The game never stops — and neither do we. Welcome to the SDH Network, Around the Corner from Everywhere.

Morning Espresso is brought to you by Oglethorpe University, Atlanta’s premier undergraduate learning experience and soccer powerhouse.

Chelsea and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted ways with immediate effect this morning, bringing an abrupt end to a tenure that was originally designed to stretch deep into the club’s long-term rebuild. Maresca departs less than two years into a five-year contract that ran through 2029, with the decision accelerated after Chelsea went winless in three straight matches and were booed off the pitch following Tuesday night’s draw with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

The split closes a chapter that included tangible success but growing strain. Maresca delivered two trophies in his first season, winning the UEFA Conference League and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, achievements the club highlighted in its departure statement. Across 92 matches in all competitions, he posted a record of 55 wins, 16 draws, and 21 defeats, a 59.8 percent win rate that ranks seventh among Chelsea managers in the Premier League era. Yet that statistical profile sits alongside a campaign defined by inconsistency rather than momentum.

Chelsea’s league position has sharpened the tension. They sit fifth in the Premier League, 15 points behind leaders Arsenal and only five points above 14th-placed Brighton. More concerning has been Chelsea’s inability to close matches out. They have dropped 15 points from winning positions this season, more than any other team in the league, a recurring issue that steadily eroded confidence inside the club and among supporters despite November’s Manager of the Month award for Maresca being awarded just weeks ago.

Off the pitch, uncertainty grew in December. Maresca publicly acknowledged feeling unsupported after a win over Everton, calling the previous 48 hours his worst since joining the club. Days later, reporting revealed that he had informed Chelsea on multiple occasions that he was in contact with people connected to Manchester City regarding a potential future managerial vacancy, should Pep Guardiola depart next summer. While City maintain there is no current vacancy and Guardiola remains under contract through 2027, the timing and optics added another layer of instability to an already fragile situation.

Chelsea’s ownership group remain committed to the Clearlake Capital–Todd Boehly sporting model, with the next head coach expected to fit within that framework while quickly stabilizing results. Liam Rosenior, currently at BlueCo-owned Strasbourg, is among the candidates under consideration, along with Porto manager Francesco Farioli and Minnesota United’s Eric Ramsay. An interim appointment will be required for Sunday’s trip to the Etihad Stadium. Once again, Chelsea turn the page mid-season, searching for alignment between long-term vision and immediate performance.

The group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations is complete, and the Round of 16 begins this weekend with momentum, drama, and heavyweights firmly in focus. Defending champions Ivory Coast underlined their credentials with a stirring 3–2 comeback win over Gabon in Marrakesh, rallying from two goals down to finish top of Group F. Late goals from Evann Guessand and Bazoumana Touré sealed victory and extended Les Éléphants’ unbeaten competitive run to 14 matches, setting up a knockout meeting with Burkina Faso as they pursue a fourth continental title.

Ivory Coast were not alone in showing resilience. Cameroon also came from behind on Wednesday, defeating Mozambique 2–1 in Agadir to finish level on seven points with the Ivorians, only missing out on top spot by a single goal scored. Cameroon now face South Africa in Rabat, while Mozambique advance as one of the best third-place finishers and will meet Nigeria in Fez. Elsewhere, Algeria completed a flawless group campaign with a 3–1 win over Equatorial Guinea, remaining one of only two teams, along with Nigeria, to post a perfect group-stage record ahead of a high-profile Round of 16 clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The knockout bracket now brings together both power and perspective. Senegal will meet Sudan in Tangier, Tunisia face Mali in Casablanca, host nation Morocco take on Tanzania in Rabat, and Egypt are set for Benin in Agadir. Sudan’s progression, achieved while playing all matches away from home amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis, stands as one of the tournament’s most poignant stories. With margins tightening and stakes rising, AFCON now shifts into its most unforgiving phase, where reputation offers no protection and momentum can turn a tournament in a single night.

Investigations surrounding Argentine Football Association have intensified over the past month, placing the governing body of the reigning world champions under unprecedented scrutiny. The current wave of probes traces back to March 2024, when former Argentina star Carlos Tevez publicly hinted at suspicious activity involving a senior AFA official and a sprawling property in Pilar, outside Buenos Aires. His comments prompted Coalición Cívica, a progressive political party, to file a criminal complaint centered on a luxury villa that authorities now allege may have been used as part of a money-laundering scheme tied to AFA president Claudio Tapia and treasurer Pablo Toviggino.

In early December, police raided AFA headquarters and more than a dozen clubs as part of a broader probe into suspected money laundering involving transfers linked to clubs and a financial services firm. Days later, authorities searched the Pilar property, discovering a heliport, stables, and 54 vehicles, including luxury and collectible cars. Court documents cited by Reuters describe items found on site bearing AFA branding and Toviggino’s name, while investigators are examining vehicle registrations, heliport flight logs, and ownership structures connected to a company allegedly fronting for the property’s true beneficiaries. Separately, prosecutors last week charged Tapia, Toviggino, and other AFA officials with unlawful retention of roughly $13 million in taxes following a complaint from Argentina’s tax agency.

The AFA has rejected the allegations, framing them as politically motivated attacks from the government of President Javier Milei amid a broader dispute over Milei’s push to convert Argentine clubs from member-run nonprofits into for-profit entities. On the field, Argentina’s success since Tapia took office in 2017 has strengthened that defense, but domestically the federation faces what many observers describe as its most serious crisis in years. “There are two AFAs,” one Argentine journalist said — one defined by global triumphs, and another grappling with instability and eroding trust at home. While legal experts expect no impact on Argentina’s World Cup preparation, the investigations have pulled back the curtain on long-standing concerns about governance, transparency, and power inside Argentine soccer.

Club América, Mexico’s most successful soccer club, has entered a landmark partnership that places it under the same strategic umbrella as the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution. U.S. private equity firm General Atlantic has agreed to purchase a 49 percent stake in Grupo Ollamani, the holding company that owns Club América, the 88,000-seat Estadio Banorte, and adjacent real estate slated for major commercial development. The transaction values the combined assets at approximately $490 million, with General Atlantic’s stake estimated at around $240 million.

Under the agreement, Ollamani will retain a 51 percent controlling interest, with controlling shareholder Emilio Azcárraga Jean continuing as executive chairman of the newly formed Grupo Águilas. General Atlantic will provide capital and strategic expertise, while the Kraft Group, through its Kraft Analytics Group subsidiary, will support the partnership by enhancing data, analytics, and fan engagement strategies. The goal is to deepen América’s connection with more than 45 million fans across Mexico and the United States, aligning one of North America’s most powerful soccer brands with proven sports business infrastructure from the NFL and MLS worlds.

The timing is strategic. Estadio Banorte is undergoing extensive renovations ahead of the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the venue will host for a record third time. The deal also reflects a broader trend within Liga MX, where U.S. capital is playing an increasingly prominent role in club ownership and growth. For Club América, the partnership promises international reach, modernized operations, and expanded commercial potential, while maintaining majority control and preserving the club’s identity. As cross-border investment reshapes the business of the sport in North America, América’s move positions it firmly among the continent’s elite sports enterprises.

Columbus Crew: Rydström Hired as Head Coach
Columbus Crew hired Henrik Rydström as head coach, replacing Wilfried Nancy, who left earlier this month to take over at Celtic FC. The 49-year-old arrives from Malmö after leading the club to back-to-back Swedish league titles and the 2024 Swedish Cup. Assistant Theodor Olsson and analyst Mak Pakhei join him, while goalkeeper coach Phil Boerger and data lead Marc O’Neill remain in place.

New England Revolution: Stadium Project Advances
The New England Revolution moved closer to a long-awaited soccer-specific stadium after the Kraft Group reached agreements with the cities of Boston and Everett. The proposed 25,000-seat venue on the Mystic River would include nearly $48 million in community benefits over 15 years. While no construction timeline was announced, city documents indicate a four-year window from demolition to completion.

New England Revolution: Ethan Kohler Acquired
New England also strengthened its back line by acquiring defender Ethan Kohler from SV Werder Bremen. The 20-year-old American is signed through the 2028–29 season with an option year and brings more than 70 professional appearances. Kohler was part of the U.S. squad that reached the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Nashville SC: Warren Madrigal Signed
Nashville SC announced the signing of Costa Rican striker Warren Madrigal from Deportivo Saprissa. The 21-year-old arrives after scoring 19 goals with nine assists in 100 appearances for Saprissa and is under contract through 2028–29 with an option year. Madrigal has 16 goals in 26 caps for Costa Rica and will occupy an international roster slot.

Chicago Fire: Josh Cohen Added in Goal
The Chicago Fire FC signed free-agent goalkeeper Josh Cohen to a deal through June 2027 with a club option for 2028. Cohen spent the last two seasons with Atlanta United FC and previously won three Israeli Premier League titles with Maccabi Haifa. He joins a goalkeeping group led by Chris Brady.

Sporting Kansas City: Justin Reynolds Acquired
Sporting Kansas City acquired defender Justin Reynolds from the Chicago Fire in exchange for a 2028 SuperDraft third-round pick and up to $100,000 in allocation money. The 21-year-old homegrown product made 12 MLS appearances for Chicago and scored the goal that clinched the club’s first playoff berth since 2017. Reynolds spent part of the 2023–24 season on loan at FC Lugano.

Jon Nelson is back with SDH AM on Friday morning, live across YouTube, Twitch, and X, as the show rolls into the new year with a full two-hour edition. The second hour will feature guests Nino Torres and Niko Moreno, continuing SDH AM’s regular mix of MLS, national team, and global perspective to start the day.

Also on the site, you can get to know Atlanta United FC’s two newest signings with in-depth features on goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos and defender Tomás Jacob. Both pieces dig into their backgrounds, playing styles, and what they bring to Atlanta as the club builds toward the 2026 season.

Neymar Commits to Santos Through 2026
Neymar has officially extended his stay with Santos FC, signing a new deal that runs through December 31, 2026. The extension ends months of speculation about a return to Europe or a move to MLS and gives Santos greater stability as Neymar focuses on regaining fitness and positioning himself for this year’s World Cup. The agreement also signals a shift toward longer-term planning after a season disrupted by injury.

Barcelona Open the Door for Ter Stegen Exit
FC Barcelona are prepared to allow Marc-Andre ter Stegen to leave during the winter window after he fell down the depth chart under Hansi Flick. Girona are pushing for a loan move, with Barcelona reportedly willing to accept a minimal fee to ensure their club captain gets regular minutes. Ter Stegen is eager to play consistently to secure his place with Germany ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Icardi Contract Talks Stall at Galatasaray
Negotiations between Galatasaray and Mauro Icardi have slowed amid a push from the club to significantly reduce the striker’s salary. Galatasaray are offering an extension through 2028 with one optional year, but at roughly half of Icardi’s current €10 million annual wage. Despite the uncertainty, Icardi has remained highly effective, scoring nine goals in just 710 minutes this season.

Mbappé to Miss Spanish Super Cup
Real Madrid will begin 2026 without Kylian Mbappé, who suffered a left knee sprain and is expected to miss at least three weeks. The injury rules him out of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, including a semifinal clash against Atletico Madrid. Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao meet in the other semifinal as Madrid wait on Mbappé’s recovery timeline.

A new year is here, and if the first headlines of 2026 are any indication, this is going to be another fast-moving, story-rich season in the global game. From big decisions at the top of major clubs to tournaments shifting into knockout mode, there’s no easing into January.

Thank you for starting your year with the SDH Network. I hope 2026 brings you good health, great moments, and plenty of reasons to fall in love with the game all over again.

I’ll be back tomorrow morning with more.

Jason