Jordan Henderson considers linking up with Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq

The transfer rumour mill is in full swing with daily stories of players coming and going.

Each weekday we'll bring you the best transfer gossip and the likelihood of those transfer stories bearing fruit.

Girona have told Barcelona to trigger Oriol Romeu’s €8 million release clause by the end of the week if they wish to sign him, reports Diario Sport. Barca are keen to bring Romeu back to Camp Nou where the 31-year-old midfielder is a graduate of the famed La Masia academy. Barca want to stagger payments for Romeu, who joined Girona from Southampton in September 2022, rather than pay Girona's asking price up front.

Marseille are close to completing the signing of Atletico Madrid left-back Renan Lodi, who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, reports Foot Mercato. The French club have a shortage at full-back and are said to be in advanced negotiations with Atleti having already agreed personal terms with with the 25-year-old Brazilian.

Jordan Henderson is considering leaving Liverpool to move to Saudi Arabia, according to The Telegraph. The England midfielder has been offered a huge pay rise to link up with former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq.

The best Saudi Pro League signings so far

Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund remains Manchester United’s priority in their search for a new striker, reports Fabrizio Romano. Even so, no official offer has been made as the Red Devils are focusing on signing a goalkeeper, while Paris Saint-Germain have also enquired about the 20-year-old Hojlund.

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be lining up Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic to replace Harry Kane if their talisman joins Bayern Munich, as reported by Foot Mercato. With less than 12 months remaining on his contract, Spurs may be forced to sell Kane this summer rather than risk losing him for free next. Vlahovic, 23, has 23 goals in 63 games for Juve since moving from Fiorentina in January 2022.

Aston Villa want to sign Juventus winger Federico Chiesa and have not been put off by the Serie A club’s €70 million valuation, according to Calciomercato. However, Italy international Chiesa is not thought to be keen on the move.

On Women's Day

Dr Nawal Al-Hosany: Why more women should be on the frontlines of climate action

Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?

Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality

The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?

UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.

8. Pillar 2 implementation

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

While you're here

C Uday Bhaskar: The 'Asian Century' depends on China and India working together

Sholto Byrnes: This century was supposed to belong to Asia – and here’s how it still can

Sholto Byrnes: It is indeed Asia’s century and the western world better adapt to that

Company profile

Company: Rent Your Wardrobe

Date started: May 2021

Founder: Mamta Arora

Based: Dubai

Sector: Clothes rental subscription

Stage: Bootstrapped, self-funded

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