indicated that Juventus had rejected summer loan offers for Adzic, intending to keep him in the first-team squad for his development.

Serie A: Juventus Edges Roma in Festive Thriller
Serie A: Juventus Edges Roma in Festive Thriller

Bundesliga: Bayern Munich Dominates While Leverkusen Impresses

The Bundesliga saw Bayern Munich continue their dominant form with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Heidenheim on December 21, 2025. This result further solidified Bayern’s position at the top of the league. Star striker Harry Kane notably scored his 19th Bundesliga goal of the season in this match, showcasing his incredible scoring prowess [cite: 10 from earlier search, 15]. Another significant result from the last round saw Bayer Leverkusen come from behind to beat RB Leipzig 3-1 on December 20, 2025, climbing to third place in the table and ending their year on a strong note [cite: 7 from earlier search, 15].

As the January 2026 transfer window looms, the focus is on potential moves for top Bundesliga clubs. A notable rumor concerns Manchester City loanee Claudio Echeverri at Bayer Leverkusen. Reports suggest that Echeverri is open to a January exit from Leverkusen, with Girona reportedly in talks for his services. The Bayer Leverkusen boss has also confirmed that Echeverri’s loan is expected to be terminated in January. This potential departure could open up opportunities for Leverkusen to make further adjustments to their squad as the window officially opens on January 1, 2026.

V. League 1: Cong An Ha Noi Secures Away Win

In Vietnam’s V. League 1, a significant result from the last completed round saw Cong An Ha Noi FC (CAHN FC) secure a 3-1 away victory against Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC (HAGL FC) on December 18, 2025. This win was important for Cong An Ha Noi FC, who currently sit second in the league standings, as they continue their challenge in the 2025-26 season.

The V. League 1 is currently experiencing its winter break, which commenced on November 24, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude on January 27, 2026, to accommodate the Vietnam U-23 team’s participation in international competitions [cite: 29 from earlier search]. Consequently, transfer activity in the V. League 1 is notably quiet in late December, with clubs awaiting the resumption of the season and the full opening of their transfer windows. While some future deals might be in the pipeline for early January, there are no major confirmed deals or prominent transfer rumors dominating headlines for top V. League 1 clubs at this specific moment.

As the festive football period intensifies, leagues across Europe and Asia deliver thrilling results and spark fervent transfer speculation. With the January transfer window just around the corner, clubs are finalizing their strategies, leading to a flurry of rumors and confirmed deals dominating headlines. Today, December 26, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. UTC, we detail the most significant match outcomes from the last round and the biggest transfer stories making waves for top clubs in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, and the V. League.

Premier League: Arsenal Tops Christmas Table Amidst Midfield Transfer Talk

The English Premier League entered its traditional festive period with a crucial set of fixtures. While the highly anticipated Boxing Day clash between Manchester United and Newcastle United is scheduled for later today, the most significant result from the preceding round saw Arsenal secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton on December 20, 2025. The decisive goal came from a Viktor Gyökeres penalty, which propelled Mikel Arteta’s side to the summit of the Premier League table for Christmas, holding a slender two-point lead over Manchester City. This win underscored Arsenal’s defensive solidity, having conceded the fewest goals in the league this season.

In transfer news, the chatter around Manchester United is growing louder as they reportedly target Alex Scott from Bournemouth. The talented midfielder is believed to be high on United’s wishlist as they look to bolster their squad depth for the second half of the season and beyond. With the January window set to open, the Red Devils are expected to be active in the market, and Scott’s potential arrival is currently the most prominent rumor linked to a top Premier League club.

Premier League: Arsenal Tops Christmas Table Amidst Midfield Transfer Talk
Premier League: Arsenal Tops Christmas Table Amidst Midfield Transfer Talk

La Liga: Mbappé Equals Ronaldo Record as Real Madrid Makes Loan Confirmation

In Spain, the last round of La Liga action featured some high-profile encounters. The most significant result saw Real Madrid clinch a vital 2-0 victory against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu on December 20, 2025. The goals for the reigning champions came from a Jude Bellingham header in the first half and a late penalty converted by Kylian Mbappé. Notably, Mbappé’s penalty marked his 59th goal for Real Madrid in 2025 across all competitions, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for the most goals scored in a calendar year, a feat Ronaldo achieved in 2013. The victory allowed Los Blancos to close the gap on league leaders Barcelona, intensifying the title race.

Regarding transfers, Real Madrid has confirmed a significant outgoing deal. Young Brazilian striker Endrick is set to join Olympique Lyonnais on a loan deal until June 30, 2026. Despite being handed the iconic No. 9 shirt for the 2025-26 season, Endrick has struggled for minutes under manager Xabi Alonso, prompting this temporary move to gain valuable playing time ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While this is an exit, it’s a confirmed deal for a top club dominating current headlines. Looking further ahead, Real Madrid also has plans to trigger a buy-back clause for midfielder Nico Paz from Como in the summer of 2026, marking him as their “first signing for 2026.”

Serie A: Juventus Edges Roma, Milan Secures Füllkrug

Italy’s Serie A delivered a captivating clash in its most recent round. The standout match saw Juventus emerge victorious with a 2-1 win over AS Roma at the Allianz Stadium on December 20, 2025. Juventus’ goals were scored by Francisco Conceição in the 44th minute and Loïs Openda in the 70th minute, with Tommaso Baldanzi pulling one back for Roma in the 76th minute to set up a tense finish. This result was crucial for Juventus, helping them close the gap on the top four in a tightly contested league.

The biggest transfer news currently dominating Serie A headlines is the confirmed acquisition of West Ham United striker Niclas Füllkrug by AC Milan. The German international has completed a loan move to the San Siro until June 2026, with an option to make the deal permanent for a fee between €13 and €14 million. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the “here we go” for the deal on December 23, 2025, with Füllkrug expected to take over the prestigious No. 9 shirt. This marks a significant reinforcement for Milan’s attacking options as they head into the new year.

Serie A: Juventus Edges Roma, Milan Secures Füllkrug
Serie A: Juventus Edges Roma, Milan Secures Füllkrug

Bundesliga: Leverkusen Stuns Leipzig, Haidara Nears Exit

In Germany, the Bundesliga witnessed a major upset in its last round of fixtures. Bayer Leverkusen secured an impressive 3-1 away victory against RB Leipzig on December 20, 2025. Leipzig initially took the lead through Xaver Schlager, but Leverkusen responded emphatically with goals from Martin Terrier, Patrik Schick, and a late strike from teenage winger Montrell Culbreath. This crucial win allowed Bayer Leverkusen to move past RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga standings, highlighting their strong form.

As the January transfer window approaches, one of the most significant transfer stories involving a top Bundesliga club is the potential departure of Amadou Haidara from RB Leipzig. The Malian midfielder is reportedly set to leave the German club for RC Lens, as listed in the official Bundesliga transfer centre for January 2026. While this is an outgoing transfer, it represents a notable move for a key player at a top Bundesliga side.

V. League 1: Hanoi Police Dominates, Record Transfer Still Resonates

In Vietnam’s V. League 1, the last completed round before the ongoing international break saw Cong An Ha Noi FC (also known as Ho Chi Minh City Police) secure a convincing 3-1 away win against Hoang Anh Gia Lai on December 18, 2025. The goals for Cong An Ha Noi FC were scored by Léo Artur, Stefan Mauk, and Phan Văn Đức, while Gabriel Conceição converted a penalty for Hoang Anh Gia Lai. This victory solidified Cong An Ha Noi FC’s position in the league standings before the extended break for international competitions.

The biggest transfer story continuing to dominate headlines in the V. League 1, even dating back to August 2025, is the record-breaking €1 million transfer of central defender Matheus Felipe from Atlético Clube Goianiense (Brazil) to Ho Chi Minh City Police (Cong An Ha Noi FC). This blockbuster deal made Felipe the most expensive player in V.League history and remains a significant talking point, showcasing the growing ambitions and financial investment within Vietnamese football.