Making the case for youth. There isn’t one
January 13 – There have been 119 minors (players under the age of 18) who have played in the big-5 European leagues before turning 18 during the 15-year period from January 2009 to December 2023.
Performance
Goodbye Toulouse, Rouen stun French holders with marathon penalty shootout win
January 22 – French Cup holders Toulouse experienced an unexpected exit as third-tier Rouen triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout. All 11 players from each team successfully converted their spot-kicks, culminating in a thrilling 23 out of 24 kicks scored.
Henderson quits Saudi for European return at Ajax
January 19 – The lucrative Saudi league has lost one of its high-profile players after England midfielder Jordan Henderson unexpectedly quit and returned to Europe to sign for Ajax.
Gerrard sticking with Al-Ettifaq and on-going build
January 19 – Former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson may have departed after just six months but Steven Gerrard has signed a two-year contract extension to stay as head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq until 2027.
Virgil Van Dijk heads aerial ranking
January 18 – Liverpool skipper Virgil Van Dijk has been revealed as the most aerially dominant central defender in world football, according to the latest study by the CIES Football Observatory.
Man City launch 10th football school project in Dyrrah, Albania
January 17 – Manchester City is adding another facility and player development centre to its academy business, this time in the Albanian city of Durres, to be called Dyrrah City Football Academy.
Transfer talk: Newcastle back off Kalvin Phillips, Man Utd want Olise, Benzema going cold on Saudi Arabia
January 16 – Newcastle United have pulled out of race for wantaway Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips due to the club’s differing loan fee expectations. Crystal Palace, Everton, West Ham and Juventus are still in pursuit of the 28-year-old England international’s signature, who has a market value of €28 million according to Transfermarkt.
Thierry Henry opens up on mental health issues
January 10 – Former French World Cup winner Thierry Henry has spoken of his mental health battles, revealing that he may well have had depression throughout his illustrious career.
Mowbray to pick up where Rooney left off at Brimingham
January 8 – Birmingham City have unveiled former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray as Wayne Rooney’s replacement as the Blues look to get their season back on track.
Should I stay or should I go? Mbappé prevaricates
January 4 – Kylian Mbappé says he has yet to decide whether he will sign a new contract to stay at Paris St. Germain beyond this season or leave on a free transfer in the summer.
Debt ridden Standard Liege hire Ivan Leko in bid for improved fortune
January 4 – Croatian Ivan Leko has become the new manager of Belgian club Standard Liège, a day after the club revealed another €20 million loss in its accounts for the 2022/23 season.
Ancelotti dumps Brazil in favour of remaining at Real Madrid
January 4 – Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed his commitment to Real Madrid after signing a contract extension, thwarting the Confederation of Brazilian Football’s plans to hire him as national team coach.
Players to watch: CIES ranks world’s leading young talent by position
January 3 – The CIES Football Observatory has ranked 270 players to watch with England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham (pictured) leading the pack in a report focussed on young and developing players born in 2003 or later.
Former Dutch and Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt takes on head coach role at Belgium’s Beerschot
January 3 – Belgian second-division club Beerschot have appointed former Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt as head coach.
Birmingham City fire Rooney as US owners’ patience runs out
January 2 – Ex-England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has been sacked as Birmingham City manager after just 15 games in charge – making him the shortest-serving manager in the club’s 132-year history.