The January transfer window is open, with clubs across the world looking to do business.
It is a notoriously difficult period; a packed fixture schedule, injuries, keeping up a title charge or fighting to stay up means clubs will be forced to delve into the market this winter.
Players who are out of contract at the end of the season are also now free to negotiate with overseas clubs, signing pre-contract agreements, meaning the selling clubs must weigh up whether to cash in now or let a player leave for free in the summer.
We take a look at players potentially on the move in this window or signing deals to move on this summer.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Arguably the best player on the planet right now, Salah has hinted over the past months that his time at Liverpool is coming to an end.
The Egyptian forward claims he has received no offer from Liverpool over a contract extension, which, if true, seems ludicrous.
What is more likely is that Liverpool and Ramy Abbas Issa, Salah's agent, are talking daily to try and reach an agreement that suits all parties.
The longer the impasse, the more speculation over Salah's future will intensify. The 32 year old is free to talk to clubs outside the Premier League and to sign a pre-contract agreement to move in the summer when his Anfield deal expires.
Salah will argue he is worth what he is asking. The former Roma player has already set two Premier League records this season: 30 goal involvements (18 goals, 12 as assists) and become the first player to score two goals in eight games.
The Reds sit top of the Premier League, top of the Uefa Champions League league phase, are in the semi-finals of the League Cup and will soon begin their FA Cup commitments.
Salah has been the driving force behind Liverpool's resurgence, but should he decide his future lies elsewhere, it seems almost certain Saudi Arabia will be his next destination. There will be no shortage of suitors, with Al Ittihad expected to revive their interest in a player who would only elevate the Saudi Pro League to an even higher level.
If Liverpool can't reach an agreement they face the unenviable situation of selling their prized player this month or risk losing him for nothing in the summer.
Contract expires: June 2025
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Another Liverpool player said to be seriously considering his future is Alexander-Arnold.
A graduate of Liverpool's famed academy, the defender has only ever known one club, and as a local lad has the affections of the Kop and all Liverpool fans.
While his shortcomings at right-back are well documented, Alexander-Arnold's ability on the ball make him more asset than liability.
The England international has genuine claims to be one of the best passers in world football, and he holds the record for most Premier League assists by a defender (61).
While Salah has been drip-feeding the media with information over how his own contract negotiations are progressing, Alexander-Arnold has taken a different approach, saying in September his own situation would not be played out in public.
At 26 and with more than 300 Liverpool appearances, the player can already boast a Premier League and Champions League winner's medal, as well as trinkets for winning the FA Cup, League Cup (twice), Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.
Despite that, there is the discontent among the Liverpool faithful over the player's status as a club legend if he were to leave. Rightly or wrongly, many believe he will be leaving a winning team set for great things under new coach Arne Slot and could end his career being mentioned in the same breath as Steven Gerrard if he stays. Should he leave in 2025, he risks being only remembered as a good player but one who put himself above the club, ala Steve McManaman.
Real Madrid are the club being strongly linked. Sources said on New Year's Eve there had been an approach – but no offer – from Real Madrid about signing Alexander-Arnold in January, which Liverpool rebuffed.
Spanish media also reported Real were willing to buy the England international this month rather than wait until the summer.
The best-case scenario from Liverpool's perspective would be tying Alexander-Arnold and Salah to new deals. The worst is that both decide to leave.
Contract expires: June 2025
Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
Barcelona's inability to properly account for their finances could see them lose attacking midfielder Olmo – one of Europe's brightest talents – for nothing less than six months after signing him.
The Catalans received grim news this week as La Liga rejected their attempt to register Olmo before the January deadline, despite a cash injection of around €100m after striking a deal to sell VIP seating at their revamped Camp Nou stadium.
There is confusion over whether Olmo, part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024, can continue playing for Barcelona or if he will be released as a free agent. Olmo, 26, has stated his intention is to remain with the club, but La Liga have doubled down on their stance that the player simply cannot be registered.
The financial repercussions for Barcelona could be staggering, according to Spanish daily Sport. Barcelona would still owe Olmo £41m in wages for the remainder of his contract, which runs until 2030, even if he departs the club. Additionally, the club is still obligated to pay RB Leipzig £47m as part of the transfer agreement when they signed the forward. Furthermore, Barcelona would miss out on any potential transfer fee for Olmo, whose market value is currently estimated at £53m by Transfermarkt.
As it stands, Olmo is available on a free, with Barca unlikely to reverse the league's ruling by the January 3 deadline. Losing a player of Olmo's class would be hugely disappointing to Barca coach Hansi Flick, while the financial consequences could potentially be catastrophic.
Contract expires: June 2030
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
It appears Rashford's time at Old Trafford is coming to an end.
The 27-year-old forward said in an interview in mid-December that he is "ready for a new challenge" amid uncertainty over his Manchester United future.
Rashford was dropped from the squad for December's Manchester derby, which United won 2-1 against Manchester City.
United boss Ruben Amorim confirmed that there were no disciplinary issues behind his decision, more that he had hoped to see more from the England player on and off the pitch during his first few weeks in charge.
More damning for Rashford has been his continued omission despite United's alarming dip in form. Since that City win United have lost all four games, leaving them out of the League Cup and languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table.
Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2016, having come through the United youth ranks.
The 2022/23 campaign was his most prolific when he scored 30 in all competitions.
However, he has struggled for form over the past 18 months and attracted criticism from pundits and fans for a number of laboured displays.
Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with a move while some reports have suggested Saudi clubs Al Ahli and Al Ittihad are considering a move for the player.
Contract expires: June 2028
Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
When Rodri failed to return to the field for the Euro 2024 final, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente had few qualms about turning to his understudy Zubimendi to anchor the midfield.
Ironically, it is a move that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is also thought to be considering.
Rodri's season-ending cruciate ligament injury sustained against Arsenal in September has had long-lasting repercussions on the English champions. City suffered their worst run of results under Guardiola before the Boxing Day win at Leicester City, only their second victory in 14 games.
It is too soon to tell whether that will result in a reversal of fortunes for City, who sit sixth in the Premier League a massive 14 points off leaders Liverpool. What is clear is that they require the services of a high-level holding midfielder capable of getting the City engine purring again.
Zubimendi, 25, fits the profile perfectly. The player and his club, Real Sociedad, are said to be open to talking to any club who meets their £51.7m release clause.
One potential stumbling block for City is the threat of sanctions hanging over them as they await their verdict of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League for alleged breaches of financial rules.
A decision is expected in spring. And while City deny all the charges, if found guilty on some or all of the charges, City face a severe points deduction and possibly even expulsion from the Premier League.
Spanish and European champions Real Madrid are also long-term admirers of Zubimendi, while Liverpool failed in their bid to sign him last summer.
Contract expires: June 2027
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Europe wide
Some of French groups are threatening Friday to continue their journey to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union, and to meet up with drivers from other countries on Monday.
Belgian authorities joined French police in banning the threatened blockade. A similar lorry cavalcade was planned for Friday in Vienna but cancelled after authorities prohibited it.
Company profile
Name: One Good Thing
Founders: Bridgett Lau and Micheal Cooke
Based in: Dubai
Sector: e-commerce
Size: 5 employees
Stage: Looking for seed funding
Investors: Self-funded and seeking external investors
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Tuesday (UAE kick-off times)
Leicester City v Brighton (9pm)
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United (11.15pm)
Wednesday
Manchester United v Sheffield United (9pm)
Newcastle United v Aston Villa (9pm)
Norwich City v Everton (9pm)
Wolves v Bournemouth (9pm)
Liverpool v Crystal Palace (11.15pm)
Thursday
Burnley v Watford (9pm)
Southampton v Arsenal (9pm)
Chelsea v Manchester City (11.15pm)
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWafeq%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJanuary%202019%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENadim%20Alameddine%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%2C%20UAE%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Esoftware%20as%20a%20service%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%243%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERaed%20Ventures%20and%20Wamda%2C%20among%20others%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Juvenile arthritis
Along with doctors, families and teachers can help pick up cases of arthritis in children.
Most types of childhood arthritis are known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. JIA causes pain and inflammation in one or more joints for at least six weeks.
Dr Betina Rogalski said "The younger the child the more difficult it into pick up the symptoms. If the child is small, it may just be a bit grumpy or pull its leg a way or not feel like walking,” she said.
According to The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases in US, the most common symptoms of juvenile arthritis are joint swelling, pain, and stiffness that doesn’t go away. Usually it affects the knees, hands, and feet, and it’s worse in the morning or after a nap.
Limping in the morning because of a stiff knee, excessive clumsiness, having a high fever and skin rash are other symptoms. Children may also have swelling in lymph nodes in the neck and other parts of the body.
Arthritis in children can cause eye inflammation and growth problems and can cause bones and joints to grow unevenly.
In the UK, about 15,000 children and young people are affected by arthritis.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Astra%20Tech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbdallah%20Abu%20Sheikh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20technology%20investment%20and%20development%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24500m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Company name: Farmin
Date started: March 2019
Founder: Dr Ali Al Hammadi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: AgriTech
Initial investment: None to date
Partners/Incubators: UAE Space Agency/Krypto Labs
Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.
'Manmarziyaan' (Colour Yellow Productions, Phantom Films)
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal
Rating: 3.5/5
Surianah's top five jazz artists
Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.
Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.
Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.
Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.
Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.
More Expo 2020 Dubai pavilions:
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
