Tottenham are preparing for a crucial first campaign under new manager Thomas Frank, but that doesn’t mean everyone will be along for the ride.
Player expected to join Tottenham "as soon as next week", medical scheduled
Spurs are closing in on a summer signing.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 4, 2025
The Spurs squad responsible for clinching the club’s first major trophy in nearly two decades will go down in Lilywhites folklore, though reports suggest that a few members of that side could be facing their final few weeks at the club.
Chief among them is star defender Cristian Romero, who could be at the centre of a tug-of-war between Real and Atlético Madrid this summer as both Spanish capital sides eye an audacious move for the Argentina international.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Real are expected to make an approach for Romero, according to some media sources, while others claim that Atletico have already offered Spurs around £56 million for his signature.
There is also a belief that Romero is keen on a move to Atlético in particular and will soon discuss his future with chairman Daniel Levy, so the saga surrounding his potential exit is unlikely to go away any time soon.
Meanwhile, Spurs legend Son Heung-min may also be sold before deadline day (The Telegraph), having entered the final 12 months of his contract.
The Saudi Pro League is targeting Son to join their division’s host of illustrious stars, and Levy could use this as an opportunity to raise some revenue off a player who’s arguably been on the decline this past year.
“Son would be a very valuable asset for Saudi Arabia,” said former Everton CEO, Keith Wyness, to Football Insider last month.
“At 32, it’s probably the right time for him to go if Spurs are going to maximise his value. I think Tottenham won’t find a better deal if they leave it later than right now. I believe they could even get something like £40-50million for him.
“That would be incredible, and I suggest that deal could be done. It might be in everyone’s interest to get him down to Saudi Arabia this summer.”
According to journalist Jorge Nicola this week, Saudi are actually targeting another Spurs forward with Son as well.
Tottenham put Richarlison up for sale amid Galatasaray and Saudi interest
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Nicolas reports that the man in question is striker Richarlison.
The Brazil international, who cost £60 million to sign from Everton three years ago, has been called an “underrated” member of the squad during his time in London (Micah Richards), and enjoyed a real purple patch of form under Ange Postecoglou midway through the 2023/2024 season.
However, barring that flash in the pan, Richarlison has largely failed to justify his mammoth price tag, partly due to injuries.
Nicola states that Tottenham are actively looking to sell Richarlison, and have held recent exit discussions amid serious interest from Saudi, who’ve been in contact for the last month.
As well as this, Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray are expected to make an offer for the 28-year-old in the next few days, so Richarlison isn’t exactly short of suitors.
With a place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad potentially at the forefront of his mind, Richarlison’s next move will be absolutely crucial.
يثير جافي مخاوف فريقه برشلونة، منذ غيابه واستبعاده من المباراة أمام رايو فاليكانو، في الدوري الإسباني.
ولم يتواجد جافي مع منتخب بلاده إسبانيا، خلال فترة التوقف الدولي الحالية بشهر سبتمبر الجاري، حيث يخوض الفريق مواجهتين أمام تركيا وبلغاريا في إطار التصفيات المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.
وبحسب ما ورد في صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، هناك قلق بشأن حالة ركبة جافي اليمنى، وسيخضع اللاعب لفحص شامل غدًا الإثنين.
وعانى جافي من إصابة الركبة سابقًا والتي أبعدته عن الملاعب لمدة 11 شهرًا بعد خضوعه لعملية جراحية بالرباط الصليبي.
ويذكر التقرير أن جافي يعاني من ألم في منطقة الركبة ولذلك سيخضع للفحص الطبي الشامل لمعرفة سبب المشكلة.
اقرأ أيضًا | حقيقة رغبة برشلونة في إعادة راشفورد إلى مانشستر يونايتد خلال انتقالات يناير
وأحد الاحتمالات أمام برشلونة، هو تمديد العلاج التحفظي حتى يستعيد جافي كامل قواه ويخف الألم، دون أي تدخل طبي.
ويوضح التقرير أنه لا يستبعد إجراء منظار إذا لزم الأمر لتنظيف المنطقة المصابة من الركبة، والأمر لن يؤثر على الرباط الصليبي.
ويستعد برشلونة بعد فترة التوقف الدولي لمواجهة فالنسيا يوم الأحد الموافق 14 سبتمبر الجاري، ضمن مواجهات الدوري الإسباني.
Having already signed Emmanuel Fernandez from Peterborough United, Rangers are now reportedly “expected” to sign a second EFL star this summer.
Martin: Fernandez has "huge potential"
Following a quiet couple of weeks, Rangers have stepped things up on the transfer front in recent days by welcoming both Joe Rothwell and Fernandez. The 49ers, in two moves, have laid out their intentions and are not stopping there. Alongside the aforementioned duo, the Gers have also set their sights on the likes of Conor Coady and Dor Turgeman.
Welcoming his new signing, Russell Martin told the official Rangers website: “Emmanuel is a young defender with a huge amount of potential, and I am excited to welcome him to the club.
“He has a strong physical presence, is a commanding defender and I believe in this environment we can help him develop and provide him with the opportunities to take his game to the next level. I’m looking forward to welcoming him into the group and getting to work.”
With Max Aarons, Rothwell, Fernandez and Lyall Cameron joining Oscar Cortes, who has arrived on a permanent deal, on Rangers’ list of arrivals, it’s clear that the 49ers have been in no mood to waste any time at Ibrox.
Rangers: 49ers set to sign £3.9m-per-year star for Martin in coming days
He’s another who has been on the list.
ByCharlie Smith Jul 3, 2025
The likes of Coady and Turgeman would be excellent additions to that list too. Coady, in particular, stands out as someone who could lead a new-look Rangers side next season as they aim to dethrone Celtic in the Scottish Premiership at long last.
Even after Fernandez and perhaps even Coady, however, Rangers may not be done with their shopping in English football amid reports that they’re expected to sign another star.
Rangers "expected" to sign Thelo Aasgaard
According to Rangers Review’s Joshua Barrie, Rangers are now “expected” to sign Thelo Aasgaard from Luton Town with both clubs now in advanced talks regarding the midfielder.
Like Fernandez, Aasgaard is still just 23 years old and represents a talent who could reach his full potential at Ibox. Despite only arriving at Luton in January, the Hatters’ relegation to League One has seemingly opened the door for Rangers to make their summer swoop and sign a player who will be hoping to avoid dropping back into England’s third tier.
Featuring for both Luton and Wigan Athletic last season in the Championship and League One, Aasgaard ended the campaign with an impressive 14 goals and three assists, earning plenty of praise in the process.
After watching on as he made his international debut for Norway, Luton boss Matt Bloomfield told reporters: “Thelo is a top performer. We know that. He’s someone who we believe can go on even further in the game and I think what he’s shown for us already is glimpses of that.
“He’s been great, receives in tight areas and can knit the game together for us, which we love. He’s gone away, in elite company and he looks like he’s right at home. It was lovely to sit and watch his game at the weekend.”
England’s exit from the T20 World Cup leaves Rob Key facing the biggest call of his tenure as managing director. Reaching the semi-finals was seen as the minimum expectation for Matthew Mott but the manner of his side’s 68-run drubbing by India in Guyana leaves his position as white-ball head coach at risk during a rare break in the World Cup cycle.Mott is two years into a four-year contract and insisted on Thursday that he is the right man to take England forwards. His team won the last T20 World Cup six months into his tenure but bombed at the 50-over World Cup in India last year. And while they reached the last four in the Caribbean, they only beat one Test-playing opponent across the tournament.ICC events are now annual occurrences but next year is the first in five without a men’s white-ball World Cup: there is a Champions Trophy scheduled for February but that is the least important tournament in the calendar. After Thursday’s semi-final defeat, England now have a 10-week break until their next limited-overs series against Australia in September.Related
England's itinerary madness leaves no room for white-ball reboot
'We'd have bitten your hand off to get to this spot' – Mott embraces semi-final opportunity
Rohit, Axar and Kuldeep lead India's dismantling of England in semi-final
'Outplayed' Buttler wishes he had bowled Moeen on turning Providence pitch
Stagnant England endure a pasting that had been in the post since Adelaide
It leaves Key with a series of questions to answer when he reviews this World Cup. Can Mott reinvigorate a side which appears to have stagnated? Are England making genuine progress under Mott’s leadership? If not, is there an obvious replacement? And would they want to take on the scrutiny of a job where a semi-final World Cup exit is a sackable offence?Key has made a number of big decisions across his two-year tenure: appointing Ben Stokes as Test captain, gambling on Brendon McCullum, taking the blame for last year’s World Cup debacle and, most recently, telling James Anderson that his time as an England player was finally up. But working out how to revitalise this white-ball set-up looms as the biggest of them all.Jos Buttler’s position as captain will come under similar scrutiny but the decision may be his rather than Key’s. Buttler has achieved so much that he could happily give up international cricket and earn handsomely on the franchise circuit for the next five years if he wishes. As Key doubtless knows, England need Buttler far more than Buttler needs England.This was a strange campaign. England’s warm-up series against Pakistan was blighted by weather and after their first match against Scotland, featuring an uninspiring bowling effort, was washed out a heavy defeat to Australia left them on the brink of a first-round exit. Another hour of rain in Antigua during their game against Namibia would have sent them home.Then, in St Lucia, they put together a complete performance to end West Indies’ winning streak by chasing down 181 with 15 balls to spare, before losing a tight game to South Africa. They secured their spot in the semi-finals by thrashing USA in Barbados, but conditions in Guyana were never likely to suit them and on a pitch characterised by low bounce, India asserted their authority.”I think we were good without being great,” Mott said at Providence Stadium, assessing England’s tournament. “If we’re being honest, we weren’t quite at our best. We were hoping to peak at the right time and certainly coming up against India today, we needed to peak and we knew that. This was possibly going to be the toughest test we had and we weren’t quite good enough.”England white-ball coach Matthew Mott after the semi-final loss to India•Getty Images
England were a tense, downbeat team in India last winter but seemed to have learned from their mistakes, hiring Kieron Pollard as a consultant for his local knowledge and bringing back the psychologist David Young, who was a popular presence. On the eve of the semi-final, Mott insisted that England were making progress under him and reiterated that position after their exit.”You always feel like you’ve made progress when you get to the semi-finals,” he said. “It’s disappointing to finish in that way: whether we lost by one run or the margin we did, we’d be going home very disappointed… [but] there’s not many teams who’d have turned up today and taken that game away from India, given the conditions we faced.”Yet the sense remains that England have lost their aura. Mott has not been helped by a disjointed schedule which sees him go months without access to his players but after two years in the job, their identity under him is still not clear. They are now in a transitional phase and Key must decide whether Mott has a clear vision for what comes next.Mott believes his backroom staff are fully behind him. “Jos and I as a partnership have been galvanised in the last six months,” he said. “You learn more about leadership in times of adversity. If you ask around the dressing room, we’ve got a lot of people in the support staff that have given credit to the leadership group for the way we’ve stuck together in tricky circumstances.”Sometimes it’s not all about results. Obviously we’re in a results-driven business, and you guys [the written press] will have your fun at our expense, I’m sure. But when you wake up in the morning and have a crack and do your best, you can sleep at night knowing that sometimes, results are out of your control.”Some senior players need to be phased out: Moeen Ali and Chris Jordan have been fine servants to England’s T20 set-up but their time is up, while Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood are highly unlikely to make the next T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in early 2026. Their batting line-up must be rebuilt around Harry Brook, who should bat at No. 3 or 4.Unlike the team of 30-somethings that crashed out in India, this is not an old England squad: seven out of 15 players are in their 20s and in Brook and Phil Salt, there are batters to build around. The English domestic system continues to produce talented young players and further candidates for selection will emerge in the Hundred next month.Buttler is planning a short break before that tournament starts, and will use the time off to take stock. “You take some time to review tournaments and try to plan ahead for the next [one],” he said. “What we need to do better as a team, if that is the way we play, personnel, style of cricket… we will review everything and come up with a plan.”It is Key who will ultimately sign off on what that plan looks like – and English cricket needs him to get it right.
Everton manager David Moyes will be aiming to bolster his squad ahead of the club’s first season at their new stadium.
So far, the Toffees have yet to make a signing this summer, but there are several positions that need improving ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Much will depend on just how much money Moyes has to spend during the transfer window, and he might have to make a sale or two in order to fund potential moves.
It looks as though the club have been linked with a Juventus star who could turn into the next Iliman Ndiaye for Everton…
Everton eyeing up Serie A star
According to news outlet Foot Mercato, the Toffees are among the clubs interested in making a move for Juventus midfielder Timothy Weah this summer.
The report states that four European clubs are keen on the American, including Tottenham Hotspur, along with a couple of unnamed clubs.
No price tag is mentioned regarding a move, but with Weah having three years left on his current deal with the Serie A giants, Moyes would have to pay a decent fee to sign him.
Juventus forward Timothy Weah
It is evident that the club need some more attacking reinforcements, particularly on the right wing, and Weah fits the bill.
Not only that, but he could turn out to be another Iliman Ndiaye for Moyes.
Why Everton must sign Timothy Weah
Ndiaye was arguably one of the bright sparks of a season which won’t exactly be remembered fondly.
The Senegal international scored 11 goals for the Toffees last season, and without him, who knows where they would have finished?
When compared to wingers across Europe’s top five leagues, Ndiaye is the tenth-most comparable player to Weah.
The pair registered similar statistics over a range of metrics last term, including goals and assists (seven vs nine), shots per 90 (1.15 vs 1.3), shot-creating actions per 90 (1.98 vs 2.41), shot on target percentage (both 42.9), and crosses (44 vs 38).
This range of statistics proves that Weah could replicate the success Ndiaye enjoyed at the club should he make the move to the Premier League.
Goals
5
Assists
2
Big chances created
4
Key passes per game
0.6
Successful dribbles per game
0.4
Shots per game
0.7
Having another attacking option like the Senegal star would be highly advantageous for Moyes; that much is certain.
Despite his talent, Weah didn’t settle at a club until he moved to Lille in 2019. Across 107 games for the club, he registered 16 goal contributions, and this sealed a move to Juventus.
The 2024/25 season was his most productive. Not only did he find the back of the net six times, but the American also recorded five assists for the Old Lady.
Brendan Rodgers once hailed Weah as “wonderful” during a loan spell at Celtic. Could a fresh start in England finally see the player live up to his potential?
With Ndiaye on the left and Weah on the right, Moyes could have the perfect formula to cause havoc whilst attacking defences throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
Everton's new Richarlison: TFG line up move to sign "clinical" £17m CF
Everton are in the market for a centre-forward this summer, and they could find their next Richarlison.
Liverpool are gearing up for the imminent exit of Jarell Quansah, who will sign for Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £35m after returning from the U21 European Championship with England, triumphant.
Nothing’s set in stone, but the anticipation is that Harvey Elliott will follow suit, coveted by a host of outfits both at home and abroad after his peripheral season under Arne Slot’s wing. The 22-year-old led the Young Lions’ charge and will fetch a pretty penny.
Harvey Elliott celebrates with England U21 teammates in U21 Euros final.
If and when both players part ways with the Anfield side, FSG will have banked just shy of £100m from player sales, offsetting somewhat the vast expenditure that has already been overseen this summer, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz the staple signings of a summer still in the making.
Darwin Nunez is still to be sold, the Uruguayan striker the heart of negotiations between Liverpool and Napoli. The two outfits want to get the deal done but reportedly sit far apart on agreeing on a price.
A slew of potential replacements have been bandied about, but there’s little question that Liverpool want Alexander Isak above all others.
The latest on Alexander Isak to Liverpool
Mohamed Salah was the only man to outscore Isak in the Premier League last season, and if that doesn’t underscore Liverpool’s interest, what will?
The problem is that Newcastle United know they have one of the world’s best strikers in their mix and have allegedly priced him at £200m.
The latest on Liverpool’s end is that a July bid should not be discounted, but it’s going to be a very tricky one to complete.
Indeed, signing him would drive Liverpool above the £400m mark, which is quite a startling thing to think about. As such, it’s no surprise that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has been tasked with capturing an alternative, one who would allow for the centre-back signing Liverpool still desire, Marc Guehi at the top of the list.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
Isak is a “world-class” player, as said by pundit Alan Shearer, but he’s not the only talented number nine on the block.
Liverpool make Isak alternative a priority
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool have shortlisted Hugo Ekitike alongside Isak, with the Eintracht Frankfurt’s star singled out as being “very high on the list” of targets at Anfield.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
The French forward, 23, has risen to prominence over the past year and has attracted the attention of every Tom, Dick, and Harry, although Die Adler are very much aware of this and have listed him at €100m (£85m) to ward off the rabble.
However, Liverpool need a centre-forward and appear keen on advancing their interest, especially as he’s dynamic, young and far cheaper than Isak.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
For what it’s worth, Frankfurt are adamant that they aren’t negotiating with interested parties, at least until August, and that more concrete movements won’t occur for at least a month.
How Hugo Ekitike stacks up compared to Isak
Liverpool like to wrap up their summer business nice and early, but perhaps FSG would be willing to wait in the case of Ekitike, having placed him at the top of their list and conducted the lion’s share of their spending already.
Having finished his first full season in Germany, Ekitike has established himself as “one of the best strikers out there”, according to analyst Ben Mattinson, scorer of 22 goals and placer of 12 assists across all competitions.
He didn’t match Isak’s 27-goal haul, but the 23-year-old is undoubtedly emerging as a focal presence who could play the role Liverpool envisage for the Sweden striker.
Described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, Ekitike is a relentless ball striker, but he’s also a silky and seamless dribbler, a creative partner for his teammates. Apt for a high-pressing team, Liverpool would surely raise their game with him in the ranks, especially when considering the current crop who would elevate the player’s game higher still.
And when peering at Ekitike and Isak’s metrics across the past campaign, it can be noted that Frankfurt’s man produces slightly more dynamic playmaking performances, and he’s more active in carrying the ball himself too.
Hugo Ekitike vs Alexander Isak (2024/25)
Stats (per 90)
Ekitike
Isak
Goals
0.51
0.75
Assists
0.29
0.20
Shots taken
3.74
3.10
Shot-creating actions
3.50
3.00
Touches (att pen)
6.73
6.17
Progressive passes
1.95
2.87
Progressive carries
3.04
2.71
Successful take-ons
1.90
1.37
Ball recoveries
2.75
1.80
Tackles + interceptions
0.96
0.49
Aerial won (%)
2.00 (50%)
0.85 (32%)
Data via FBref
Moreover, he’s a more commanding aerial presence. This is less important than in years past, Slot opting against the cross-heavy style of Jurgen Klopp, and especially so now that Trent Alexander-Arnold has signed for Real Madrid, but it still adds an important dimension.
We can nitpick who ranked higher than who across the past 12 months, but there are some caveats that are worth noting: namely, Isak plies his trade in the Premier League, widely regarded as a tougher division than the Bundesliga.
Isak’s slight inferiority in ball-carrying numbers also owes to his drop-back duties in Eddie Howe’s squad, influencing from deeper and progressing play forward with stroked passes and off-the-ball movements.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their second goal
What does matter is Isak has been drawn by FBref as one of Ekitike’s most comparable players, indicating a stylistic approach that could see the France talent dovetail into Slot’s system, for Isak has been comprehensively profiled and would be the perfect fit.
But given the exorbitant price demands Newcastle have placed on the table, it surely makes more sense to go for the younger man, who has been praised for his “incredible” quality by teammate Rasmus Kristensen.
Though an uncut gem, Ekitike is still a jewel who could sit at the front of the Liverpool crown for many years to come, combining with Wirtz, Salah and the like. He’s the real deal, and do Liverpool not like to take exciting talents and shape them into something refined and world-class?
He's like Salah & Isak: Liverpool join the race to sign £43m "superstar"
Liverpool may need to enforce further change up top this summer.
Derbyshire, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Middlesex, Sussex, Worcestershire, Yorkshire in second tier from 2025
ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jul-2024
Kent were named as one of 10 Tier 2 teams for 2025•Kent Cricket/Ian Scammell /Kent Cricket/Ian Scammell
Derbyshire, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Middlesex, Sussex, Worcestershire and Yorkshire will form the second tier of the new domestic women’s competitions in England and Wales from next year.The ten Tier 2 counties will play 50-over and 20-over cricket, with details of the competition structure and schedule for 2025 yet to be announced. Tier 3 status will be awarded to all National Counties who would like to participate in the new competitions at that level from 2025.With all three tiers to be closed from between the 2025 and 2028 seasons, with no promotion or relegation, the ECB also announced on Thursday a knock-out cup competition consisting of teams from all three tiers, giving all counties a chance to compete against each other. It is anticipated that the cup competition will be launched in 2025, alongside the establishment of the three-tiered structure.Related
Top women's teams to play Blast, One Day Cup from 2025
Yorkshire granted women's Tier 1 team from 2026, one year ahead of schedule
PCA tell counties to 'practise what they preach' in new women's system
Durham, Essex big winners as top-flight women's teams are named
Earlier this year, the ECB announced that Durham, Essex, Surrey, Hampshire, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset and Warwickshire would play in Tier 1 of the new competitions starting in 2025. Yorkshire will become a Tier 1 Club for the 2026 season, subject to meeting a series of conditions, and Glamorgan will join Tier 1 in 2027. The ECB also aims to expand Tier 1 to 12 teams by 2029.Beth Barrett-Wild, director of the women’s professional game, said: “It’s exciting to see the three tiers finalised. It brings the new landscape of women’s professional domestic cricket one step closer. From next summer we will see up to 39 counties competing across the new structure, which will both accommodate the growth and accelerate the depth of the women’s professional game – on and off the field.”We shouldn’t underestimate how big this step is for women’s cricket and indeed the whole game; a thriving and sustainable women’s domestic pyramid underneath the Hundred and England Women, with more professional female players, increased investment, and enhanced alignment across the men’s and women’s game, is a huge step forward for cricket.”Under the plans, £8m in new funding per year will be invested in women’s domestic cricket by 2027 – taking annual investment in this area to about £19m.
Manchester City had a catastrophic 2024/25 campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side went trophyless, finishing third in the Premier League and losing the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. It was far from the dominance they have shown under the legendary Spanish manager over the past few years.
Naturally, it has been a busy summer transfer window already for the East Mancunian outfit. The Citizens have dipped into the market four times to strengthen in all areas of the pitch and improve their fortunes ahead of next term.
Manchester City manager PepGuardiolabefore the match
Indeed, Goal noted the prices for three of their four signings so far, with Marcus Bettinelli joining from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee. Rayan Cherki cost £34m from Lyon, Tijani Reijnders was £46m from AC Milan, and Rayan Ait-Nouri joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £31m.
Those four are options for Guardiola’s side going into the first three games of the Premier League season. They start off with a trip to Ait-Nouri’s old hunting ground at Molineux, before hosting Tottenham Hotspur and travelling down to Brighton and Hove Albion for the final game of August.
But, what might the rest of City’s side look like ahead of their first game of the season against Wolves and beyond? Well, here’s a look at what their dream squad could look like in 2025/26 if everything goes according to plan.
The goalkeepers Ederson stays as City's number 1
City made one signing in the goalkeeper department already, with Bettinelli joining from West London giants Chelsea. He joins Ederson and Stefan Ortega as shot-stopping options for Guardiola next season.
Brazil international Ederson was the first choice last season, and conceded 26 goals in as many Premier League games, keeping ten clean sheets along the way. He did struggle with injuries at times and was sidelined for eight games in total.
One of the real upsides to Ederson is his ability with the ball at his feet. This is perhaps best showcased by the fact that he assisted four goals, including this sublime ball to Erling Haaland against Chelsea, which was well finished by the striker.
As for Ortega, the 32-year-old played 13 Premier League games, but conceded 18 goals in that time. In the Champions League, he kept a clean sheet in both appearances last term. He is certainly an excellent number two for Guardiola to have at his disposal.
Full list of goalkeepers – Ederson, Stefan Ortega, Marcus Bettinelli.
The defenders New full-back options for Pep on both sides
If there is one area of the pitch that City are certainly not short of options, it is in defence. They have incredible versatility, with Josko Gvardiol being the best example. He predominantly played as a left-back last season and chipped in with six goals across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt. In reality, he is more naturally a centre-back.
He is one of three main options at left-back for City, with Ait-Nouri also offering an excellent attacking outlet. He contributed four goals and seven assists for the Old Gold last season. Nico O’Reilly is a less experienced option, but he excelled last season, too. Naturally a number 10, he managed five goals and two assists in all competitions.
On the right flank, City have recently been linked with Denzel Dumfries by one Spanish outlet. He is said to have a £21.5m release clause, with City currently deciding whether ‘to take a chance’ on the Dutchman. His contributions in the Champions League semi-final last season, across both legs, were memorable.
With Kyle Walker now officially a Burnley player, Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis are the only other right-backs at the club. Both like to invert into midfield, which is no surprise for Nunes, given he is, by trade, a midfielder.
At centre-back, City have not made any new inclusions since the January window, where they signed Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.
Ruben Dias played 44 times last season and Manuel Akajani 40, suggesting they are the first-choice options for Guardiola. However, he still has the experience of John Stones and Nathan Ake to call upon.
Full list of right-backs – Denzel Dumfries, Matheus Nunes, Rico Lewis
Full list of centre-backs – RCB (Manuel Akanji, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey); LCB (Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake)
Full list of left-backs – Josko Gvardiol, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nico O’Reilly
The midfield Rodri's return and KDB's replacement
The huge news in the centre of the park for City recently is that Rodri is back from his long-term injury. The current Ballon d’Or holder misses several months of the season, making just eight appearances. His involvement, or lack thereof, was noticeable in City’s torrid campaign.
City’s new addition in midfield this summer is Reijnders, who featured three times in the Club World Cup, with Nico Gonzalez, a January addition, also an option for the East Mancunians. He was dubbed a “mini Rodri” earlier in the season by his manager.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
There is plenty of experience in the middle of midfield, too. Treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan is remaining at the club this summer. He played 54 times in 2024/25, two more than new club captain Bernardo Silva.
City also have Mateo Kovacic to call upon, who played a huge role last season in Rodri’s absence. Kalvin Phillips is still at the club, but after spending the last one and a half seasons out on loan, it doesn’t seem likely he will stay.
In the number 10 spot, this is where things get interesting for City. Kevin De Bruyne has now, of course, departed the club, joining Napoli, meaning someone has to step up in his absence, not at all an easy thing to do.
Perhaps that will be Phil Foden. The England international was not at his best this season, contributing to 13 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances. However, there is no doubt about his quality. This is a former PFA Player of the Year we are talking about. He could be the guy City are looking for to step up in De Bruyne’s absence this season.
Alternatively, City had been linked with Morgan Gibbs-White. Football Insider claimed the player ‘has agreed personal terms’ ahead of a possible move but he’s now on his way to Spurs instead
The 25-year-old was sensational for Forest last season, scoring seven times and grabbing ten assists in just 34 league games. That included a superb headed effort against Leicester City.
With Gibbs-White seemingly off the table, Foden is not the only option Guardiola has in the number 10 role. Youngsters Oscar Bobb and Claudio Echeverri, who made his debut in the FA Cup final, are also attacking midfielders he could call upon. The future of James McAtee, who scored seven times last season, is up in the air.
Full list of central midfielders – Rodri, Tijani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic.
Full list of attacking midfielders – Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb, Claudio Echeverri, James McAtee
The attackers Versatility and a new look front 3
One of the best things about this City team is the versatility they possess, and that is personified throughout the attack. Number nine, Erling Haaland, is the player who can only play in one role. Of course, when you have someone of his quality up front, that is no problem. He scored 34 goals in 48 games last season.
Omar Marmoush, however, is an incredibly versatile player. Another January signing, the Egyptian attacker can play on either flank, as a centre-forward or a second striker. He played 25 games for the Citizens in 2024/25, scoring eight times and assisting three.
On the right-hand side, City fans can surely get excited about watching Rayan Cherki. The 21-year-old Frenchman is an electric attacker who can play as a number 10 or on the right wing. Last season for City and Lyon, he contributed to 13 goals and 21 assists in 48 games.
Just look at his underlying numbers on FBref from the last 365 days. He averaged 8.88 progressive passes and 6.8 shot-creating actions per game. Both of those numbers place him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers.
Cherki key stats and rank over the last year
Stat (per 90)
Number
Percentile rank
Goals and assists
0.95
97th
Progressive passes
8.88
99th
Key passes
3.69
99th
Shot-creating actions
6.8
99th
Take-ons completed
2.5
90th
Stats from FBref
Brazilian Savinho is another option on the right-hand side for Guardiola. He managed to score three goals and registered an impressive 13 assists in all competitions, and can also play on the left-hand side if need be.
Speaking of the opposite flank, Real Madrid star Rodrygo, described as a “future icon” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, could be on his way to the Etihad Stadium. TBR Football recently confirmed that the Brazilian’s representatives ‘have now been in discussions’ with City over a move.
It would not come cheap, with one Spanish outlet suggesting Los Blancos would want upwards of £77m for their winger. In 2024/25, he scored 14 goals and assisted 11, including six Champions League goals, bringing his tally for the competition up to 25.
Jeremy Doku is another option for City on the left. A brilliant one-vs-one winger, he contributed to 17 goals last season and adds a unique element to Guardiola’s attack. Jack Grealish would also be someone who can slot in on the left-hand side, but he fell out of favour at City and seems set to leave the club.
Full list of strikers – Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush.
Full list of wingers – Rayan Cherki, Savinho, Rodrygo, Jeremy Doku.
Bigger talent than Reijnders: Pep driving Man City move for £43m sensation
Following the arrival of Tijjani Reijnders, Man City still want to bolster their midfield options, reportedly interested in making a £43m signing.
بدأ فريق ريال مدريد، بقيادة المدرب تشابي ألونسو، مشواره في الموسم الجديد من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا مساء يوم الثلاثاء بمباراته ضد خصمه فريق مارسيليا.
واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة فريقي ريال مدريد ومارسيليا، في الجولة الأولى من مرحلة الدوري، حيث حقق الملكي فوزًا بهدفين لهدف. ملخص مباراة ريال مدريد ومارسيليا في دوري أبطال أوروبا
وعانى ريال مدريد من ضربة مبكرة بعدما اضطر المدرب تشابي ألونسو إلى استبدال الظهير ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد في الدقيقة الرابعة من عمر الشوط الأول، بعدما عانى من إصابة عضلية، حيث شارك مكانه داني كارفاخال.
وشهدت الدقيقة 22 هدف أول لصالح مارسيليا عن طريق تيموثي ويا، بعد خطأ من أردا جولر لينجح ماسون جرينوود في اقتطاع الكرة وتصل إلى تيموثي الذي انطلق وسددها في الشباك.
وفي الدقيقة 26، تمكن النجم كيليان مبابي من تسجيل هدف التعادل لصالح ريال مدريد من ضربة جزاء، تحصل عليها أصحاب الأرض بعد تدخل ضد رودريجو داخل المنطقة.
واستمرت المباراة سجالًا بين الفريقين، قبل أن يضطر ريال مدريد إلى اللعب بـ10 لاعبين منذ الدقيقة 72 نتيجة طرد داني كارفاخال بسبب اعتدائه على حارس مارسيليا.
ورغم النقص العددي، تحصل ريال مدريد على ضربة جزاء جديدة في الدقيقة 81 بعد لمسة يد ضد لاعب مارسيليا عقب اصطدام كرة فينيسيوس جونيور به، ونفذها كيليان مبابي بنجاح ليحولها إلى هدف ثاني.
بتلك النتيجة، حصل فريق ريال مدريد على أول 3 نقاط في مشواره في مرحلة الدوري من دوري أبطال أوروبا لذلك الموسم.
تابعنا معكم أحداث مباراة ريال مدريد ومارسيليا لحظة بلحظة…
الشوط الأول
1′ الكرة بين أقدم لاعبي مارسيليا بعد إطلاق صافرة البداية.
1′ رمية تماس لصالح مارسيليا بعد خروج الكرة من أردا جولر.
2′ فرصة خطيرة لصالح ريل مدريد بعد تمريرة من ألفارو كاريراس، وصلت إلى منطقة الجزاء حيث حاول الدفاع تشتيها، ولكن الكرة وصلت إلى مبابي الذي حاول تنفيذ مقصية ولكن فرصته ذهبت بجوار القائم.
4′ سقوط ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد على أرضية الملعب للإصابة، دون تدخل من أحد، حيث ظهر وهو يمسك العضلة الخلفية متألمًا وتدخل الطاقم الطبي.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off just minutes into the match with an apparent leg injury. pic.twitter.com/x9vpq2it2X — ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 16, 2025
5′ تبديل اضطراري بخروج أرنولد ونزول كارفاخال. إصابة ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد في مباراة ريال مدريد ومارسيليا
🚑 الإصابة تجبر أرنولد على مغادرة الميدان #دوري_أبطال_أوروبا #ريال_مدريد_مارسيليا pic.twitter.com/l3kpkneRVb — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) September 16, 2025
6′ ماستانتونو كاد أن يسجل هدف أول لصالح ريال مدريد بعد تسديدته للكرة واصطدامه بالحارس من الناحية اليمنى، والقائم يمنع الهدف.
7′ رودريجو يسدد كرة في محاولة لتهديد مرمى مارسيليا ولكن الحارس يمسكها بسهولة.
9′ رودريجو يسدد كرة من جديد تجاه مرمى مارسيليا إلا إنها لم تكن قوية، ليمسكها الحارس.
10′ مبابي يهدر فرصة هدف أول لصلح ريال مدريد بعدما سدد كرة خطيرة، ولكن حارس مارسيليا تصدى لها لتتحول إلى ركنية.
12′ استمرار التعادل السلبي بين الفريقين حتى الآن.
13′ ماستانتونو يصوب كرة بعيدة على مرمى مارسيليا، لتتحول إلى ضربة مرمى.
14′ فرصة خطيرة لصالح مارسيليا بعد تسديدة من تيموثي ويا جاءت أعلى من المرمى، لتمر بسلام على شباك تيبو كورتوا.
15′ تسديدة سهلة من أردا جولر في يد حارس مارسيليا.
16′ خطأ ضد داني كارفاخال.
18′ خطأ لصالح ريال مدريد بعد تدخل ضد أردا جولر.
19′ كيليان مبابي يطالب بخطأ لصالحه داخل منطقة الجزاء، ولكن الحكم يرفض احتساب أي شئ.
20′ حارس مارسيليا يتصدى لتسديدة من مبابي.
22′ هددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددف أول لصالح مارسيليا عن طريق تيموثي ويا، بعد خطأ من أردا جولر لينجح ماسون جرينوود في اقتطاع الكرة وتصل إلى تيموثي الذي انطلق وسددها في الشباك. هدف مارسيليا الأول أمام ريال مدريد في دوري أبطال أوروبا
25′ مارسيليا كاد أن يسجل هدف ثاني في شباك ريال مدريد لولا تصدي من كورتوا.
26′ هددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددد التعادل، ضربة جزاء لصالح ريال مدريد بعد التدخل ضد رودريجو ويحولها كيليان مبابي إلى هدف التعادل. هدف كيليان مبابي في مباراة ريال مدريد ومارسيليا
30′ رودريجو يسدد كرة لتسجيل الهدف الثاني ولكنها تمر بجوار المرمى.
31′ مطالبات من مارسيليا باحتساب ضربة جزاء بداعِ لمسة يد ولكن الحكم يرفض احتساب أي شئ.
32′ حارس مارسيليا يتألق ويتصدى لفرصة من لاعب ريال مدريد، لتتحول إلى ركنية.
35′ محاولات متبادلة من الفريقين لتسجيل الهدف الثاني قبل نهاية الشوط.
39′ أوباميانج يهدر فرصة هدف رائع بعدما سدد كرة تجاه مرمى كورتوا ولكنها هزت الشباك الخارجية.
40′ 5 دقائق تفصلنا عن نهاية الشوط الأول من عمر المباراة، والنتيجة لا زالت تعادلًا إيجابيًا.
41′ كيليان مبابي يسدد كرة قوية ولكن حارس مارسيليا يتصدى.
45′ الحكم يحتسب 3 دقائق كوقت بدلًا من الضائع.
45+1 أردا جولر يسدد كرة من خارج المنطقة ولكنها خارج الملعب.
45+3′ ماستانتونو يهدر فرصة هدف لا يعوض لصالح ريال مدريد بعد تمريرة من مبابي، وصلت إلى الأرجنتيني الذي سددها بقوة ولكن حارس مارسيليا تصدى ببراعة.
نهاية الشوط الأول (1/1)
الشوط الثاني
46′ بطاقة صفراء أولى من نصيب لاعب مارسيليا بافارد بعد تدخله ضد ألفارو كاريراس.
48′ إيدير ميليتاو كاد أن يصنع هدفًا لصالح ريال مدريد حيث حاول تمرير كرة ناحية مبابي ولكن الدفاع شتتها وأبعدها إلى ركنية.
50′ مبابي كاد أن يسجل هدفًا ولكن الحارس يبعد الكرة ويتحول إلى ركلة ركنية، وسط إصرار من الفرنسي لتسجيل الثاني له ولكتيبة تشابي ألونسو.
53′ ماستانتونو يسدد كرة أرضية ضعيفة تصل سهلة إلى حارس مارسيليا.
54′ مبابي يسقط على أرض الملعب داخل المنطقة ويطالب بضربة جزاء، ولكن دون احتساب شئ من جانب الحكم.
55′ الطاقم الطبي يعالج كيليان مبابي على أرض الملعب.
56′ هجمة خطيرة لصالح مارسيليا بعد تمريرة من تيموثي ويا إلى أوباميانج حيث سدد الأخير الكرة ولكن كورتوا تألق وتصدى ببراعة.
62′ تبديلان لصالح ريال مدريد بخروج ماستانتونو ورودريجو، ونزول كل من فينيسيوس جونيور وإبراهيم دياز.
66′ تبديلان في صفوف مارسيليا.
67′ فينيسيوس جونيور يتحصل على ركلة ركنية بعد مشاركته كبديل بدقائق قليلة.
68′ أردا جولر ينفذ ركلة ركنية، تصل الكرة إلى منطقة الجزاء، وكاد ريال مدريد أن يسجل هدف التقدم لولا تشتيت الدفاع، لتتحول إلى ركنية جديدة.
69′ مشادة بين لاعبي الفريقين بعد تدخل من داني كارفاخال ضد حارس مارسيليا، وسقوط الأخير على أرض الملعب.
70′ تقنية الفيديو تراجع الموقف لوجود احتمالية طرد كارفاخال على تصرفه السئ.
72′ طرد كارفاخال وريال مدريد يلعب منقوصًا بـ10 لاعبين فقط. طرد كارفاخال في مباراة ريال مدريد ومارسيليا
RED CARD 🟥
Dani Carvajal is given a straight sending off following the VAR review!#beINUCL #RealMadridMarseille #UCL pic.twitter.com/L3HgQnx5Ws — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) September 16, 2025
73′ دخول راؤول أسينسيو وخروج أردا جولر في تبديل جديد لصالح ريال مدريد.
75′ بطاقة صفراء لصالح لاعب مارسيليا ميدينا بعد تدخله ضد إبراهيم دياز.
76′ فينيسيوس جونيور يحاول اقتحام منطقة جزاء مارسيليا قبل أن تصل كرته بسهولة إلى الحارس.
77′ تبديلان جديدان في صفوف مارسيليا، خروج تيموثي ويا وإيمرسون.
79′ فينيسيوس جونيور يسدد كرة خطيرة ناحية مرمى مارسيليا ولكن حارس الخصم يتصدى ببراعة.
80′ ضربة جزاء لصالح ريال مدريد بعد لمسة يد ضد لاعب مارسيليا بعد اصطدام كرة فينيسيوس.
81′ هددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددددف كيليان مبابي يسجل الثاني من ضربة جزاء. هدف مبابي الثاني في مباراة ريال مدريد ومارسيليا
GOAL!@KMbappe just about squeezes the ball past Rulli for his 50th Real Madrid goal!
The 10 men lead with stoppage time fast approaching ⏱️#beINUCL #RealMadridMarseille #UCL pic.twitter.com/k6eQGzx2fc — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) September 16, 2025
85′ إبراهيم دياز يهدد مرمى مارسيليا بكرة خطيرة ولكن الحارس يواصل تألقه.
86′ تسديدة خطيرة من لاعب مارسيليا وتيبو كورتوا يتصدى ببراعة.
90′ احتساب 7 دقائق كوقت بدلَا من الضائع للشوط الثاني.
90+3′ ضغط مستمر من مارسيليا لتسجيل هدف التعادل قبل نهاية المباراة.
نهاية الشوط الثاني والمباراة بفوز ريال مدريد على مارسيليا بهدفين لهدف.
What started as a rather miserable summer with the sacking of Ange Postecoglou has turned into what could be a brilliant one for Tottenham Hotspur.
Thomas Frank has a massive task ahead of him both domestically and on the continent next season, but Daniel Levy and Co appear intent on giving him what he needs.
After making the required signing of another young prospect in Japanese defender Kota Takai, the North Londoners made the massive £55m purchase of Mohammed Kudus.
The former West Ham United star is undoubtedly going to add something special to Frank’s attack, and now the club appear likely to land another Premier League star who’d be his dream ten.
Tottenham Hotspur target Premier League stars
In an understandable bid to improve their terrible domestic form ahead of next season, Spurs have seemingly made a concrete effort to target players who did exceptionally well in the Premier League last season.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
One of those is Yoane Wissa, who, according to reports, could be available for around £50m.
That might sound like a lot for a 28-year-old Brentford player, but with 20 goals and five assists to his name in 39 appearances last season, he’d be more than worth the outlay.
That said, being a centre-forward, he is obviously not the target who could be Kudus’ dream ten; that tag goes to Morgan Gibbs-White.
Yes, in what is now turning into the latest transfer saga involving the North Londoners, a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Spurs have maintained their desire to sign the Nottingham Forest star.
The Italian journalist has claimed that, despite the Tricky Trees threatening legal action following the Lilywhites’ activation of the Englishman’s £60m release clause, the club remain confident that they will get their man.
That’s undoubtedly due to the player’s desire to make a move happen, with journalist Graeme Bailey also reporting that Gibbs-White has told Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis that he wishes to sign for Spurs. That’s despite interest from Manchester City.
Indeed, earlier in the window, it was reported that the Citizens have been working on a deal to sign the creative midfielder this summer and had allegedly already agreed on personal terms. Yet, they have preferred other options up to this point, namely new signing Rayan Cherki.
This deal would represent a serious financial commitment from the Europa League champions, but given Gibbs-White’s form last season, it’d be one worth making, especially as he’d be a dream ten for Kudus.
Why Gibbs-White would be a dream ten for Kudus
While there are several reasons why Gibbs-White would be a dream number ten for Kudus, one of the most crucial is simply his output.
For example, in just 34 appearances last season, totalling 2824 minutes, the “exceptional” midfielder, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola, scored seven goals and provided ten assists.
That means he averaged a goal involvement every other game, or one every 166.11 minutes, which is made all the more impressive by the fact that Forest only scored 58 goals in the league.
Appearances
34
Minutes
2824
Goals
7
Assists
10
Goal Involvements per Match
0.5
Minutes per Goal Involvement
166.11′
Just imagine then how many goals and assists the former Irons star could amass playing alongside someone that creative and effective.
Moreover, when we take a look at the 25-year-old’s underlying numbers, we can see some of the ways in which he could get the ball up to his potential future teammate.
For example, FBref ranked him in the top 8% of attacking midfielders and wingers for passes into the final third in the Premier League last season, and the top 9% for through balls, per 90, demonstrating exactly why some analysts believe that he is a “monster” in transitional phases of play.
Finally, it’s easy to overlook the simple fact that the Stafford-born ace is already proven in the league, so there should be little need for a bedding-in period, and therefore, he could start providing chances for the Ghanaian international from day one.
Morgan Gibbs-White for Nottingham Forest.
Ultimately, it will be an expensive deal, but Spurs look to be onto a winner with Gibbs-White, especially in tandem with Kudus.
Gibbs-White will love him: Spurs huge admirers of £80m Premier League star
Tottenham Hotspur’s huge transfer window has shown no signs of slowing down in recent days.