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.

Standard Liege striker Thomas Henry has now revealed that Leicester City director Jon Rudkin blocked his move to Swansea City a few years ago.

USMNT international Christian Pulisic is the Serie A player with the highest average player rating, just above his teammate Luka Modric.

Sunderland defender Arthur Masuaku wants to leave the club when the transfer window opens in January.

Basake Holy Stars FC welcome Hohoe United for the final Ghana Premier League fixture of 2025, with both sides targeting a strong first-round finish.Holy Stars come into the encounter in encouraging form, unbeaten in their last five matches. Their home record has been a key strength this season, having suffered just one defeat at the AAK II Sports Arena. That consistency has kept them firmly in contention for a top-half position.Hohoe United, meanwhile, sit just above Holy Stars on goal difference, underlining how finely balanced this contest is. However, their away form remains a concern. They have managed only three goals in seven road matches and have conceded in each of their last six away outings, leaving little margin for error.Basake Holy Stars were held to a draw by Medeama in their previous match and will be keen to turn home advantage into maximum points. Hohoe United arrive under pressure after back-to-back defeats against Bibiani Gold Stars and Berekum Chelsea, results that exposed defensive frailties.With both teams level on points and separated only by goal difference, Sundays clash carries significant weight. A positive result could shape their momentum heading into the second phase of the season, making this a contest neither side can afford to approach cautiously.

Egypt became the first team to secure qualification to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa in a tense Group B encounter in Agadir on Friday.As expected, the contest was finely balanced, but Egypt found the decisive moment just before the interval through captain Mohamed Salah. The forward converted a VAR-awarded penalty with composure, delicately chipping the ball beyond Ronwen Williams to cap a stronger Egyptian first half.The match took another turn minutes later when Mohamed Hany was sent off for a second yellow card, forcing the Pharaohs to play the entire second half with ten men. Head coach Hossam Hassan reacted quickly, reorganising his side to protect their lead through discipline and compact defending.South Africa pushed forward in search of an equaliser and enjoyed long spells of possession, yet struggled to break down a well-drilled defence, with Mohamed El Shenawy authoritative in goal. Egypt remained dangerous on the break, using Salah’s movement to ease pressure.Late drama followed when South Africa appealed for a stoppage-time penalty, but VAR ruled against them. Egypt held on to move to six points and seal qualification, while Bafana Bafana...

Hearts of Oak climbed to second place in the Ghana Premier League after edging Samartex 1-0 at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon on Friday.The visitors nearly stunned the Phobians inside two minutes when Christian Agyenim Boateng capitalised on an error from Abdul Karim, but his effort struck the face of goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi to spare Hearts.The home side responded quickly. Mawuli Wayo wasted a clear chance in the fourth minute, firing over the bar, but made amends moments later. Wayo forced a mistake from Roland Grippman, won possession inside the box and squared for Hamza Issah, who calmly finished to give Hearts the lead.The tempo dipped after the goal, although Hearts carried more attacking intent. Samartex goalkeeper Moses Zakari produced an excellent save in the 28th minute to deny Martin Karikaris curling effort, keeping his side in contention. The score remained 1-0 at the break, with Samartex unable to find an equaliser.After half-time, Hearts pressed for a second goal. George Paaku dragged a promising effort wide, while Theophilus Collison saw a clever lob land on the roof of the net. Samartex threatened briefly but lacked precision in the final third.Hearts held firm to secure a vital victory, moving onto 28 points, level with leaders Aduana, who play on Sunday against Young Apostles.

Winfred Dormon knows the task ahead will not be easy as Dreams FC prepares for a tough test against Bibiani Gold Stars.The head coach framed the fixture as a major challenge and stressed the need for focus and fight across ninety minutes.Dreams FC come into the match with mixed form, having won two and lost three of their last five league outings. That run has left little margin for error as they face the defending champions who are pushing hard in the title race.Dormon knows his players must be ready for the intensity Gold Stars bring, especially away from home.“Game against Gold Stars is a big challenge. They are chasing the league as defending champions. It will be a tall order and we need to show some resilience and character. It will be difficult but we should be able to respond to the challenge," he told Dreams FC TVThe encounter is scheduled for December 28th at the Dun’s Park, with kickoff set for 3:00 pm.

El Chadaile Bitshiabu has been linked with a move to Leeds United in recent weeks.

Quick take: Touchline talk: leadership changes often bring short-term energy but require time for structure. Watch for shifts in pressing triggers, build-up patterns, and set-piece routines. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official sources.

Dreams FC coach Winfred Dormon is focused on turning strong displays into points on the road as his side prepares for Bibiani Gold Stars.He feels the team’s form has been mixed, with steady home outings and promising away shows that have not brought rewards.In their last five matches, Dreams have won two and lost three, a run that leaves them needing a lift in results. The staff has worked on sharper starts, tighter defending, and better use of chances in key moments. Players have spoken about staying calm, moving the ball faster, and supporting each other when under pressure.“Our home games have been okay. Away games have also been good by way of performance but the results have been disappointing. We have only managed to pick a single point and it’s not good enough. Therefore, we are making sure that before the first half end we change the narrative as far as our away from is concerned," he told Dreams FC TVThe match takes place on December 28th at Dun’s Park. Kick off is 3:00 pm.

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is frustrated with the lack of opportunities at the club, and he has been linked with a move away in January. 

Winfred Dormon steps into the weekend with a plan and focus as Dreams FC prepare to face champions Bibiani Gold Stars.The Dreams coach has spent the week shaping his side after a mixed run of form that has brought two wins and three losses in their last five matches. Results have been uneven, but the mood in camp remains steady, with players working on structure and quick transitions.Dormon believes control of key moments will decide the contest, especially how his team behaves with and without the ball.“We have our game plan and we believe that if we are able to manage the moments of the game, that is when we are in possession and when we are out of possession we will be able to get something from Bibiani," hr told Dreams FC TVThe message has been simple during training. Stay compact, take chances when they come, and respect the quality of the champions.Dreams FC welcome Gold Stars on December 28th, with kickoff set for 3:00 pm.

Arsenal are hoping to sign the AC Milan defender, Davide Bartesaghi. 

Roma host Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa on December 29, which could be the last game before big January changes for the Giallorossi.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - November 2, 2025 AFC Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo looks dejected after the match REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..