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English Clubs Manchester City FC, Injury Crisis
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kjs86
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 Jun 23 2025, 11:40 AM
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New Member
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]What does Ait Nouri offer as a wing back?
Out with the old and in with the… West Midlands wing-backs?
That was the order of the day as Guardiola started with two former Wolves players on either flank.
He stayed true to his word that he would change the entire team from the side that beat Wydad 2-0 but he also trialled a back three with new signing Rayan Ait-Nouri at left wing-back and Matheus Nunes on the other side.
Much like Tijjani Reijnders on Wednesday, this was a very strong debut in which his technical polish really came to the fore.
There was a clear attempt from City to switch play to the wing-backs earlier in build-up as they were pinging diagonals to Ait-Nouri whenever they could.
He is so direct and two-footed that Al Ain struggled to read whether he was going down the line or cutting inside. There is such unpredictability to his dribbling, which added a new dimension to City’s attacks.
In the first-half the two wing-backs combined when Nunes burst past his men and overhit a cross to the back post. Ait-Nouri retrieved the ball and skipped by two players as he drove into the box but slipped at the crucial moment.
It was the only time his feet deserted him. In the second half he produced an outrageous nutmeg while running to keep the ball in play but he also had several jinking runs that nearly ended in a goalscoring opportunity, including a cross which would have found Erling Haaland had he expected the ball to be crossed so early.
His addition should have Haaland licking his lips, though. Rather than having to find space in a crowded penalty area, the Algerian’s quicker deliveries are likely to lead to more open chances for him.
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kjs86
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Jun 23 2025, 11:41 AM
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New Member
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Will Echeverri stay in the squad?
The 19-year-old Argentine was thrown in at the deep end five weeks ago when he was brought on for his debut to help save the day against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
He had City’s best chances of the game towards the final whistle but squandered them, leading to many questioning the decision to bring such a young player on in those circumstances.
Guardiola defended it, pointing to the chances as evidence his movement in tight areas was effective to impact such a high level game.
After sitting out the opening game at this competition, Echeverri was given a start playing off Haaland.
He is still raw but he fizzed around relentlessly for 45 minutes and scored a well taken free-kick to make it 2-0, gently curling the ball over the wall.
He has had to bide his time since he was signed in January 2024 from River Plate and loaned back for 18 months but he is being given the chance to impress now.
A goal will have helped his case, even if he does have to improve his awareness at times to avoid being dispossessed with his back to goal.
With Guardiola looking to cut numbers from his squad, it remains to be seen what the plan is for him but he has the quality of the ball always seemingly coming to him inside the penalty area, which is something that does not happen by chance.
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kjs86
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Jun 23 2025, 01:33 PM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Stefan Ortega (6/10):
Good on the ball, but rarely tested. Often wandered out of his box to play a sweeper role, helping keep the tempo of the match.
Abdukodir Khusanov (6/10):
Subbed off midway through the second half after a solid performance. He didn't put a foot wrong and offered a tidy passing outlet out of the back.
Manuel Akanji (7/10):
Lights out defensively, he really impressed in the back-three while leading City by playing out of the back.
Josko Gvardiol (7/10):
Defensively sound all match, and pushed forward to help progress the ball when needed. A well-rounded showing.
Matheus Nunes (6/10):
A quiet, uncontested match for the Portuguese midfielder, who was deployed as a wingback. Didn't impress, but didn't put a foot wrong, either.
Nico Gonzalez (7/10):
A decent performance in a single pivot role with Gundogan and Silva rotating above him. Closed down any counters, and was the midfield controller in the center of the park.
Ilkay Gundogan (9/10):
His first brace for City since the 2023 season, it was a brilliant performance from the Germany international. He read the opposition well and operated in the midfield smoothly. Well done.
Rayan Ait Nouri (7/10):
Really solid first start for City since his transfer from Wolves. Put his tidy footwork on display in the final-third and offered a sound defensive performance.
Claudio Echeverri (9/10):
What a way to mark your first start for the club. Fantastic free kick, and overall, a really impressive first 45 minutes.
Erling Haaland (7/10):
Strong all match, but a few wasteful chances. He took his penalty well, but could have had a second if he was more clinical. A delightful late dummy to feed Cherki his first goal in City Blue.
Bernardo Silva (7/10):
So, so smooth on the ball. Ran the midfield show while intertwining with Gundogan, showing his class.
Subs & Manager
Rayan Cherki (7/10):
Scored his first for City in a rather bright cameo off the bench. Tremendous interplay with Haaland for the strike.
Oscar Bobb (8/10):
His first goal back for City since sustaining a season-ending injury in August 2024, he looked electric on the flank while scoring their fifth of the night.
Phil Foden (6/10):
Subbed on at the half for Echeverri, but never made his mark on the match.
Tijjani Reijnders (N/A):
He made a late cameo off the bench.
Ruben Dias (N/A):
Brought on late to help close out the match.
Pep Guardiola (8/10):
The City manager got it all right, including the surprising start for Echeverri. Great substitution patterns, as both Bobb and Cherki found the back of the net, while defensively they were tight and composed. He will be thrilled they met Juventus's goal differential with two late scores.
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TSps3 fanboy
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Jun 23 2025, 03:18 PM
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skylinelover
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Jun 23 2025, 09:35 PM
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QUOTE(ps3 fanboy @ Jun 23 2025, 03:18 PM) As i predicted a buffet of goals surely   |
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kjs86
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Jun 24 2025, 04:44 PM
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New Member
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Manchester City
Has anything happened over the past week?
Ilkay Gundogan was linked with a move to Galatasaray — a link The Athletic can verify — but he told the media after City’s 6-0 victory over Al Ain at the Club World Cup that he believes he will stay at the club this summer.
John Stones also told reporters he intends to stay, at a time when manager Pep Guardiola has said City are looking to trim the squad ahead of the new season.
Claudio Echeverri and Vitor Reis could be allowed to leave on loan, although Reis’ position may depend on other movements in the City defence.
Right-back seems to be a position of weakness. Is that the focus now?
Guardiola said during last season that he never would have believed Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly would have ended up playing full-back, and while City have brought in Rayan Ait-Nouri on the left, it is clear there is still business to do on the right-hand side.
They have been linked with Flamengo right-back Wesley, who himself was linked with moves to Brighton and Juventus in the past week, while Newcastle’s Tino Livramento is another target. The 22-year-old is currently with England’s Under-21s at the European Championship and everything suggests Newcastle are desperate to keep him.
What positions/players are they looking at?
As mentioned, right-back is still the obvious gap in the squad. Given Guardiola’s repeated stance this week that they have too many players, moving players is out now appears to be the next focus, having done so much of their business early.
Which players could be leaving?
Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish are the players who find themselves out of the picture, while James McAtee’s future will be decided after he is finished with England at the Under-21 Euros.
That is four potential permanent exits, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to see how Guardiola gets down to his magic squad size.
“We have, right now, too many players, so we cannot go with 26, 27 players this season because there would be more without playing,” said Guardiola. “Step by step, maybe a few players are going to move.
“I would love to have the players that we have now all season. I would love it. I don’t have any complaints about the players, how they behave. The problem is that they will be unhappy during the season. They will be sad, they will be disappointed. I don’t want that.“
City have 32 players in their tournament squad without including the four senior players left at home.
It heightens the odds of some younger players like O’Reilly, Oscar Bobb or Echeverri having to go out on loan for regular game time, but they have all shown they are capable of contributing.
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kjs86
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Jun 24 2025, 04:48 PM
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New Member
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Arsenal
Has anything happened over the past week?
The most significant development on the transfers front was the arrival of Martin Zubimendi in London. The 26-year-old Spain international flew in to meet with Arsenal officials and complete the formalities of his €65million move from Real Sociedad.
Despite Zubimendi being linked with a switch to Real Madrid, Arsenal have considered this deal done for several months. Arsenal will pay a fee in excess of Zubimendi’s release clause in order to obtain a more favourable schedule of payments.
Will Arteta be desperate for Arsenal to start pushing?
A challenging start to the fixture list, with trips to Old Trafford, Anfield and St James’ Park before the end of September, will have focused minds. Mikel Arteta will be doubly determined to see his squad substantially strengthened before the start of the season.
A number of potential targets favoured by Arteta appear set to be playing their football elsewhere next season. Dean Huijsen has joined Real Madrid, Bryan Mbeumo wants to join Manchester United, and Nico Williams appears headed for Barcelona, while Leroy Sane is set to join Galatasaray. Arsenal do have alternatives, but the pool of options is diminishing.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Aside from the announcement of Zubimendi, Arsenal’s next significant arrival is likely to be goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The 30-year-old Spain international is expected at London Colney this week to tie up his £5m move from Chelsea.
Arsenal are also continuing their efforts to sign a No 9, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres under strongest consideration. They would also like to add a wide player, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon both of interest, and potentially a defender.
Which players could be leaving?
Despite rumours about a potential departure for Gabriel Martinelli, there have not yet been any significant developments regarding his future.
When Andrea Berta took the helm as sporting director, the message to Martinelli was clear: as a valued contributor to the first team, Arsenal expect him to stay.
Martinelli is happy at Arsenal and has two years remaining on his contract, with the club holding the option to trigger an additional year until 2028. Of course, things can change quickly in a transfer window. If an attractive buyer came in for Martinelli at an appropriate price — especially one which enabled Arsenal to land some of their top targets — then Arsenal’s position could shift.
Kepa’s arrival could mean a departure for 23-year-old goalkeeper Karl Hein. Hein spent last season on loan with Real Valladolid. After impressing in Spain, he is the subject of loan interest from other La Liga clubs, although Arsenal would also be open to a permanent deal.
Thomas Partey‘s contract expires next week and Arsenal have been in negotiations with the Ghana international over an extension, but are yet to find an agreement. Although Partey’s preference has been to remain in London, he is entertaining offers from elsewhere.
If Partey departs, he will have to be replaced. It’s a tricky proposition: with Partey able to leave for free, Arsenal may not have the budget to replace him with a player of similar standing. With the situation unresolved for now, Arsenal are discussing a number of potential alternatives. Lucien Agoume, Sevilla’s 23-year-old French midfielder, is one of the names under discussion.
This post has been edited by kjs86: Jun 24 2025, 04:49 PM
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kjs86
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Jun 24 2025, 04:52 PM
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New Member
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Chelsea
Has anything happened over the past week?
Mykhailo Mudryk was charged by the Football Association for violating its anti-doping rules. The Ukrainian international was provisionally suspended in December after his A sample tested positive. A violation of the FA’s anti-doping regulations carries with it a maximum penalty of a four-year suspension.
When the news originally broke six months ago, Mudryk released a statement saying he “never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules”.
Chelsea went into the market wanting a right-footed left winger anyway, but this has emphasised why they need to get a deal over the line.
Is Gittens the priority for the wing, or would they consider others?
Chelsea have a list of players for the position, so it is not as if Jamie Gittens is the only option they have on their minds. However, the fact that they have agreed terms with the player over a seven-year contract still makes the 20-year-old the most likely addition.
Chelsea are unconcerned by reports suggesting Bayern Munich are a rival for his signature and do not see them as a threat. The question remains whether they can agree a fee with Borussia Dortmund, having had their last bid of £42m, which was going to be paid in instalments rather than up front, rejected. Conversations between the two clubs are ongoing.
The Athletic reported earlier this month Chelsea had made a verbal enquiry for Lyon’s Malick Fofana. They have also admired Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho for some time. Should the Argentinian leave Old Trafford, he would like to remain in the Premier League and favours London as a destination.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Apart from a winger, Chelsea’s other main priority is a versatile attacker. They hold an interest in West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus and Brighton’s Joao Pedro. Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike is also liked, but Chelsea will only make a move if the current asking price of €100m is lowered.
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Randal Kolo Muani, who is currently on loan at Juventus from Paris Saint-Germain, but there is nothing in it.
They held talks with Milan over keeper Mike Maignan, only to end their pursuit earlier this month after failing to agree terms. A deal for another goalkeeper this summer is deemed unlikely as things stand.
Which players could be leaving?
Christopher Nkunku, valued at £65million by Chelsea in January, is liked by Manchester United, and though there has been recent contact, they have prioritised other forward signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, this summer.
When asked about Nkunku on Monday, Enzo Maresca said: “Christo is our player. He’s doing very well in the last four or five days and he could get some chances.” If any interest was to progress with either United forward Alejandro Garnacho (mentioned above) or Nkunku, they would be separate deals.
There is a lot of scrutiny on Nicolas Jackson’s future following his red card against Flamengo last week.
Chelsea are not actively looking to sell but they do not regard him as an ‘untouchable’ — such as with Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo, for example — even though he was given a contract extension until 2033 last year.
There is interest from Premier League clubs and those in the Saudi Pro League. Suggestions that Juventus and Napoli are keen have been dismissed because Chelsea do not think they can afford the 24-year-old.
Andrey Santos has yet to play a minute at the Club World Cup, but he is part of Chelsea’s plans and it is more a reflection of Chelsea’s desire to win the tournament. He has also only been with Enzo Maresca’s squad for a couple of weeks and is still learning to adapt.
Winger Noni Madueke is in a similar position to Jackson at the club in that while he is not up for sale, a bid might be listened to if high enough.
Djordje Petrovic will be sold if a club agrees to pay £25million for the goalkeeper, as per a gentleman’s agreement between the club and the 25-year-old Serbia international.
The plan is still to sell a number of personnel, including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka and Armando Broja.
Meanwhile, USMNT international Caleb Wiley is on the verge of rejoining Watford on a season-long loan. England Under-21 keeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe has agreed to spend the 2025-26 season on loan at Bolton Wanderers.
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kjs86
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Jun 24 2025, 04:55 PM
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New Member
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Liverpool
Has anything happened over the past week?
Liverpool wrapped up a record-breaking £116m move for Florian Wirtz that super-charged their summer. The deal with Bayer Leverkusen also set the wheels in motion for a switch in the opposite direction for Jarell Quansah. The 22-year-old centre back is now closing in on a move to Germany for around £30m plus add-ons. A buyback clause has been proposed and could be part of the deal.
Liverpool’s long pursuit of Milos Kerkez also edged towards the final stage as an agreement over the £40m fee was reached with Bournemouth. He is set for a medical this week.
Do Liverpool want to make changes up front?
Yes, but moving on Darwin Nunez, who is well-liked at Napoli (see David Ornstein’s One to Watch, above), has to be the priority. In order to justify signing another centre-forward this summer, Liverpool know that fixing up Nunez must come first. Receiving a sizeable fee for the Uruguayan could then help fund the arrival of his replacement.
Elsewhere, moving on Federico Chiesa after a miserable first season at the club should be more straightforward, with interest in Italy growing. Liverpool have made it clear that they want to keep Luis Diaz despite interest from clubs including Barcelona.
What positions/players are they looking at?
With Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong already added, attention turns to the centre-forward position. Liverpool admire Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak but a deal is going to be very difficult given his huge valuation.
Head coach Arne Slot favours a certain type of striker as he looks for a player who works hard out of possession and can often lead the press.
With Quansah set to join Leverkusen, Liverpool also need a new centre-back and are ideally looking for a youngster with the potential to grow.
Jorrel Hato, the 19-year-old Ajax defender who can also play at left-back, is expected to attract strong interest this summer and Liverpool could enter the conversation.
Marc Guehi at Crystal Palace is rated, but with only 12 months left on his contract, any follow-up interest in this window will depend heavily on the asking price. Nottingham Forest’s Murillo is also well-liked but expected to be valued too high.
Which players could be leaving?
Andy Robertson has interest from Atletico Madrid and is currently weighing up his options with one year left on his contract at Anfield, while Kostas Tsimikas is waiting to see how his opportunities will be affected next season with Kerkez set to join.
Harvey Elliott continues to put himself in the shop window with goals and impressive performances for England Under-21s this summer, while Tyler Morton, Stefan Bajcetic and other Liverpool youngsters are attracting interest. Nat Phillips, meanwhile, has completed a permanent move to West Brom in a £3m deal inclusive of add-ons.
Academy graduate Harvey Davies, 21, is joining Crawley Town of League Two on a season-long loan. The goalkeeper recently signed a new contract. There has been interest in Owen Beck from Premier League, Championship and Scottish Premiership clubs over a possible permanent or loan move for the 22-year-old. The defender still has two years left on his contract and no decision has been made over his future.
Joe Gomez, meanwhile, posted on social media last week that he was proud of his decade at the club before adding that he was “still hungry to keep going”. The 28-year-old remains a part of Liverpool’s plans as they value his versatility.
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kjs86
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Jun 24 2025, 04:56 PM
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New Member
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Manchester United
Has anything happened over the past week?
Manchester United have kept in touch with the people who represent Emiliano Martinez, with dialogue since the start of the year. Martinez is of the understanding that any pursuit depends on Andre Onana’s future.
Martinez does not want to go to Saudi Arabia, and would prefer United or another big European club. Aston Villa are yet to receive any direct contact about their goalkeeper, who signed a new contract to 2029 last summer.
Onana has been planning to stay at Old Trafford and, while that could change if there is firm interest in him, there is little movement by United to sell him or buy a goalkeeper for significant money.
According to one source with knowledge of the situation, Onana has been in contact with Bryan Mbeumo as talks over his potential transfer from Brentford continue. Onana and Mbeumo are international team-mates for Cameroon and the pair have spoken about linking up at Old Trafford.
On Monday, The Athletic reported United have made a second, improved offer of more than £60million for Mbeumo. Their first bid of £45m plus £10m was below what Brentford are holding out for, which is a figure more than the £62.5m price of Matheus Cunha. United are hopeful of a resolution soon, with pre-season training beginning at Carrington on July 7.
Can United function without signing a new striker?
Part of the reason for United pivoting to Mbeumo after missing out on Liam Delap was to get as close as possible to a guarantee of Premier League goals — even though that meant shifting from a recognised centre-forward. Mbeumo’s total of 20 goals from last season placed him fifth in the top scorers’ chart, and he did his best work coming in from the right channel.
But United also see Mbeumo as a player who can, in certain circumstances, go up top. In five seasons at Brentford, he has made 32 appearances as a striker, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists in all competitions from that position. He played there in five games last campaign, scoring against Tottenham, West Ham, Arsenal and Chelsea, but typically playing alongside a strike partner rather than solo, as would be likely in Ruben Amorim’s typical system.
Cunha is also a player with history as the focal point of an attack, spending most of his career there at RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid, and doing so 38 times in three seasons at Wolves, albeit less frequently last term. In 2024-25, he scored twice in six games in that position, starting at Bournemouth and coming off the bench against Tottenham. He featured at No 10, where United are expected to use him, on 24 occasions.
Although, like Mbeumo, he does his most effective actions outside the centre-forward remit — in his case running with the ball from deeper — United see the two players as able to form a carousel in the top position.
There is interest in Rasmus Hojlund from Inter but, should he stay, he would provide a more archetypal Amorim centre-forward. That said, there are people connected to the club who believe a new striker is still essential, even if Mbeumo follows Cunha into Old Trafford.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Evidently, due to the contact with Eintracht Frankfurt over Hugo Ekitike amid Viktor Gyokeres‘ preference for a team in the Champions League, the striker position remains a live issue. Amorim is also believed to want an athletic midfielder.
Which players could be leaving?
Marcus Rashford‘s interview with Spanish YouTuber Javi Ruiz was another indication that his ideal destination would be Barcelona. Ruiz is a Barcelona fan and Rashford said he would “for sure” like to be team-mates with Lamine Yamal in future. “Hopefully, we’ll see,” he said.
According to sources close to the player, Rashford does not feel Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams rules out a switch to Camp Nou, and he talked up the prospect of playing as a No 9. Talks have taken place around a deal but it is felt Rashford’s future might not be resolved until later in the window. United are only looking for a sale at this moment, but it might be a loan agreement closer to deadline is plausible. He is thought to see a move abroad as more appealing than staying in England.
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kjs86
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Jun 24 2025, 04:57 PM
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New Member
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Barcelona
Has anything happened over the past week?
The signing of Joan Garcia was officially confirmed, while Barcelona have also made significant progress in their most recent transfer target, Nico Williams.
The Athletic reported last Thursday that the Catalans have a verbal agreement in place with the 22-year-old’s camp to join them next season. Barca would need to pay Williams’ €60m release clause in one payment, but that’s not seen as a huge obstacle at the club. Barca are working on offloading players to make enough salary space to be allowed to register the player.
There is another name to keep an eye on: Roony Bardghji. The 19-year-old winger is entering the last year of his contract at Copenhagen and has been identified as an interesting talent for the future. Barcelona and the player’s camp have been in contact over a potential signing.
Will Barcelona push to sign players before they know whether they can register them?
They have already done so with Joan Garcia. Although the club believe they will have no significant problem registering the goalkeeper, with his €3m annual salary far from the top-tier in the club’s salary scale, and they count on having the Camp Nou VIP seating sale money counted in their budget this summer.
Meanwhile, La Liga insists Barcelona are still spending above their salary limit, although they could fix it. “Barca need to do some things to register players,” said La Liga CEO Javier Tebas last week. “It’s not a lot of things, but they know what they need to do in that regard. I am not going to reveal them here”.
Sources at Barcelona say they hope to seal the Nico Williams signing before the start of preseason, which is July 13. If that happens, the forward would be at the club, most likely, before they have completed all the procedures to register players regularly.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Barca’s priority is a left winger – and this is why they are determined to sign Williams now. Once his signing is secured, club sources say there won’t be any other clear target in Deco’s planning – apart from any market opportunity that could arise. Bardghji falls into that category. But the main target was to add a new attacker to bolster the forward line and, after having their initial interest in Liverpool’s Luis Diaz rebuffed, Williams is clearly the top target.
A conversation that will be held for the next transfer windows — definitely not this one — is who will be Robert Lewandowski’s replacement. Within the club, there is an assumption that this will be the Pole’s last season in Barcelona as his contract is nearing its end and Barca are expected to look for his successor.
In Joan Laporta’s mind, there is one standout candidate: Julian Alvarez. Barca’s president has been hugely impressed by the Argentina forward this season at Atletico Madrid, and there is the belief he would be a perfect fit for Barcelona’s style of play.
As admired as Alvarez is, a deal won’t happen until next summer at least… if Barcelona are even in a position to consider a deal like that.
Which players could be leaving?
Barca expect quite a lot to be leaving. Ansu Fati is the first on the list. Deco admitted last Sunday in an interview with La Vanguardia that they have been in contact with Monaco over a potential loan for Fati.
Inaki Pena, Pablo Torre and Pau Victor are also expected to leave. Then there’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who the club would like to sell after the signing of Joan Garcia in order to spare his salary. People at Barca even admit the club could be willing to let the goalkeeper leave on a free transfer.
Deco spoke about Andreas Christensen too in that same interview: “Christensen? Well, we have five centre-backs at the moment and one would need to leave. There are too many players there. The manager will need to make a decision.”
This post has been edited by kjs86: Jun 24 2025, 05:00 PM
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kjs86
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Jun 24 2025, 05:02 PM
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New Member
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Real Madrid
Has anything happened over the past week?
Madrid have made three signings — Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Franco Mastantuono — while they failed in an attempt to bring in Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras before the tournament. As new coach Xabi Alonso has said, focus has now turned to the football.
“We are in the Club World Cup and we are not in the phase of how to improve the current squad, but in the competition,” Alonso said on Saturday, when asked about whether his side needed a creative midfielder.
How much will Mastantuono play for Madrid?
While he will need time to adapt once he arrives aged 18 in August — and though he is used to a different style of football than the European game — Alonso wants Mastantuono to be important from the start.
Alonso is a big admirer of the River Plate youngster and played a role in the negotiations to sign him. The plan is for Mastantuono to play as a right winger but also move centrally, like a No 10, during matches. Arda Guler will move back to midfield, as he has done for Madrid in the Club World Cup.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Left-back, with Carreras still the first-choice despite Madrid missing out on him before they travelled to the U.S. The Athletic has reported the club are combing the market for a backup centre-forward in the mould of Joselu; someone who can make an impact in the box and could arrive on a low fee to take on a secondary role.
With Endrick injured, that role is currently being played by academy striker Gonzalo Garcia at the Club World Cup. He took advantage of Kylian Mbappe suffering a fever and Alonso’s confidence to start their opening two games against Al Hilal and Pachuca, scoring the first goal of the coach’s reign against the former and playing a role in their first two goals against the latter.
Before this tournament, Gonzalo was expected to leave to get more playing time, but his priority is to succeed with Madrid and it is unclear whether his performances Stateside could change his situation.
Which players could be leaving?
Rodrygo’s situation is worth paying close attention to. While his father and agent Eric Goes have rejected approaches from Premier League clubs — with Arsenal considering him as one of their targets — what happens at the Club World Cup could play a decisive role in his future.
After starting the first game against Al Hilal and providing the assist for Gonzalo to make it 1-0, he did not even warm up in the second match against Pachuca, as Gonzalo, Guler, Brahim Diaz and even academy winger Victor Munoz were all given minutes ahead of him.
There could be movement at left-back too if Carreras joins, given one of Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy would possibly leave in that situation.
“I live it pretty quietly,” Garcia said when asked about the reports about Carreras this week. “I don’t know if any deal will happen or not, but I try to do my best every day I put on this shirt and hopefully I can continue to do that for a lot longer.”
This post has been edited by kjs86: Jun 24 2025, 05:02 PM
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kjs86
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Jun 27 2025, 02:01 AM
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New Member
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Starting XI: Ederson; Nunes, Akanji, Dias, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, Reijnders, Bernardo ©; Savinho, Marmoush, Doku.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Ortega Moreno, Reis, Khusanov, Stones, Ake, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Nico, Gundogan, Foden, Cherki, Bobb, Haaland.
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kjs86
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Jun 27 2025, 05:35 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Ederson – 7
Uncharacteristically faulted in handing Juventus their equaliser, but made up for it with a big save to preserve the two-goal lead and then immediate contribution to the fourth goal.
Matheus Nunes – 8.5 (MOTM)
Roamed from his right-back berth into various different areas, making a telling difference from advanced zones as he forced the second and third goals. Added to his enterprise with endless endeavour and defensive elegance.
Manuel Akanji – 7
Very little defending required of him, and deigned to keep things simple with the ball at his feet for the most part.
Ruben Dias – 7
Engaged in a highly physical confrontation with Vlahovic, getting the better of his opposite number more often than not. His charge did elude the defence to score eventually, but not the fault of the Portuguese.
Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7.5
Highly prominent in the early stages, combining fluidly with Doku and earning an assist for the winger. Not quite as involved later on but coasted through the game without facing a threat down his flank.
Rodri – 7.5
Had looked fairly rusty in his two substitute appearances to this point, but was far more recognisable as the irreplaceable anchor of Manchester City’s midfield today. Has work to do to recapture his loose ball-winning abilities, but was better in this regard today and rarely missed a beat with his passing.
Tijjani Reijnders – 8
So intelligent in his movement on and off the ball. Escaped attention with his evasive dribbling skills, and caused Juve all manner of headaches with his running in behind.
Bernardo Silva – 7.5
Aside from one miskicked corner which most of the City Xtra team could probably (maybe) have produced better than, he controlled the Blues’ midfield in the manner befitting a captain.
Savinho – 8.5
Similarly involved to his first group outing against Wydad, although couldn’t quite produce the same end product for much of the game. That all changed with unselfish assist work for the fourth goal and an outrageous strike for the fifth, giving him something tangible to show for his work.
Omar Marmoush – 7.5
Received some tricky passes and held up the ball well against Juventus’ physical backline. Did look knackered after 45 minutes of high-intensity pressing and running in behind, and was withdrawn at half-time.
Jeremy Doku – 8
Looked bang up for this game right from the start and lived up to that promise with an impressive early goal. Was a menace throughout the first-half, although saw his influence wane a little prior to his substitution.
Substitutes
Erling Haaland – 7.5
For the second straight game, got his name on the scoresheet but his hand in another of the goals was his more impressive contribution.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6.5
Got his foot on the ball and slotted into the passing game.
Phil Foden – 7
Seems to have taken the Club World Cup as his chance to express himself and rebuild his confidence, which he did with his trickery and by adding the fourth goal.
Nico O’Reilly – 6
Unruffled in possession but allowed Vlahovic in to score.
Rayan Cherki – 6
Toyed with Juventus with his dribbling but ought to have scored his second Manchester City goal when put in.
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kjs86
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Jun 27 2025, 05:36 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Ederson: Terrible error for the Juventus goal, although his kicking was on point for Haaland in the second half and he came up with a good save. 6
Nunes: Did what he needed to defensively and his runs into the opposition box were very productive. 8
Dias: Set everything off with a nice pass for Doku for the opening goal, and looked comfortable on his first start of the tournament. 7
Akanji: Almost caught out by Vlahovic in the second half but otherwise he mopped everything up nicely. 7
Ait-Nouri: Pushed inside rather than rampaged down the left but played just as well and tested the Juventus goalkeeper. 7
Rodri: Easily his best performance since he returned, looking more up to speed with the game and keeping City pushing forward. 8
Silva: Better than he has been creating in the final third and kept everything ticking at the base of midfield. 7
Reijnders: Really impressive. Looks so comfortable on and off the ball, linking well with Rodri and Ait-Nouri in particular. 8
Savinho: Still has the tendency to drift out of games but alert to set Nunes free for the second goal and tee up Foden for a tap-in before a smashing goal. 8
Doku: Another very good performance, offering a goal threat and picking the right option in front of goal more consistently than he has. 8
Marmoush: Regularly unsettled the Juventus defence and went close to scoring at the end of the first half with a long-range effort. 7
Substitutes
Haaland (for Marmoush, 46) Almost embarrassed with the way he scored but his runs were excellent and the control for Foden's goal was terrific. 7
Gundogan (for Rodri, 66) Came on with the game already won but helped to keep City pushing. 7
Foden (for Doku, 66) Looks rejuvenated, offering a spark on the pitch that barely flickered last season. 7
O'Reilly (for Ait-Nouri, 75) Pushed high and inside whenever he could with Savinho wide. 6
Cherki (for Silva, 75) One tantalising ball across the box for Haaland. 6
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kjs86
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Jun 27 2025, 05:39 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Ederson (4/10):
His botched pass was naive and sloppy and another sign that he is a weak link for City. Gains a mark for his quick reaction to Vlahovic's attempt to lob him in the second half.
Matheus Nunes (8/10):
A fine display which sent a message to Guardiola that he can do a good job at right-back amid reports City are looking to sign Wesley or Tino Livramento. Defended his flank well but stood out most for his attacking play, notching two assists.
Manuel Akanji (5/10):
Had little to worry about for most of the game as City were so dominant although he lost sight of Vlahovic as Juve got their consolation goal.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
A comfortable performance patrolling the defence, often pressing high up the pitch.
Rayan Ait-Nouri (8/10):
Showed he meant business with his trickery leading to Bernardo's chance. Followed it up with his incisive pass to Doku. Another strong display which vindicates City's decision to buy him and revert to having attacking full-backs.
Tijjani Reijnders (8/10):
Built on his impressive debut against Wydad Casablanca with another commanding display. Had a good understanding with Rodri and was the driving force behind Foden's goal with a sumptuous no-look pass to Nunes.
Rodri (8/10):
A hugely encouraging first start in nine months. Controlled the play with a dominant presence all over the pitch until he was taken off in the 66th minute.
Bernardo Silva (7/10):
Gave a reminder of the threat he used to pose in the final third. Could have scored the opener but kept on probing Juve with a regular supply of balls into the channels and behind the defence.
Savinho (7/10):
Looked lively throughout and grew in confidence as the game progressed, culminating in his truly ridiculous strike - with his weaker foot.
Omar Marmoush (6/10):
Played an active role in City's dominant first half with aggressive pressing and clever movement. Smashed a free-kick against a wall but went far closer just before the break with a swerving strike tipped away by Di Gregorio.
Jeremy Doku (8/10):
His dribbling always had Juve on edge and he got the ball rolling with a stunning move and finish. Taken off in the 66th minute but he had already done his part.
Subs & Manager
Erling Haaland (7/10):
Made sure of the victory with a monstrous display from the bench. His goal was scruffy but his presence alone did half of the damage while his powerful run through the defence sparked the chaos leading to the fourth goal.
Phil Foden (6/10):
Scored his second goal of the tournament with a tap-in.
Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):
Kept City's play flowing after replacing Rodri.
Rayan Cherki (6/10):
There was little more to do when he came on as City knew the game was done and he couldn't get in on the act.
Nico O'Reilly (6/10):
Had a comfortable 15 minute cameo.
Pep Guardiola (8/10):
Not starting Haaland but bringing him on at half-time to kill Juve off was a smart move. So too was starting Rodri but taking him off swiftly. This was a statement performance which further outlined their intentions to go all the way.
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kjs86
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Jun 27 2025, 05:40 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
GK: Ederson - 5.5/10
Made a big mistake to concede the early goal after taking the lead.
RB: Matheus Nunes - 6.5/10
Offered some good creativity in attack.
CB: Ruben Dias - 6/10
A quiet game and performance.
CB: Manuel Akanji - 6/10
Also had a quiet game and performance,
LB: Rayan Ait Nouri - 7.5/10
An impressive display with bursts of creativity in attack.
CM: Rodri - 6.5/10
In his first game since his long-term injury, he played a very steady game considering a lack of match sharpness.
RM: Savinho - 7/10
Offered quite a bit in attacking transitions and scored an absolute beauty.
CAM: Bernando Silva - 6/10
Unlucky not to have scored early on.
CAM: Tijjani Reijnders - 6/10
Had a decent enough game.
LW: Jeremy Doku - 7.5/10
He scored their first goal, which set the tone for the match.
ST: Omar Marmoush - 7/10
He offered a lot in attack and played a good match until he was subbed off at half-time.
SUB: Erling Haaland - 7/10
An instant impact in the second half where he scored City's third goal of the game.
SUB: Phil Foden - 7/10
Scored right from the off.
SUB: İlkay Gündoğan - 6/10
Had a decent impact when he came on.
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kjs86
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Jun 27 2025, 05:44 AM
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New Member
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Savinho actually got the most league assists of any City player last season, with eight, and that is always worth pointing out considering a big accusation levelled at him throughout his debut campaign is that he has a poor end product.
It is probably easier to make that claim because Doku is basically the same over on the other flank, meaning the frustration is doubled: they are so good at dribbling to get into dangerous areas but inside the box, things usually fizzle out, especially with their shooting.
Doku scored three league goals last season, Savinho just one. Both, though, notched brilliant strikes in Orlando; Doku burying the opener in the far corner and Savinho adding City’s fifth with an absolute rocket.
It was nowhere near the corner but with that much pace and dip on it, no keeper would stand a chance. It is a big ‘if’ but these two young wide players can up their scoring output over the coming months, then City’s goal threat will be far greater than last season.
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kjs86
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Jun 27 2025, 05:44 AM
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New Member
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This was the first time that Rodri had started a match in nine long months and if his importance to City was not obvious before the knee injury that ruled him out for most of the season, it certainly was in his absence.
But City are doing all they can to put the bad vibes of last season behind them and Rodri is playing a part in that revival.
There were obvious signs of rustiness in his first two appearances off the bench, against Wydad and Al Ain, and one or two stray moments against Juve, but overall, this was a very impressive 66-minute outing, considering the time he has been on the sideline and the difficulty of suffering effectively a triple knee injury.
The midfield on the day had a lovely balance to it, with Tijjani Reijnders adding a bit of intelligent directness and Bernardo Silva doing his usual job of tying things together.
With Rodri adding his muscularity, positional sense, eye for a pass and everything else, City were able to quickly move through the gears once the Juve press was beaten — and that was increasingly often.
Rodri says himself it will be “months” before he gets back to his top level, so we should bear that in mind, but the comeback is going well so far.
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kjs86
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Jun 27 2025, 05:45 AM
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New Member
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It’s nothing we haven’t seen from Guardiola’s City before: squeezing up, dominating possession and zipping passes from side to side deep inside the opposition half.
But with their full-backs restored to traditional high-and-wide roles — as we saw for much of the second half of last season — and the technical excellence of Rayan Ait-Nouri introduced on the left, there’s a newfound dynamism to how this team build up.
For large parts of the first half, the tireless Bernardo Silva was drifting into a right centre-back role to allow both full-backs to push on. Other times, it was Rodri sitting between Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji, while new signing Tijjani Reijnders threatened with his darting movement up ahead.
Ait-Nouri, as well as playing that flying wing-back role, was also comfortable tucking into midfield, or even filling in as a wide centre-back. It all saw City constantly rotating, pulling defenders out of position and exploiting the space in behind with passes in behind.
The Algerian demonstrated his incision in the final third for City’s opener — drifting into a central space to help leave Jeremy Doku one-vs-one against Alberto Costa, before slipping the Belgian in with a reversed, slide-rule pass.
On the opposite side, while Matheus Nunes offered less in the way of positional flexibility and neat interplay, it was his powerful forward running that created both the second and the third, while Ait-Nouri was bouncing passes through midfield, an illustration of the varying full-back profiles at Guardiola’s disposal.
City haven’t always embraced the wide areas under Guardiola’s tenure but there are some promising partnerships between intriguing full-backs and tricky wingers that are starting to blossom.
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