Top Stories & Transfer Rumours from Wednesday’s Papers. 12 November 2025
- Ruben Amorim was brutal in his criticism of Manuel Ugarte in a now-infamous team meeting after Manchester United’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham – The Athletic
- Wayne Rooney has put the boot into Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk once again, saying “I don’t think he’s been at the level this season”. – The Sun
- Manchester United have joined clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in the battle to sign 16-year-old German midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin – Sky in Germany
- Legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America will be his final major international tournament. The 40-year-old, who has over 950 career goals for club and country, spoke at a Saudi forum, stating: “Definitely, yes,” when asked if 2026 would be his last World Cup. “I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.” Ronaldo also clarified his earlier comments on general retirement, suggesting he plans to hang up his boots “probably one or two years” after the World Cup. He will be aiming to win the only major trophy that has eluded him in what would be his sixth World Cup appearance.
- Controversy over Disallowed Goal: The fallout from the weekend’s game between Manchester City and Liverpool continues, with reports on PGMOL chief Howard Webb defending the VAR ruling out Virgil van Dijk’s goal for Liverpool. Click here to watch Match Officials Mic’d Up: Explained why Virgil van Dijk’s Goal ruled out
- Liverpool are reportedly stepping up their search for defensive reinforcements, with Inter Milan’s centre-back Alessandro Bastoni emerging as a top target. Italian sources suggest the Reds are eyeing a €100 million (£87.9m) move for the highly-rated 26-year-old, who is contracted until 2028. Inter, however, are said to have a shortlist of replacements ready, including Manchester City’s Nathan Aké, should a deal materialise.
- Chelsea’s hopes of signing Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in the January window have been dampened after the Parma star suffered a serious hand injury. Suzuki, who is on the Blues’ shortlist for a new number one, sustained a displaced fracture of the third finger and the scaphoid bone in his left hand, potentially ruling him out until March.Fulham boss Marco Silva could reportedly be facing the sack due to the club’s poor run of form and slow contract negotiations with key players.
- A number of Premier League clubs are believed to have begun enquiries about bringing striker Ivan Toney back to England from Al-Ahli in January. He is reportedly keen on a move to Tottenham to reunite with former boss Thomas Frank.
- Manchester United are said to have registered concrete interest in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.
- There is speculation regarding potential departures from United, with focus on the potential availability of Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo in January, who have had limited minutes this season.
- Liverpool Defence Target: Liverpool are interested in Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, who is reportedly valued at around £87m, as they look to strengthen their backline.
- West Ham are interested in signing Fulham winger Adama Traore in January, with manager Nuno Espirito Santo keen on a reunion after working with him at Wolves.
- Fulham’s Harry Wilson is a target for Leeds, though a move is deemed unlikely as Fulham want to tie him down to a new deal.
- Liverpool Future Questioned: Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has questioned his future at the club, not ruling out an exit when his contract expires at the end of the season.
