As the festive football calendar delivers its traditional dose of drama, December 26, 2025, sees a mix of crucial league encounters and the intensifying buzz of the upcoming January transfer window. From the Premier League’s iconic Boxing Day fixture to pivotal clashes across Europe’s top leagues and a quiet period in Vietnam, the football world is abuzz with action and speculation. Clubs are either solidifying their positions or desperately seeking reinforcements as the season approaches its crucial midpoint.

Premier League: Boxing Day Battle at Old Trafford

The Premier League’s festive tradition continues with a solitary, yet highly anticipated, Boxing Day fixture on December 26, 2025: Manchester United against Newcastle United at Old Trafford. This match stands as the marquee event for the day, with the bulk of the round’s games spread across December 27 and 28 due to calendar congestion. Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, historically boast an impressive Boxing Day record, having won more games and scored more goals on this day than any other Premier League side. Newcastle, coming off a crucial run of fixtures, will be looking to upset the hosts and gain valuable points.

Beyond the pitch, the transfer rumor mill is churning vigorously for Premier League clubs. Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as a potential new addition to their midfield ranks. Scott is considered an alternative to other strongly linked players like Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, and Adam Wharton. Meanwhile, Liverpool is reportedly in preliminary talks with Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi, with a potential transfer fee of around £20 million being mooted. The Reds are also linked with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and continue to hold a serious interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, whose contract is set to expire, potentially making him available at a discounted price in January. Fabrizio Romano has also weighed in, highlighting Manchester United’s interest in Yan Diomande and Barcelona’s ongoing search for a central defender.

Premier League: Boxing Day Battle at Old Trafford
Premier League: Boxing Day Battle at Old Trafford

La Liga: Real Madrid’s Dominance and Barcelona’s Striker Hunt

The last round of La Liga action, Matchday 17, concluded between December 19 and 22, 2025. The most significant result saw Real Madrid secure a commanding 2-0 victory over Sevilla on December 20 at the Estadio Bernabéu. Star midfielders Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 37th minute, followed by a late goal from Kylian Mbappé in the 85th minute, sealing a crucial win for Los Blancos. Other notable results from the round included Barcelona’s 2-0 triumph over Villarreal and Atlético Madrid’s 3-0 win against Girona, both played on December 21.

In the transfer market, Barcelona is actively scouting Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong at the ongoing AFCON 2025. The Cameroonian forward has emerged as a prime candidate to potentially succeed Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Eyong, currently valued at €15 million, has impressed with six goals and three assists in La Liga this season and also scored in Cameroon’s AFCON opener. His desire to play for Barcelona reportedly gives the Catalan giants an edge over interested Premier League clubs. Elsewhere, Atlético Madrid is reportedly nearing the confirmation of a significant €32 million transfer deal, signaling a potentially busy January window for them. There are also reports of a “battle in LaLiga for the signing of Enes Ünal” and Real Madrid eyeing Michael Olise.

Serie A: Juventus Edges Roma in Key Clash

Serie A’s Matchday 16, played on December 20 and 21, delivered a high-stakes encounter where Juventus narrowly defeated AS Roma 2-1 on December 20, 2025. The goals for Juventus came from F. Conceição in the 44th minute and L. Openda in the 70th minute, while T. Baldanzi netted for AS Roma in the 75th minute. This result was a significant one in the context of the league standings. Other matches in the round included Lazio’s goalless draw with Cremonese and Fiorentina’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Udinese. The league is set for more action with upcoming fixtures scheduled from December 27 to 29.

Transfer news in Italy is centered around goalkeeping situations. AC Milan has reportedly submitted a written offer to Corinthians for goalkeeper Hugo Souza, but the offer was rejected. Souza is keen to remain with Corinthians until the World Cup, and the Brazilian club believes his current value exceeds Milan’s bid. This development comes as the contract situation of Milan’s current French national team goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, remains at a standstill, with speculation growing that he might leave at the end of the current season. Additionally, both Inter and Juventus are reportedly in the hunt to sign Al Hilal midfielder Rúben Neves.

Serie A: Juventus Edges Roma in Key Clash
Serie A: Juventus Edges Roma in Key Clash

Bundesliga: Bayern and Leverkusen Secure Victories

The Bundesliga concluded its Matchday 15 between December 19 and 21, 2025, before heading into its traditional winter break. The most significant result saw Bayern Munich comfortably dispatch Heidenheim with a 4-0 victory on December 21. Another standout match was Bayer Leverkusen’s 3-1 win over RB Leipzig on December 20. This game was particularly notable for the senior debut of German-American winger Montrell Culbreath, who capped off Leverkusen’s win with a goal in stoppage time. Borussia Dortmund also secured a 2-0 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach on December 19. The Bundesliga will resume its fixtures in January 2026.

On the transfer front, the Bundesliga is relatively quieter, with most clubs preparing for the January window which officially opens on January 1, 2026. There are rumors circulating about FC Augsburg potentially taking Wolfsburg striker Dzenan Pejcinovic on loan. For Bayer Leverkusen, there’s speculation about offloading little-utilized defenders Arthur and Jeanuël Belocian, with Gladbach reportedly interested in the latter. Bayern Munich is reported to have reached a full agreement with an Ecuadorian defensive player. Borussia Dortmund’s Niklas Süle’s contract situation is also under scrutiny, with reports suggesting the club may not extend his deal when it expires at the season’s end.

V. League 1: Mid-Season Break and Limited Transfer Activity

The V. League 1 in Vietnam is currently in a scheduled mid-season break, which commenced on November 24, 2025, and will last until January 27, 2026. This extended pause allows the Vietnam U-23 national team to participate in the 2025 SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. Therefore, there were no recent matches played on December 25 or 26.

The most recent significant match result from the V. League 1 before the break was Cong An Ha Noi’s 3-1 victory over Hoang Anh Gia Lai on December 18, 2025. While specific goalscorers for this particular match were not detailed, Cong An Ha Noi’s strong performance secured them a valuable three points.

Given the ongoing break, transfer rumors and confirmed deals for V. League 1 clubs are notably scarce. Information regarding the latest rumors for the V. League 1 on Transfermarkt indicates “No information available”. Clubs are likely to hold off on major transfer announcements until closer to the resumption of the season in late January.

As the festive football period continues to captivate fans worldwide, top leagues are delivering thrilling encounters and generating intense transfer speculation. With the January transfer window just around the corner, clubs are actively assessing their squads, leading to a flurry of rumors and a few confirmed deals. This daily round-up, delivered at 3:30 p.m. on December 26, 2025, details the most significant match results from the last completed round and the biggest transfer stories dominating headlines across the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, and the V. League 1.

Premier League: Manchester City’s Dominance and Semenyo’s Suitors

In the last completed round of Premier League fixtures before the busy Boxing Day schedule, Manchester City delivered a commanding performance with a resounding 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace on December 14, 2025. This crucial win underscored City’s title aspirations, showcasing their depth and attacking prowess against a resilient Eagles side. While specific goalscorers for this particular match were not detailed in the available reports, the dominant scoreline reflects a strong team effort from Pep Guardiola’s squad, further solidifying their position near the top of the league standings. Other notable results from the same period included Arsenal’s hard-fought 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool’s comfortable 2-0 triumph over Brighton and Hove Albion. These results highlight the competitive nature of the English top flight as teams vie for crucial points during the demanding winter schedule.

The transfer rumor mill is buzzing with activity, and one name consistently linked with multiple top Premier League clubs is Antoine Semenyo, the talented right-winger from AFC Bournemouth. Reports on December 25, 2025, indicate that Semenyo is a target for Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool, with varying degrees of interest and assessment percentages from each club. Manchester City is reportedly at 60% likelihood, while Liverpool stands at 59%, and Manchester United at 41%. The 25-year-old Ghanaian international’s impressive performances have clearly caught the eye of England’s elite, suggesting a potential bidding war in the upcoming January transfer window. His pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability make him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to bolster their attacking options. Liverpool is also said to be considering Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi as a serious January target, with preliminary talks reportedly held and a potential price tag of around £20 million.

Premier League: Manchester City's Dominance and Semenyo's Suitors
Premier League: Manchester City's Dominance and Semenyo's Suitors

La Liga: Real Madrid Extends Lead as Nico Williams’ Future Dominates Talk

The Spanish top flight witnessed a significant clash in the last round, with Real Madrid securing a vital 2-0 victory over Sevilla on December 20, 2025. This result further cemented Real Madrid’s strong position in the La Liga title race. While the goalscorers for this specific encounter were not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets, the win against a formidable opponent like Sevilla is a testament to Real Madrid’s consistent form and tactical discipline under their current manager. Other important results from the round included Barcelona’s 2-0 win against Villarreal and Atletico Madrid’s dominant 3-0 away victory over Girona. These outcomes underscore the intense competition at the top of La Liga as the traditional powerhouses continue to assert their dominance.

The biggest transfer story currently dominating headlines in La Liga revolves around Nico Williams, the highly-rated winger from Athletic Bilbao. Reports from December 20, 2025, suggest a “transfer bomb” with the Spain international reportedly “determined” to move after a significant 10-year deal was agreed upon elsewhere. While the destination is not explicitly named, this development indicates a major shift in the transfer landscape and could trigger a significant move for one of La Liga’s most exciting young talents. Several top clubs across Europe are likely to be monitoring the situation closely, given Williams’ potential and impact. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid is reportedly nearing a €32 million transfer deal, signaling their intent to strengthen their squad in the upcoming window. Real Madrid is also reportedly eyeing Michael Olise, further highlighting the intense competition for top talent in Spain and beyond.

Serie A: Juventus Edges Roma, Milan’s Goalkeeper Conundrum

In a fiercely contested Serie A fixture from the last round, Juventus emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over AS Roma on December 20, 2025. The goals for Juventus came from Conceicao in the 44th minute and Openda in the 70th minute, while Baldanzi scored Roma’s lone goal in the 75th minute. This crucial win allowed Juventus to close the gap on the league leaders, showcasing their resilience and ambition in the Scudetto race. The match was a tactical battle, with both teams demonstrating strong defensive organization and opportunistic attacking play. Other results from the same period included Lazio’s goalless draw with Cremonese and AC Milan’s 2-2 draw with Sassuolo.

The most significant transfer story currently emanating from Serie A centers around AC Milan’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper and the uncertain future of their current number one, Mike Maignan. On December 26, 2025, it was reported that Milan had submitted a written offer to Corinthians for Hugo Souza, but the bid was rejected. Corinthians reportedly believes Souza’s value is higher, and the Brazilian goalkeeper is keen to remain with his current club until the World Cup. This development comes amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mike Maignan’s contract situation, as his deal with the Rossoneri is set to expire on June 30, 2026. With just weeks until Maignan could sign a pre-contract agreement with another club, Milan is eager to open fresh talks for a renewal, but the current feeling is that the Frenchman may leave at the end of the season. This creates a significant dilemma for Milan as they look to secure their goalkeeping future.

Serie A: Juventus Edges Roma, Milan's Goalkeeper Conundrum
Serie A: Juventus Edges Roma, Milan's Goalkeeper Conundrum

Bundesliga: Bayern Munich’s Dominant Display and Leverkusen’s New Arrival

The German Bundesliga saw Bayern Munich deliver a dominant performance in the last round, securing a comprehensive 4-0 away victory against Heidenheim on December 21, 2025. This emphatic win further extended Bayern’s lead at the top of the table, taking them a nine-point advantage into 2026. The goals for the Bavarian giants were scored by Stanisic, Olise, Diaz, and the prolific Harry Kane, who netted his 51st club goal of a remarkable 2025. Bayern’s attacking prowess and solid defense were on full display, highlighting their status as the team to beat in the Bundesliga. Other notable results included Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive 3-1 away win against RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund’s comfortable 2-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach.

In terms of transfer news, the official Bundesliga transfer centre for January 2026 has already listed some confirmed movements. One notable confirmed deal is Issa Traoré joining Bayer Leverkusen from Djoliba AC. While not a blockbuster signing, it signals Leverkusen’s intent to strengthen their squad as they compete for top honors. Bayern Munich has also reportedly reached a “full agreement” with an unnamed Ecuadorian defensive player, indicating further squad reinforcement plans for the reigning champions. The winter transfer window, which officially opens on January 1, 2026, and closes on February 2, 2026, is expected to see more activity as clubs look to fine-tune their rosters for the second half of the season.

V. League 1: Seasonal Break and Last Round’s Action

The V. League 1, Vietnam’s top football division, is currently observing a seasonal break. The league paused its fixtures on November 24, 2025, and is scheduled to resume on January 27, 2026, allowing for the Vietnam U-23 team to participate in the 2025 SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. Therefore, there are no recent match results from the past day or two.

The most significant match result from the last completed round before the break was on December 18, 2025, when Cong An Ha Noi FC secured a 3-1 away victory against Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC (HAGL FC). Cong An Ha Noi FC, currently sitting second in the league standings, showcased their strength with this impressive win. Due to the ongoing break and limited international reporting on Vietnamese football transfers, there are no dominating transfer rumors or confirmed deals currently making headlines for V. League 1 clubs. The focus for teams and fans alike will be on the upcoming resumption of the league in late January.

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.