The ESPN Player of the Month award, now in its fourth edition, recognizes the most outstanding players from the top five European leagues. The format, which has already featured editions in October, November, and December, now honors the stars of January, kicking off the 2026 calendar year. In Ligue 1, Brazil international Endrick has only played two games with Lyon, but that was enough for him to take first place.
Manchester United are weighing up a surprise move for Real Madrid forward Endrick as they explore attacking options ahead of the January transfer window, according to The Standard. The 19-year-old Brazilian, who has struggled for minutes under Xabi Alonso at the Santiago Bernabeu, is reportedly open to a short-term loan to reignite his form and secure more playing time before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Manchester United and Arsenal are leading the race to sign 16-year-old German sensation Kennet Eichhorn, says The Sun. The Hertha Berlin youngster, who has already been dubbed the "next Toni Kroos," is also on the radar of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Eichhorn is a Germany U17 international and has played eight times in 2. Bundesliga for Hertha so far this season.
Sources told ESPN in September that the eight-time Ballon d'Or-winner was close to finalizing a new multiyear contract, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the year. Now, following the 38-year-old's strong end to the MLS regular season, Romano reports that the "final details" of the new contract are being sorted. Messi is "fully focused" on the Inter Miami project, having first joined the club in the summer of 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain.
