West Ham United are facing serious competition in their pursuit of Utrecht left-back Souffian El Karouani, with Turkish giants Fenerbahce reported to have begun official negotiations for the defender.

Difficult Season for the Hammers

The Hammers endured an underwhelming summer transfer window, most notably losing their talismanic attacking star Mohammed Kudus. Although several new players were brought in, West Ham have struggled to find consistency this season, managing just three league wins so far.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo is currently battling to keep the club afloat, but West Ham remain firmly in the relegation zone.

Despite the poor start, a former Premier League striker believes the Hammers will survive the drop, while tipping Leeds United to be relegated instead.

January Transfer Window Could Be Crucial

With the January transfer window opening later this week, West Ham’s activity could be decisive in their fight for survival.

One of their key targets is Utrecht’s Moroccan left-back Souffian El Karouani, who has previously described West Ham as a “great club.”

El Karouani’s Impressive Form

The 25-year-old attacking full-back has been outstanding this season, registering 15 assists in all competitions for the Eredivisie side. His performances have attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.

French Players Currently at West Ham

Fenerbahce Enter the Race

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Fenerbahce are now seriously pursuing El Karouani and have “begun official negotiations” to secure his signature.

El Karouani’s contract with Utrecht runs until the end of the current season, placing the Dutch club in a strong position to spark a bidding war for the highly sought-after defender.

While clubs outside the Netherlands are permitted to negotiate a pre-contract agreement for a summer move, any club hoping to sign him during the current campaign must pay a transfer fee.

Mixed Advice on a West Ham Move

Interestingly, a Dutch journalist has advised El Karouani against joining West Ham, expressing concerns that the club could be relegated this season.

What Happens Next?

It remains to be seen whether Fenerbahce can beat West Ham to El Karouani’s signature, or if the Premier League side will step up their efforts to secure the Utrecht man as they battle for survival.

annik Sinner is not just one of the most exciting talents in modern tennis — he’s one of the most grounded. In a sport where so many stars are shaped by intense academies and early specialization, Sinner’s rise has always been rooted in the quiet, steady support of his parents, Johann and Siglinde Sinner. Their influence didn’t just help launch his career — it built the mental backbone that keeps him thriving at the very top of the game.

---

From Humble Beginnings to Tennis Stardom

Born on August 16, 2001 in the small Italian Alpine village of Innichen/San Candido, Jannik’s early years were far from the glamorous world he now inhabits. His father, Johann, worked as a chef, and his mother, Siglinde, served as a waitress — hard-working, everyday jobs that shaped the family’s values and work ethic. Sportskeeda+1

It was in this environment that Jannik first picked up a racquet, playing multiple sports as a child without pressure or expectation. And when he was just 14 years old, he made the tough decision to leave home and train full-time at a tennis academy — a move that could only happen because his parents trusted him to chase his dream. ABC

---

The Mental Strength That Defines Him

What sets Sinner apart from many of his peers is his calmness under pressure and his ability to keep things in perspective — and he credits this mindset to his parents.

“My parents gave me a working-class mentality,” Sinner said after a tournament win, explaining how their everyday approach to life taught him resilience and balance. Tennis World USA

He’s also spoken about how they never pressured him into tennis; instead, they let him choose his path. That freedom to explore and grow on his own terms is something many athletes never experience. Sportskeeda

---

Gratitude After Grand Slams

Even as Sinner climbed the ranks to become one of tennis’ biggest stars, he has never forgotten those foundational years:

• After winning the 2024 Australian Open, Jannik called his parents “the perfect parents” and said he wished “everyone could have parents like mine” because they let him choose his path without pressure. Yahoo Sports

• His respectful attitude on and off the court — toward umpires, ball kids, and fans — has been attributed by coaches to the values instilled by Johann and Siglinde. The Times of India

---

Turning World No. 1 and Beyond

After a breakout stretch that included multiple Grand Slam wins and year-end championships, Sinner entered 2025 firmly among the world’s elite. Most recently, he captured the Paris Masters title, reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking, and continued to define his era. Reuters

But even with all this success, Sinner keeps his roots close. In fan circles, there’s a widely shared anecdote that Jannik keeps his trophies at his parents’ house — a reminder that no matter how far he’s traveled, home is where his heart and gratitude lie. Reddit

---

A Legacy Built on Support, Not Pressure

For many young athletes, success stories focus on rigorous training regimes and elite coaching. Jannik Sinner’s story is different. It’s a reminder that support without pressure, love without conditions, and trust without doubt can produce a champion just as formidable as any technical training.

His parents didn’t just let him play tennis — they gave him the confidence to believe in himself. And that belief has carried him from a mountain village to the pinnacle of professional sport.

Jannik Sinner’s intensity on the practice court has once again caught the attention of those closest to him, with Italian teammate Luciano Darderi offering a vivid insight into the world No. 2’s off-season work ethic.

The two Italians have been training together at the Davide Giusti Academy in Dubai, a popular pre-season base for elite players, as Sinner prepares for the first Grand Slam of 2026.

---

Darderi: “A Different Kind of Tennis”

Darderi did not hold back when describing the experience of practising with the four-time Grand Slam champion.

“Jannik is a man of few words and much substance. There is only training and hard work,” he said.

“It’s completely different — a different kind of tennis. The weight of the ball and the consistency of striking make the difference. I felt like I was inside a rocket that had left Earth and landed on Mars. Yes, Jannik is a Martian.”

According to Darderi, the sessions were both demanding and enlightening, helping him identify areas for improvement in his own game.

---

Sinner’s 2025 Momentum

Sinner closed out 2025 in outstanding fashion, lifting titles in Vienna, Paris, and most notably the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, where he defeated world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz to claim back-to-back championships.

Despite suffering a heavy loss to Alcaraz at the US Open earlier in the year, the Italian enters the Australian Open as the favourite, aiming for a third consecutive Melbourne title.

---

Fine-Tuning for Melbourne

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sinner has been using the off-season to refine his slice backhand, looking to add more variety to an already dominant game.

Following his ATP Finals victory over Alcaraz, Sinner reflected on his progress despite finishing the year ranked one spot lower than in 2024.

“Mostly I feel I am a better player than last year, and that’s the most important thing,” he said.

“If you keep working and trying to be a better player, the results are going to come. This year it was like this — many wins and not many losses.”

---

Darderi’s Own Ambitions

Training alongside Sinner has also fuelled Darderi’s motivation. After breaking into the top 30 in 2025 and reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 26, his sights are now set on the top 20.

“It’s not an obsession, but it gives me a clear direction,” Darderi explained.
“If I have to run a marathon every day or climb a mountain to be among the best, I’ll do it. It’s my nature.”

Darderi won three ATP titles in 2025 — Marrakech, Bastad, and Umag — joining an elite group of players to achieve that feat during the season.

---

Looking Ahead

As Sinner heads to Melbourne chasing history and closing the gap on Alcaraz’s Grand Slam tally, one thing is clear from those training alongside him: his standards remain otherworldly.

Daniel Farke has delivered a balanced verdict on Leeds United not playing on Boxing Day, admitting there are personal benefits — but also hinting that Leeds may lose a competitive edge.

With only one Premier League match scheduled for Boxing Day this year, Leeds are among the clubs without a fixture. Instead, their trip to Sunderland will take place at 2pm on Sunday, December 28, before a visit to Liverpool on New Year’s Day.

---

Family Time a Welcome Benefit

Farke acknowledged that the break is positive for players and staff, particularly after several seasons spent travelling on Christmas Day.

“For the families, also for the staff, it’s quite good that we don’t have to spend the night again in a hotel,” he said.

He explained that Boxing Day fixtures often involve Christmas Day training, travel, and overnight stays — something that can be tough on families.

“You’re not working with robots, you’re working with human beings.”

---

A ‘Privileged Life’ — No Complaints Allowed

Despite sympathising with family challenges, Farke was clear that he does not accept complaints from players.

“It’s a pretty privileged life to lead as a football player, and for that I wouldn’t allow any moaning.”

He added that having extra time at home is welcome, but it should not be taken for granted.

---

Why the Break Might Hurt Leeds

Interestingly, Farke questioned whether the lack of a Boxing Day match actually benefits Leeds competitively.

“The more exhausting and tiring the schedule is, the more I prefer it.”

According to the manager, Leeds’ fitness levels give them an advantage during congested periods.

“From the data, we are one of the fittest sides in this league. The tougher the workload, the more advantageous it is for us.”

---

Training Continues Despite the Break

Leeds will still train on Boxing Day, with Farke stressing that the squad cannot afford multiple days off.

“We can’t allow whatever around Christmas to have two or three days off.”

However, he admitted the schedule is slightly more relaxed, allowing players to spend some time at home before preparations resume.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has refused to rule out the possibility of Illan Meslier leaving Elland Road during the January transfer window.

The French goalkeeper has fallen down the pecking order and remains unused this season, raising fresh questions about his long-term future at the club.

---

Meslier’s Fall From First Choice

Meslier lost his place last season after a series of costly errors, with Farke opting to finish the campaign with Karl Darlow as his first-choice goalkeeper.

Toward the end of the season, a former EFL striker suggested that even if Leeds won promotion, Meslier could not be trusted as the club’s number one in the Premier League.

---

Summer Moves and Lack of Game Time

Leeds were proactive in the summer transfer window, signing Lucas Perri to strengthen their goalkeeping options.

Even when the Brazilian picked up an injury, it was Darlow — not Meslier — who Farke trusted between the posts.

Meslier did attract interest during the summer, with:

• Como (Italy) monitoring his situation

• Galatasaray also linked, though Leeds ruled out a sale

None of the approaches progressed into a deal.

---

Contract Situation Raises Questions

Meslier has not featured once this season, and with his contract set to expire in June 2026, Leeds risk losing him on a free transfer if his situation does not change.

Despite this, Farke insists the 25-year-old remains part of his plans and is highly rated behind the scenes.

---

Farke: “I Rate Him That Much”

Speaking at a press conference, Farke said:

“All the players in the squad are part of my plans.”

He added:

“Illan… I rate him that much and I think he is a goalkeeper full of potential.
Unbelievably young for a goalkeeper.

At this young age to have so many games at Championship and Premier League level is remarkable.”

Farke also stressed that Leeds currently have no intention of reshaping their goalkeeping department:

“It’s not the plan to do anything… from my side there is no proactive wish to change my goalkeeping squad at all.”

---

‘Of Course It Can Change’ in January

However, the Leeds boss stopped short of offering a full guarantee, admitting things could shift if a player pushes for a move:

“Of course it can change in January if someone wants to leave anyhow due to a situation…”

---

Leeds United Goalkeeper Options

---

What Happens Next?

Meslier’s fall from grace has been significant. At one point, he was reportedly Manchester United’s top goalkeeping target, while Newcastle United were still monitoring him as recently as 2024.

It remains unclear whether Meslier will seek a January exit or wait until next summer to move on from Leeds United.

Steve Evans has name-checked Leeds United while stressing the size and stature of Bristol Rovers, as he looks to steer the Gas away from danger in League Two.

---

Ending the Losing Run

Evans made a small but important early impact after taking charge at Bristol Rovers, ending the club’s ten-game losing streak with a draw away at Crewe Alexandra last week.

While the result stopped the slide, the manager admitted he was frustrated his side did not go on to claim all three points.

---

Evans’ Long Management Career

With over 30 years in management and more than 1,000 games in the dugout, Evans is one of the most experienced figures in the EFL.

His previous roles include spells at:

• Leeds United

• Rotherham United

• Crawley Town

Evans was in charge at Elland Road during the turbulent ownership of Massimo Cellino and earned praise for how he handled himself before eventually being dismissed. He has since insisted he holds no regrets about taking the Leeds job.

---

Commitment to the Bristol Rovers Cause

Evans has made it clear he is fully committed to Bristol Rovers, joking that even his wife has had to swap beachwear for winter clothing to join him in Bristol.

Speaking to the club’s media, Evans said:

“And the one thing that every Gas fan can be assured of is that we’re giving this our lives. I’ve already got my keys now to my apartment. I’m going to be here.”

He added humorously:

“My wife’s coming to Bristol. She’s not going to the Maldives.
I think four bikinis have gone back and she swapped them for cardigans.”

---

Leeds Named as the Biggest Club He’s Managed

While praising Bristol Rovers, Evans implicitly declared Leeds United as the biggest club he has ever managed, claiming the Gas rank second on that list.

“You say to me whether I want to be sitting on a beach on Boxing Day or as the manager of Bristol Rovers…
I’d be even more proud if we can bring some wins in for the football club because arguably it’s the second biggest club I’ve ever managed.”

---

Recent Leeds United Managers

Last five permanent Leeds United managers:

---

Lofty Ambitions and What’s Next

Despite the draw at Crewe, former EFL striker Sam Parkin has questioned whether Evans can guide Bristol Rovers to safety.

Evans, however, has set far bigger ambitions, claiming the club should be in the Championship, alongside city rivals Bristol City.

Next up is a Boxing Day clash against Bromley, where another positive result would further win over supporters — even if it does little to soften the blow of his wife missing out on a winter beach break.

Leeds United could have a huge opportunity in the transfer market next summer, with a number of high-profile players set to become free agents.

Several eye-catching names across the Premier League and Europe are approaching the final months of their contracts — and Leeds could be well placed to take advantage.

---

January Window Looms for Leeds

With the January transfer window just a week away, there is little doubt Leeds United will be active.

While immediate focus remains on vital Premier League fixtures against Sunderland, Liverpool and Manchester United, planning behind the scenes is already underway for both January and beyond.

---

Areas Leeds Are Looking to Strengthen

The Elland Road hierarchy are believed to be targeting:

• An attacking midfielder

• A winger

However, Leeds could also find serious value by planning ahead, especially with several experienced players available for nothing next summer.

---

Free Transfers Could Be a Smart Move

A wide range of players from the Premier League, Serie A, Eredivisie and La Liga are currently set to be out of contract at the end of the season.

For a club balancing ambition with financial caution, free transfers could provide:

• Proven top-flight experience

• Squad depth without transfer fees

• Low-risk, high-reward signings

---

15 Players Leeds Could Sign for Free Next Summer

As things stand, Leeds United could potentially snap up 15 players on free transfers — including stars currently playing for Manchester United and Sunderland.

These are names that could strengthen the squad immediately or add vital experience for the long term.

Harry Wilson has finally spoken about how close he came to joining Leeds United from Fulham during the summer transfer window.

Leeds were just inches away from landing the Wales international on deadline day, before the deal ultimately collapsed.

---

Leeds’ Deadline-Day Push Explained

Reports on deadline day revealed that Leeds had targeted Wilson late in the window after Facundo Buonanotte’s surprise loan move to Chelsea from Brighton.

Leeds were confident the deal could be done. After the window shut, managing director Robbie Evans confirmed Wilson was keen on a move to Elland Road.

However, the transfer depended on Fulham completing three signings before allowing Wilson to leave.

Fulham’s Missed Targets

Fulham wanted to sign:

• Tyrique George (now a Leeds target)

• Kevin (a player Daniel Farke openly admired)

• Samuel Chukwueze

They secured Kevin and Chukwueze, but failed to land George — a setback that forced them to keep Wilson.

---

Wilson Speaks to Sky Sports

Wilson has since admitted that, at several points on deadline day, he believed the move to Leeds would happen.

“It was the first time it had happened to me. I’m used to watching it on Sky Sports, so to be part of it was different.

My phone was going off every two minutes. It was going to happen, then it wasn’t. Then it was back on, then off again.

I didn’t know where I was going to be. It was a relief when the window closed and I could focus on football.”

---

Leeds Fans Still Feeling the Pain

Since staying at Fulham, Wilson’s form has only added to Leeds fans’ frustration.

• 8 goal contributions

• 16 Premier League appearances

He’s been one of Fulham’s standout performers this season.

---

What Next for Harry Wilson?

Wilson is out of contract next summer, and Fulham are eager to tie him down before overseas clubs can speak to him from January 1.

Leeds Return? Highly Unlikely

• Fulham and Leeds are direct relegation rivals

• Fulham would likely prefer to lose Wilson on a free than sell to Leeds

• Journalist Dean Jones believes Wilson will sign a new contract

Verdict: Any hope of a Leeds move looks extremely slim — Wilson is expected to stay put.

Kris Boyd reckons Rangers are just one injury away from the verge of total collapse, labeling the current Gers squad as “bang average” after their 2-1 defeat against league leaders Hearts.

---

Rohl’s First League Defeat

Despite inconsistent performances, Danny Rohl had managed to bring Rangers back into the league title conversation. Appointed in October following Russell Martin’s horror spell, Rohl navigated his first eight Premiership matches unbeaten, recording six wins and two draws.

Rangers had narrowed the gap on Celtic to just three points and traveled to Tynecastle with a chance to cut the deficit to Hearts.

However, Hearts triumphed 2-1, moving twelve points clear of Rangers, marking Rohl’s first league defeat — a result that could severely dent the Gers’ title ambitions.

---

Fixture Challenges Ahead

The loss to Hearts came after a narrow 1-0 win over Hibs at Ibrox, and Rangers face a tough run of fixtures:

• Motherwell at the weekend, currently just above Rangers in the table.

• St Mirren at Ibrox in midweek.

• Celtic Park clash on January 3.

• Back-to-back matches against Aberdeen within five days.

---

Lack of Creativity Exposed

Rangers struggled to make an impact against Hearts, with Bojan Miovski’s early goal ruled out by VAR. Their only goal came in the 95th minute through Youssef Chermiti.

Boyd criticized Rangers’ lack of creativity, highlighting the importance of Tottenham loanee Mikey Moore, who has been finding form after a slow start to life at Ibrox.

“For me, Rangers are an injury away from total collapse. There’s nothing there to create opportunities. They look like a bang average team that play for corner kicks, set plays, and long throw-ins,” Boyd said.

---

Midfield and Defensive Weaknesses

Boyd pointed out weaknesses in both the midfield and wide positions:

• Back three issues: Max Aarons and Jayden Meghoma rarely get forward, effectively turning it into a back five.

• Midfield trio: Diomande, Raskin, and Barron failed to impose themselves.

“Hearts bullied them in the end. They looked far stronger and that shouldn’t be the case,” Boyd added.

He also criticized Rangers’ summer recruitment, calling it “diabolical”, and warned that the squad lacks the strength to consistently challenge for the league.

---

Title Hopes in Jeopardy

Rangers’ unbeaten run under Rohl came to an abrupt halt at Tynecastle. Boyd is skeptical about their chances of catching Hearts:

“Hearts will likely win more games than Rangers for the rest of the season. Rangers may struggle to even match last season’s points total of 75. Everybody tells me this team is worse than last year’s.”

With Rangers 12 points behind Hearts and facing a difficult fixture list, Boyd believes January will be a crucial month for the Light Blues.