FootXtra – Football News & Updates FootXtra brings you the latest football news, live updates, match previews, transfer stories, and in-depth analysis from leagues and tournaments around the world. Stay connected to the beautiful game every day.

Chelsea could be set to bring Aaron Anselmino back to Stamford Bridge earlier than planned, with reports from Germany suggesting the Blues are actively considering triggering a recall clause in the young defender’s loan deal.

Antonio Conte and Napoli claimed their second title of the calendar year with a 2-0 victory against Bologna to claim the Supercoppa Italiana trophy on Monday night in what has been described as a dominant and deserving victory. Here is a look at what the morning papers have had to say after the latest Conte ‘masterpiece’. 

Supercoppa after the Scudetto 

The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has dismissed claims that Ghana Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has gone unpaid for nine months, clarifying that the government owes him only half of his salary.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush as they explore ways to strengthen their attacking options in the January transfer window.

Liverpool are actively reassessing their January transfer plans following a serious injury setback to Alexander Isak, with preparations now underway to potentially add a new forward next month.

The $9 million prize Ghanas Black Stars will receive for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be deposited into the countrys newly established Sports Fund, Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has confirmed.

Manchester United are preparing for a significant midfield rebuild ahead of next summer, with plans already taking shape to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad with two new central players.

Atalanta’s teenage centre-back Honest Ahanor has rapidly emerged as one of the most coveted young defenders in European football, following an impressive start to life in Bergamo after his summer move from Genoa.

Marc Guehi continues to be heavily linked with a move to Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window, with the Crystal Palace captain firmly established as the Reds’ long-term defensive priority.

Ghana defender Jerome Opoku contributed to one of Istanbul Basaksehir's goals in their thumping 5-1 victory over Gazientep in the Turkish Superlig on Monday evening. The lanky centre-back, started again for the Istanbul-based club, and lasted the entire duration, delivering a five-star performance in the thrilling victory.Opoku put the icing on the cake after spotting Ivan Brnic for his side's fifth goal.Meanwhile, Eldor Shomurov gave Basaksehir the lead in the 21st minute but the visitors responded five minutes later through Drissa Camara.However, Gazientep's equalizer lasted for only three minutes after Abbosbek Fayzullaev restored Istabul Basaksehir's lead.After the break, Arsa Kizildag netted an own goal to extend the home side's lead before Umut Gunes added the fourth with 22 minutes remaining."Enjoyment. Nice to grab an assist. Happy holidays family," posted Opoku on social media after the match.The former Fulham academy player has been in fine form for the Turkish club this season, making 15 league appearances. Enjoyment 🤩 nice to grab an assist 😎Happy holidays family 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/aIWF83JIbO— Jerome Opoku (@JeromeOpoku3) December 22, 2025

Legendary Ghanaian footballer, Andre Ayew has shared a heartwarming moment with President of the country, John Dramani Mahama. Ayew met the first gentleman of the nation at the University of Ghana Stadium on Saturday during the Legacy Rise Boxing night. A night which saw stars and top personalities assemble to watch the epic boxing bout between Freezy McBones and Jonathan 'Worldwide' Tetteh.The event was organised by son of the President, Sharaf Mahama, Ghana's leading boxing promoter.Meanwhile, before the biggest fight of the night, Ayew was spotted with Mahama, who shared some nuggets with the unattached footballer.An excited Ayew took to social media to share the moment, posting: "His Excellency, Mr John Dramani Mahama. Thanks for your kind words, God bless you Mr President."The 36-year-old also congratulated Sharaf for a 'great show.'"Sharaf Mahama, Legacy Rise, was a great show. We proud. More to come. Accra we dey."The former Marseille and Swansea City playmaker is yet to announce his next move with the 2026 World Cup six months away.

Quick take: Transfer watch: this move could reshape selection options and tactical balance in coming weeks. If incentives and add-ons are confirmed, expect follow-up negotiations or medicals to move quickly. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official sources.

[caption id="attachment_1280182" align="alignnone" width="612"] BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth[/caption]Tottenham Hotspur have ended their interest in Ghana and AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo ahead of the winter transfer window.The Black Stars forward will become available in the January market, with a release clause of 65 million for any club interested in his services.Spurs earlier showed interest in Semenyo during the summer window, and were one of the clubs in the race for his signature ahead of next month's transfer business period.However, according to reports in England, the Europa League winners have ended their pursuit of the striker and have instead moved on to other targets.Meanwhile, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are all preparing to make a bid for the forward in January.Although Semenyo is yet to make a decision over his future, the 25-year-old is believed to be favouring a move to Liverpool.The Reds lost striker Alexander Isak to injury during the 2-0 victory over Spurs on Saturday while talismanic forward Mohamed Salah is in Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.Semenyo has been in blistering form for the Cherries in the Premier League this season, netting 8 goals and delivering 3 assists in 16 matches. 

The early signs at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations point towards another high-scoring tournament, with the opening four matches averaging two goals per game.Morocco opened the competition with a 2-0 win over Comoros, followed by a 1-1 draw between Mali and Zambia. Group B also produced goals, as South Africa defeated Angola 2-1 in Marrakech, while Egypt required a late Mohamed Salah strike to claim a 2-1 comeback victory over Zimbabwe. In total, eight goals have been scored from four matches.That return compares favourably with the last edition of the tournament. AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast produced a record 119 goals, the highest total in the history of the competition, with an average of 2.29 goals per game.Although the tournament is still in its early stages, the current scoring rate suggests goals may again be a defining feature of AFCON. With several attacking teams yet to begin their campaigns, there is optimism that the 2025 edition in Morocco could maintain, or even challenge, the benchmark set in Ivory Coast two years ago.