The start of 2026 has been defined by upheaval at the top of the Premier League, with two high-profile managerial departures already shaking the division. Chelsea's Enzo Maresca left his role by mutual agreement amid reported friction over control and recruitment, making way for Liam Rosenior in early January.
Manchester United then dramatically dismissed Ruben Amorim after just 14 months, highlighting deep tensions between head coaches and sporting directors. Club legend Michael Carrick, who left Middlesbrough with limited managerial experience, has been installed as interim head coach until the end of the season.
Across Europe, the managerial carousel has spun even faster. Xabi Alonso’s brief stint at Real Madrid ended by mutual consent after only eight months, leaving him available and fuelling speculation about a Premier League return.
Pressure continues to mount on other top-flight managers. Thomas Frank at Tottenham is under scrutiny as Spurs struggle for consistency, while Arne Slot at Liverpool watches developments closely as results falter. The availability of big-name managers like Alonso has intensified the scrutiny.
The January transfer window has been quiet so far, with Antoine Semenyo's move from Bournemouth to Manchester City standing as the biggest deal. Industry figures expect the market to become very busy towards the end of the month.
