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.

Quick note before we get rolling this morning — no Soccer Over There last night, and that one’s on me. I was a little under the weather and decided it was smarter to try to keep my sinuses intact than power through and sound like I was hosting the show from inside a tissue box. The good news: we’ll be back next Monday night with your regularly scheduled dose of shenanigans and buffoonery on SOT.

Now, let’s get into today’s Morning Espresso.

Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid is over almost as quickly as it began, a seven-month spell that once promised a new tactical era and instead became a familiar cautionary tale about the most unforgiving job in world football. Hired on the back of a historic, unbeaten Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso arrived with the résumé, the pedigree, and the club DNA to succeed. What he did not fully control, and what ultimately cost him, was the unique ecosystem of power at Madrid. The dressing room, the boardroom, and the president’s office exert just as much influence as the technical area.

On the surface, the results were not disastrous. Alonso won 14 of his first 15 matches, beat Barcelona in October’s Clasico, and kept Madrid in strong position in both La Liga and the Champions League. But underneath, fractures were growing. His insistence on rotation and tactical discipline clashed with a squad accustomed to star privilege. The turning point came when Vinicius Junior reacted furiously to being substituted in that October Clasico. The club chose not to back the coach publicly, and from that moment on, Alonso’s authority eroded. Jude Bellingham’s automatic status, Kylian Mbappé’s goal glut masking disjointed performances, and reduced roles for younger players like Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono all fed a growing sense that the project no longer belonged to the coach.

Tactically, Alonso never fully found solid ground. Without a proper preseason and hampered by injuries, he tinkered relentlessly with formations, pressing triggers, and personnel roles while searching for balance. The high-pressing identity that initially brought cohesion gradually disappeared, replaced by a looser, more reactive side that pleased neither purists nor pragmatists. Madrid were winning games which is all that matter for the club, but it wasn’t convincing and when the results turn negative, then the style matters. By the time Barcelona outplayed them again in the Supercopa final, it gave Florentino Pérez the opening he needed to act.

The club insists the split was by “mutual agreement,” but few inside Valdebebas believe that framing. Alonso’s contract had long included provisions acknowledging the volatility of the role, and by December his future was already being debated at board level after defeats to Celta Vigo and Manchester City. Even public backing from players like Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois only delayed the inevitable. Madrid’s hierarchy was increasingly uneasy not just with results, but with the image of the team and with the sense that Alonso had lost the dressing room, particularly as tensions with Vinicius continued to simmer.

His replacement, Alvaro Arbeloa, embodies a familiar Madrid solution: someone who knows the club, respects its politics, and is unlikely to challenge the hierarchy of stars. Arbeloa may not arrive with Alonso’s tactical reputation, but he arrives with something arguably more valuable in this context. He arrives with institutional trust. At Real Madrid, managing egos often matters more than managing shapes, and history suggests that presidents prefer coaches who smooth edges rather than sharpen them.

In the end, Alonso’s Madrid chapter reinforces a brutal truth: this is not a job for system builders unless the club fully commits to protecting the system. Alonso had the ideas, the intelligence, and the pedigree, but he did not have the political capital. At the Bernabéu, the coach must manage up as well as down, charm as much as command, and compromise as much as innovate. Xabi Alonso learned that lesson the hard way and the next man in the chair already knows he is walking the same tightrope.

Denver Summit FC just made the kind of signing that changes the trajectory of an expansion club overnight. United States women’s national team captain Lindsey Heaps will return to the NWSL this summer, leaving OL Lyonnes to join her hometown team on a deal that runs through the 2029 season. For Denver, it is more than a marquee name. It is a declaration that this new franchise intends to compete immediately, not grow quietly.

For Heaps, the move blends professional ambition with personal gravity. A Colorado native who turned pro straight out of high school, she built a global résumé that includes league titles in the NWSL, Champions League glory in France, a World Cup medal, and captaining the United States to Olympic gold in 2024. Now 31, she returns to a league that looks very different from the one she left, one flush with new investment, higher salaries, and a clearer pathway for elite American players to stay home. Denver’s project, led by experienced general manager Curt Johnson and anchored by the hiring of Nick Cushing, gave Heaps confidence that this would not simply be a sentimental homecoming but a serious football decision.

On the field, Denver is getting one of the most complete midfielders in the game. Heaps controls tempo, sets defensive standards, and influences matches at both ends, the kind of player who becomes the identity of a team as much as its captain. For an expansion side preparing for its inaugural season, her arrival in June provides instant credibility in the locker room and immediate gravity across the league. It also sends a powerful message to other players with Colorado roots and to stars around the world that Denver Summit is a destination, not a developmental stop.

Bigger picture, this signing fits squarely into the NWSL’s ongoing evolution. As European clubs continue to lure top American talent, Denver landing Heaps underscores the league’s push to keep or bring its icons at home, aided by new mechanisms like the High Impact Player rule and increased investment across ownership groups. For Denver, the message is unmistakable. This is not an expansion team content with patience. With Lindsey Heaps at the center of the project, Summit FC is building for 2026 with ambition, credibility, and a clear intent to contend from day one.

The January window is doing exactly what it always does at this stage, turning rumor into reality and urgency into action. The biggest domino ready to fall appears to be Conor Gallagher, who is set to complete a €40 million move from Atletico Madrid to Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs have chased the England midfielder for years, but timing and finances never quite aligned until now. With injuries and underinvestment stalling their midfield, this feels like more than a depth move. It is a statement that Tottenham are finally addressing one of their most glaring needs.

Elsewhere in England, Nottingham Forest are exploring a short term fix in attack with a potential move for Mehdi Taremi, the 33 year old Olympiacos forward who helped Inter reach the Champions League final last season. It is a pragmatic link rather than a glamorous one, but Forest’s lack of goals has been a season long problem and the Marinakis ownership connection makes the mechanics of a deal far simpler than most midwinter transfers. In Spain, Barcelona have already acted, securing Joao Cancelo on loan from Al Hilal after navigating La Liga’s tight salary limits. It is a familiar reunion that gives Hansi Flick a proven option down the right side as Barca chase domestic and European success.

The most emotionally charged storyline may belong to Lucas Paquetá. The West Ham midfielder is openly pushing for a return to Flamengo, with the Brazilian club ready to increase their offer after an initial bid was rejected. Paquetá’s time in England has been defined by turbulence, from stalled transfers to off field investigations and now a clear desire to reset his career back home. For West Ham, the dilemma is stark. Keep an unhappy star to help fight relegation or cash in now and try to rebalance a squad that has never quite fit together this season.

Add in Fiorentina’s advanced talks for Leeds winger Jack Harrison, and the picture becomes clear. This window is shaping up less as a slow burn and more as a pressure cooker. Clubs are not just shopping for talent. They are buying solutions, stability, and in some cases, escape routes. Silly season may be chaotic by design, but the moves bubbling up right now feel unusually purposeful.

San Jose Earthquakes close in on Timo Werner
The San Jose Earthquakes are nearing a deal to sign German forward Timo Werner from RB Leipzig, with the 29-year-old expected to arrive as a new designated player and headline Bruce Arena’s reshaped attack. Werner brings a decorated résumé that includes Champions League, Europa League, and DFB-Pokal titles, but he comes to MLS in need of a fresh start after falling out of Leipzig’s plans and spending the past 18 months on loan at Tottenham. Paired with Chicho Arango and with another DP slot still available, this move signals a clear intent from San Jose to reenter the postseason conversation.

San Diego FC extend Head Coach Mikey Varas
San Diego FC have locked in continuity by signing head coach Mikey Varas to a multi-year contract extension after a historic inaugural season that saw the club finish first in the Western Conference and reach the conference final. Varas has quickly established a clear identity built on tactical discipline and player development, carrying over the standards he set with U.S. Soccer into the club environment. For an expansion side that shattered MLS debut records in 2025, this move reinforces San Diego’s intent to build sustainably rather than reset after early success.

Minnesota United promote Cameron Knowles to head coach
Minnesota United have turned inward for continuity, promoting Cameron Knowles to head coach following Eric Ramsay’s departure for West Bromwich Albion. A longtime figure in the club’s technical staff, Knowles steps in after already serving as interim in 2024 and helping guide the Loons to consecutive MLS Cup quarterfinal runs. The move reflects Minnesota’s belief in stability and internal development as they look to build on recent postseason consistency.

Houston Dynamo add Agustín Bouzat and Lucas Halter
Houston have strengthened both sides of the ball with the signings of Argentine midfielder Agustín Bouzat and Brazilian defender Lucas Halter, two proven winners from South America. Bouzat arrives from Vélez Sarsfield with a reputation as a leader after captaining the club to a historic treble in 2024, while Halter joins from Botafogo following Serie A and Copa Libertadores titles and brings long-term stability to the back line. Together, the moves underline the Dynamo’s intent to raise standards quickly as they build toward a trophy push in 2026 and beyond.

NYCFC bring back Maxi Moralez for 2026
New York City FC will lean once again on a familiar heartbeat, re-signing veteran midfielder Maxi Moralez for his 10th season with the club. At 38, Moralez remains a central figure after starting every match in 2025 and continuing to provide creativity and leadership that have defined NYCFC’s most successful era. His return gives the club both continuity and experience as they push to contend again in 2026.

Orlando City’s Oscar Pareja sets the tone for 2026
Orlando City head coach Oscar Pareja opened preseason with unfiltered honesty about the pressure to improve after a disappointing finish to the 2025 season, saying that pressure “is normal” and part of being a professional coach. Pareja emphasized his commitment to working with the group and pushing the club forward, acknowledging that both results and roster upgrades will be critical this year as the Lions aim to return to title contention. His message reflects a clear focus on reloading the squad and sharpening performance after a campaign that slipped late in the schedule.

FC Cincinnati sign forward Tom Barlow
FC Cincinnati have signed former Chicago Fire forward Tom Barlow to a contract through 2027, with an option that runs into the 2027–28 season. Barlow brings MLS experience after making 50 league appearances for Chicago over the past two seasons, scoring five goals, and previously developing in the New York Red Bulls system after being selected in the 2018 draft. The move adds depth and familiarity to Cincinnati’s attacking group as they look to maintain their place among the East’s contenders.

Birmingham Legion FC name Jay Heaps head coach for 2026
Birmingham Legion FC are reshaping their leadership structure ahead of the 2026 season, with Mark Briggs departing for an MLS opportunity and Jay Heaps stepping in as head coach. A founding figure at the club, Heaps brings extensive MLS playing and coaching experience, including a run to the 2014 MLS Cup Final with New England, and will now lead the sporting direction on the field while a new executive team oversees business operations. The move signals a reset built around continuity, accountability, and a renewed push to raise standards across the organization.

Jon Nelson is back in the host chair this morning on SDH AM at 9:05, and the show is stacked with stories that live right in the heart of what we do. Former Atlanta United 2 manager Steve Cooke joins to talk about his new role at Lexington SC and the launch of his College Advisory Program, a project aimed at helping young players navigate the increasingly complex pathway to the next level. We will also hear from South Island United forward David Yoo as the OFC Pro League countdown hits Matchday 1, with a true hometown story of a local kid suiting up for his local club.

The conversation continues with AC Boise head coach Nate Miller at 10:30 as his roster build starts to take real shape. It is another chance to check in on one of the most intriguing new projects in the lower division landscape and see how foundations are being laid for the season ahead.

And if you missed it yesterday, make sure to catch up on Atlanta United re-signing Ronald Hernández, plus Madison Crews’ latest Training Ground Dispatch with all the sights and sounds from camp. Plenty to dig into this morning, and it all starts right here.

Big shoutout to former local star Ricardo Clark, who has been named an assistant coach with Seattle Sounders FC for the 2026 season. The Atlanta native and USMNT veteran brings extensive MLS experience from his playing career and recent coaching roles, and his addition to Brian Schmetzer’s staff adds both pedigree and connection back to Georgia soccer roots.

Paris FC stun PSG in the French Cup
Paris FC pulled off a historic upset, knocking Paris Saint-Germain out of the Coupe de France with a 1-0 win at the Parc des Princes, their first ever victory over their city rivals. Former PSG winger Jonathan Ikoné delivered the decisive goal on a rare counterattack, while keeper Obed Nkambadio starred as Paris FC absorbed wave after wave of pressure. For PSG, the defeat ends a long run of dominance in the competition and serves as a humbling reminder of football’s enduring unpredictability.

Juventus surge into Serie A’s top three
Juventus recorded their most emphatic win of the season with a 5-0 demolition of Cremonese, moving into third place and level on points with Napoli and Roma. Weston McKennie found the net as the Bianconeri overwhelmed their opponents with early intensity and never looked back. With momentum building, Juventus are suddenly very much part of the title race conversation again.

Michael Carrick set for Manchester United return
Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle to appoint Michael Carrick as interim head coach through the end of the season. The former midfielder is expected to take charge for Saturday’s derby against Manchester City, with a familiar backroom staff likely to join him. United will continue their search for a permanent manager, but for now, Carrick steps in to steady a season that has drifted into uncertainty.

Negreira case edges closer to trial
The long running investigation into Barcelona’s payments to former referee official Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira is nearing a critical phase, with the case expected to move toward a criminal trial decision in early March. Prosecutors are examining €8.4 million in payments made over nearly two decades, while Barcelona maintain the fees were for legitimate consultancy services. If the case proceeds, it could take years to resolve but already represents one of the most serious legal challenges in the club’s modern history.

Corinthians land record sponsorship deal
Corinthians have secured a massive new main sponsorship agreement with Esportes da Sorte worth at least R$150 million per year, with the potential to climb to R$200 million based on performance and added revenues. The deal reshapes the club’s financial outlook and removes previous earmarks tied to individual player salaries, giving the board greater flexibility in squad and infrastructure investment. It is a major statement of commercial strength as Corinthians look to compete aggressively on and off the field through the end of the decade.

LigaPro prepares for a high-stakes 2026 season
The Ecuadorian LigaPro Serie A is set to kick off in February 2026, with 16 teams ready to battle under a revised competition structure that raises the pressure in every phase. The season’s format includes a 30-match opening stage followed by final hexagonals and a quadrangular for international qualification and relegation, meaning every point will matter as clubs pursue Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana berths while fighting to avoid the drop. This reimagined system promises drama all year long as the league’s competitive balance tightens.

From Real Madrid’s latest reset to Denver landing Lindsey Heaps, today was a reminder of how quickly fortunes shift in this game. The January window is heating up, MLS clubs are locking in leadership and depth, and expansion sides like Denver and San Diego continue to show real intent in how they build.

Closer to home, big moves for San Jose, Houston, NYCFC, Minnesota, Cincinnati, and Birmingham set the tone for what 2026 could look like across the league. Add in cup drama in Paris, momentum in Turin, changes at Old Trafford, and major off-field storylines in Barcelona, Brazil, and Ecuador, and it was a full morning around the global game. Thanks for starting your day with us. We will be back tomorrow with another Morning Espresso.

Jason