Jan 28: Yorkshire County Cricket Club has confirmed the signing of Moeen Ali on a Blast-only contract for the 2026 season, with an option to extend into 2027. The all-rounder, who had previously retired from domestic cricket, will link up with the squad in May. Ali, a former England international, has won two IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings, captained Worcestershire to their first Blast triumph in 2018, and led Birmingham Phoenix to the final of the inaugural Hundred tournament. In 420 T20 matches, he has scored 7,792 runs and taken 271 wickets, including a career-best 121 in the Vitality Blast.
Feb 4: French midfielder N’Golo Kanté completed a move from Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League to Fenerbahce in the Turkish Süper Lig on an undisclosed deal, bringing Champions League and international experience back to European football.
Feb 2: Deadline day saw a series of notable moves across multiple leagues. Karim Benzema transferred within the Saudi Pro League, leaving Al-Ittihad to join Al-Hilal. Ademola Lookman made a major switch from Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A to Atletico Madrid in Spain’s La Liga for £30.3 million.
Former France international Moussa Sissoko moved from Watford in England’s Championship to Panathinaikos in the Greek Super League, while Adil Aouchiche left Sunderland in England’s Championship for Schalke in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga.
In Scotland, Junior Adamu joined Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on loan from Freiburg in Germany’s Bundesliga.
In the English Football League, Madiodio Dia arrived at Portsmouth from FK Haugesund in Norway’s Eliteserien, Cyle Larin joined Southampton in the Championship on loan from Mallorca in Spain’s La Liga, Kamil Conteh moved from Bristol Rovers to Lincoln City within England’s EFL, Hindolo Mustapha joined West Bromwich Albion on loan from Crystal Palace in England, and Mo Faal moved on loan from Wrexham to Cheltenham Town, also within the English Football League.
Feb 1: Several deals were completed on the opening day of the month. Oladapo Afolayan returned to English football, moving from St. Pauli in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga to Blackburn Rovers in England’s Championship. Lamine Fanne left Luton Town in England to join Venezia in Italy’s Serie B, while Mohamed Touré moved from Randers in Denmark’s Superliga to Norwich City in England’s Championship. Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba completed a loan switch from Aston Villa in the Premier League to West Bromwich Albion in the Championship.
Kyoji Horiguchi (Japan) defeated Amir Albazi (Iraq/Sweden) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). In the flyweight co-main event, Horiguchi showcased veteran precision and speed to outpoint Albazi over three rounds. Horiguchi landed clean strikes, opening cuts and wobbling Albazi before comfortably earning the victory.
Rizvan Kuniev (Russia) defeated Jailton Almeida (Brazil) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). The heavyweight bout played out as a tactical battle, with Kuniev landing the more effective offence and scoring consistently through short strikes while stifling Almeida’s grappling exchanges. The Russian secured a unanimous decision, further boosting his presence in a crowded heavyweight field.
Farid Basharat (Pakistan/UK) defeated Jean Matsumoto (Brazil) via split decision. In bantamweight action, Basharat maintained his unbeaten record with a hard-fought split decision victory over Matsumoto in a competitive affair. Basharat’s work at range, mixing straight punches and sharp technique, convinced two judges to award him the nod in a tightly contested matchup.
