Darren Moore

EPL giants Manchester City appoint Enzo Maresca as manager to replace Pep Guardiola

Manchester City have ⁠appointed Enzo Maresca as ⁠manager to replace departing coach ⁠Pep Guardiola next season, the Premier League club announced on Monday. Maresca, who has signed a three-year contract, brings familiarity with City’s set-up, having previously coached the club’s youth team. He was also the senior side’s assistant ‌coach under Guardiola during City’s 2018-19 treble-winning season. One of the Italian’s first assignments will be to prepare the City side to take on his countrymen from Inter Milan at the Hong Kong Football Festival on August 1. Another Italian side, Juventus, will face Maresca’s previous club, reigning Club World Cup champions Chelsea, four days later. “Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me,” Maresca said in a statement. “The quality of the people who work here is what makes it so special, and I want to thank ⁠them for showing faith in my ability. “I cannot wait to start coaching the players. I want ‌us to win, play good football and enjoy the pressure of representing Manchester City.” The 46-year-old Italian’s managerial journey began at Parma in ‌2021, where he lasted 14 games, winning only four times. He was ⁠appointed Leicester City boss ⁠at the start of the 2023-24 Championship season and guided them back to the Premier League as champions. ‌ His success in the East Midlands earned him a move to Chelsea, where he was charged with steering a young ‌but ‌expensively assembled squad back to the Champions League. Maresca delivered a fourth-place finish while ‌also winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup, though his relations with the ⁠London club’s owners soured and he left midway through his second season at Stamford Bridge. ⁠He now faces the daunting task of replacing 55-year-old Guardiola, whose decade-long spell transformed City into English football’s dominant force. Guardiola, who announced his departure in ‌May, led City to ‌a dazzling array of silverware, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown. The Spaniard won the League Cup and FA Cup in his final season to cap a remarkable tenure at the club. Guardiola was asked in his final news conference as City manager if he had a message to his successor, whoever that might be. “Just be yourself,” Guardiola said. “The club will support you unconditionally, that’s the biggest compliment. “Be yourself … be free and your ideas and work a lot. Everything will be fine.” Still, replacing a long-serving managerial great often has not worked out well. Alex Ferguson, who was manager at Manchester United for almost 27 years, retired in 2013 and hand-picked his own replacement, David Moyes, who did not last a season. At Arsenal, Unai Emery replaced Arsene Wenger – who was coach there from 1996 to 2018 – and was fired after 18 months. More recently, Arne Slot took over at Liverpool in the summer of 2024 after Jurgen Klopp’s almost nine years in charge and won the Premier League in his first season. His second season has been tough, though, with Liverpool finishing the recently completed campaign in fifth place. Slot has since resigned. Maresca joins City at a potentially testing time for the club, who are currently involved in a huge legal case with the Premier League. City was charged by the league in February 2023 with more than 100 financial breaches, including providing misleading information about their sources of income. The case was heard by an independent commission between September and December in 2024, but no verdict has been reached. Punishment could be as extreme as expulsion from the top flight. City have always denied the charges.

2026-06-29

Man Utd news: 'Next Caicedo' arrives as 'contact made' for £75m World Cup star

Manchester United face a crucial transfer window as boss Michael Carrick looks to build upon his promising start in the Old Trafford hotseat. The Red Devils will be eager to surpass last season's third-place finish and make an impact in the Champions League . Brazilian midfielder Ederson is poised to complete a move to United from Atalanta and further signings - plus a few departures - are on the cards. With Casemiro leaving on the expiry of his contract, further midfield signings are required and United are reportedly locked in a battle with Tottenham for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes. The Portugal international is among a number of players linked with a switch to Old Trafford, along with Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali, although Elliot Anderson - another player United were interested in - has agreed to join Manchester City . On the departures front, goalkeeper Andre Onana looks set to extend his loan at Trabzonspor, with the Turkish side covering his wages and paying a loan fee. Mirror Football takes a closer look some of the latest United news lines… FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page Exciting midfielder Cristian Orozco is set to start life at United as he closes in on his 18th birthday. United agreed to sign Fortaleza CEIF starlet last September but have to wait until July 13, when he turns 18, to register him. United are getting ahead of the game by flying him to Manchester this weekend with chief scout Giuseppe Antonaccio to begin the aclimitisation process and conduct his medical. Given his tender age, the Colombian, whose style of play has been likened to Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, is regarded as one for the future and will initially slot into United's under-21 setup. However, some first-team action next season isn't out of the question. With United involved in the Champions League, Carrick may rotate his side heavily in the Carabao Cup. United have made contact with World Cup star Felix Nmecha, according to reports in Germany . Numerous clubs are said to be interested in Borussia Dortmund's Nmecha, who has earned rave reviews for his performances in North America so far this summer. Sky Germany claim United are looking to beat the 'increasing competition' for the 25-year-old and haven't been put off by his long-term Dortmund contract, which has four years left to run and has a £75.5million buyout clause. Newcastle are also said to be interested in but reportedly want to lower the asking price, potentially leaving the door open for Man United to sweep in. A move to the Premier League is attractive to Nmecha, who is the younger brother of Leeds United forward Lukas. For now, Felix's focus will be on the World Cup, where Germany face Paraguay in the last 32 after topping Group E. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

2026-06-28

Roma Join Nottingham Forest For €30m Celtic: Why Parkhead Must Stand Firm On The Valuation?

The transfer scramble for Celtic’s midfield crown jewel has just gone continental. According to Football Italia on X, Italian giants Roma have officially thrown their hat into the ring for Arne Engels.

2026-06-27

Emmanuel Fernandez 'targeted' by Rennes as Rangers mega transfer paydays escalate

Stade Rennes have reportedly added Rangers star Emmanuel Fernandez to their list of summer targets. Fernandez was part of a major summer recruitment drive last summer when he arrived in Glasgow from Peterborough in a deal worth around £3.5m. After a slow start to life at Ibrox, the 24-year-old went on to enjoy an impressive campaign at the heart of Rangers' backline - with Feyenoord, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund among the clubs tracking the centre-back. It’s understood that a significant sell on percentage was written into the agreement which means Rangers would be likely to demand top dollar to be tempted into sanctioning such a quick turnaround sale. Ouest-France report that the Nigeria international is on a three-man shortlist of defensive targets, alongside Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell and Wolves man Yerson Mosquera. Towards the end of last season, the towering defender insisted he was in no rush to leave. When asked where he sees himself next season, he responded: “I see myself being here. "I've still got four years left on my contract, whether that's to run down my contract. I'm happy I'm here. I'm happy to carry on being here." Fernandez is not the only played who could command a bumper fee this summer, with Belgium international Nico Raskin attracting interest from Italy. Sources in Italy state that Atalanta are keen on signing the 25-year-old this summer as a replacement for Ederson, who is on Manchester United's radar. Corriere dello Sport report that boss Maurizio Sarri has personally "requested" the club sign Raskin - with the Ibrox star now the club's top midfield target. Additionally, PSV Eindhoven have reportedly named Rangers frontman Youssef Chermiti on their three-man striker shortlist, as they consider cashing in on Ricardo Pepi. Voetbal International report that a feel in the "double digit" millions would be required for the £8million Ibrox recruit, who is being considered alongside Alvaro Rodriguez of Elche and Monaco star Mika Biereth. Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in an exclusive offer to celebrate the World Cup. Click HERE . Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources . Click HERE . Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On , every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks. Follow Record Sport on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers page and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

2026-06-27

Yuto Nagatomo scripts history as first Asian player to play in five FIFA World Cups

Japanese football legend Yuto Nagatomo etched his name into the halls of absolute immortality, becoming the first Asian player in football history to participate in five different editions of the FIFA World Cup.The tireless 39-year-old full-back achieved the extraordinary milestone when he stepped onto the pitch during Japan's high-octane group-stage encounter at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. By doing so, Nagatomo broke away from a select group of continental icons to claim an exclusive piece of Asian football history.A journey of pure defianceNagatomo’s incredible World Cup odyssey began sixteen years ago at the 2010 edition in South Africa, where his explosive energy down the flanks caught the global eye. He remained an indispensable, driving force for the Samurai Blue through the tournaments in Brazil (2014), Russia (2018), Qatar (2022), and now the historic 2026 edition across North America.Renowned for his ferocious work ethic and elite physical conditioning, the former Inter Milan defender has defied time, sports science, and generations of younger challengers to retain his spot in the national setup. His inclusion is not merely sentimental; Nagatomo’s immense dressing-room presence and tactical discipline have been vital anchors for a flying Japanese squad that has taken the 2026 tournament by storm.With his fifth World Cup appearance, Nagatomo joins a legendary, ultra-exclusive global club of football icons who have achieved the feat, standing alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Lothar Matthäus, and Rafael Márquez.For Asian football, his longevity sets a monumental benchmark, proving that continental athletes can sustain peak performance at the absolute summit of international football for nearly two decades. As Japan transitions into the knockout rounds with grand ambitions, their timeless veteran remains the spiritual heartbeat of the squad, showing the world that the fire of the Samurai Blue refuses to burn out.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.

2026-06-26

Transfer : Real Madrid activate Nico Paz €9m buy - back clause

2026-06-25

Liverpool 'frustrated' over Curtis Jones transfer plan as second Inter bid rejected

Liverpool have turned down a second bid from Inter Milan for Curtis Jones. The Reds have rebuffed a £21million offer from the Serie A heavyweights, according to the Times . The proposal falls considerably short of Liverpool's valuation of Jones, with reports suggesting the Merseyside club's top brass are becoming increasingly frustrated by Inter's repeated approaches below their valuation. The Reds do not consider the Italian side to be serious contenders for the midfielder's signature, such is the gulf in how the two clubs value Jones. Jones, 25, is priced at £35m by the Reds, with the club maintaining that this represents fair market value following Conor Gallagher's move to Tottenham from Atletico Madrid in January for a comparable fee. Liverpool also rejected an approach from Inter during the winter window, when the Italian outfit had hoped to secure a loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer. The Anfield academy graduate has just one year left on his current deal , with no negotiations over a fresh contract presently underway . Despite this, sporting director Richard Hughes is said to have little appetite for further discussions with Inter after the club indicated they would not exceed £21.7m. With a new deal looking unlikely, speculation surrounding Jones' future shows no sign of abating. Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey believes a move to Serie A could help Jones fulfil his potential. "I'd be very surprised if he's not pushing for a new contract," Heskey told LiveFootballTickets. "So there's something there that tells me that they're not willing to offer him what he wants. "They're either not willing to offer him a new contract or they're not willing to offer him what he wants in that contract. He's got ambitions to be a regular England player. So he needs to be playing regularly, and I think he can become a regular England player but he needs to be playing regularly at his club. "I think if Liverpool can't give him that I think he then looks at other pastures. You look at Scott McTominay (at Napoli) who has gone on to play in Italy and he's been lauded for it. Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now! "He's actually changed the way people look at him as a footballer, and I think Curtis has got the ability to do that. He's got so much ability to lead and he could play in several different positions." In more encouraging news for Liverpool, RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast sensation Yann Diomande has opened up about the prospect of a Premier League switch. Liverpool have informed Leipzig they are prepared to table a bid of up to £86m for the 19-year-old. "Would I be open to the Premier League? I don't know," Diomande said. "I am an RB Leipzig player, but why not? My agents will sort that out. "As for me I am more focused on the World Cup, that's the most important thing. It doesn't happen all the time, it's only every four years, so I am making the most of it and for the rest, we'll see." Join our LFC WhatsApp community and get all the latest LFC news, views, transfer gossip and more, as it happens We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

2026-06-21

Arsenal news: World Cup star 'welcomes' interest as Real Madrid make transfer U-turn

The countdown to the new Premier League season is underway following the unveiling of the fixture list. Arsenal will kick off the defence of their crown against newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday, August 21. By then, the champions will have been active in the transfer market, with both arrivals and departures on the cards this summer. The market is rather quiet at the moment as the World Cup takes centre stage. However, feverish work is going on behind the scenes to ensure Mikel Arteta's side is as ready as possible for 2026/27, with Manchester City , Liverpool and Chelsea looking for fresh starts under new management. Meanwhile, Gunners fans will be keeping an eye on the 15 players currently with their international sides in North America, especially the England contingent of Declan Rice , Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka . As the tournament continues, here's a round-up of the latest Arsenal news… FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page Kenan Yildiz has reportedly welcomed the Gunners' continued interest in him. The Turkey star, who has been repeatedly linked with Arsenal, only signed a new contract with Juventus in February, tying him to the Turin giants until 2030. Juve will have hoped that would have shut down speculation over his future. However, having failed to qualify for the Champions League , they may need a cash injection, and Yildiz is the player who could command the biggest fee. According to TuttoSport , the Gunners have explored a move in 'recent weeks' while Yildiz views the Emirates as a 'welcome destination'. In turn, the Old Lady's majority shareholder, John Elkann, is said to have given short shrift to Arsenal's advances. However, if needs must, Juve may feel compelled to cash in on the 21-year-old. Real Madrid's interest in Riccardo Calafiori has cooled after the Gunners slapped a monster price tag on the Italian. One of the most coveted defenders on the continent, Calafiori has attracted interest from Los Blancos , who are rebuilding under Jose Mourinho following a dire season in which they failed to win a trophy. However, Marc Cucurella's £52million switch to the Bernabeu, combined with a £78m bid for Manchester City's Ruben Dias , has taken a sizeable chunk out of Real's transfer war chest. Despite landing Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool on a free transfer, the centre-back's wages will further eat into whatever remaining budget is at Mourinho's disposal. With £130million already committed, should the Dias deal cross the line, Arsenal's £86m valuation of Calafiori may simply prove too steep, particularly with reinforcements still required in other positions across the pitch. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

2026-06-20

£43m World Cup star had 20 minutes to convince Man United and did not take it

As DR Congo edged towards a historic World Cup result against Portugal, Rafael Leao was introduced from the bench. Pitted against former Manchester United ace Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the AC Milan forward's task would have been to take the game to the Africans and get past the now West Ham United ace. Leao, who is understood to be valued at around £43million by AC Milan , has been linked with a move to United for many season s. But on the evidence of his display against the World Cup debutants, Michael Carrick will not be urging Sir Jim Ratcliffe to break the bank for him. Wan-Bissaka was quite simply untroubled by Leao. He was seldom forced back by the winger, and whenever he was approached, the ex-United star kept him quiet. Wan-Bissaka barely had to break a sweat. Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by _ signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now! In 20 minutes, Leao attempted and completed nine passes and did not even take a single shot. There was the occasional dart down the left flank, but his crosses into the box had little impact - they certainly did not find Cristiano Ronaldo, who stormed off the pitch in disgust at his nation's display. Leao is one of the more unique wingers on the planet. At his best, he ties full-backs in knots with his ambidextrous footwork and ability to cause trouble when cutting onto his right foot or driving down the line on his left. Against the Congolese, he was ineffective and flat on both sides, more often than not being forced to turn around and play backwards. Worst of all, he did not even make up for his subpar attacking display by leading the press or covering his defenders in the defensive phase. Carrick will have at least two more games to see Leao in action, if Martinez feels the AC Milan ace deserves another opportunity either in the starting eleven or from the bench. If he does get more game time, Carrick will need to see more from the forward to be convinced. The United boss dragged the Reds up the table by imposing a structured, but intense, playing style that pushed opposition teams back and exploited any space in behind. Matheus Cunha featured regularly on the left and was pivotal for Carrick. The variation in the Brazilian's game saw him score goals from different positions and angles on the pitch. The United boss also likes Patrick Dorgu, who was a revelation last season playing further forward. Considering his adeptness with both feet, Leao's profile may fit Carrick's vision for how he wants his teams to attack. But the lack of intensity, bite and aggression in his game against DR Congo may be the ultimate red flag for Carrick, who played through the Sir Alex Ferguson era of wide United stars flying up and down the wings like the Red Arrows. Nothing of the sort was on display in Portugal's draw with the West Africans. If Leao does get more opportunities in the USA, Mexico and Canada, Carrick will at least be able to see how he handles pressure. Portugal have made life difficult for themselves with the draw with DR Congo. They cannot afford to lose or drop points in their next match as they conclude Group K with a dangerous clash against South American heavyweights Colombia. Considering Uzbekistan are one of the lower-ranked teams, the spotlight will be on Leao and the other attacking stars to jumpstart Portugal's career. As well as his country's hopes of winning the competition for the first time in their history, his next career move may well depend on how he fares this tournament with a number of clubs linked to him and an exit from AC Milan looking a formality. Carrick won't judge players solely off one performance, but he certainly wouldn't have been impressed had he been watching Leao.

2026-06-18

Arsenal 'agree personal terms' with £43m World Cup talent but two transfers now in doubt

Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with Roma midfielder Manu Kone, casting doubt over two other potential deals. Mikel Arteta is anticipated to receive substantial backing for signings this summer as the club aim to defend their Premier League crown next season. Kone has excelled in Italy since his £15.5million move to Roma , initially arriving on loan in 2024. He featured 34 times last season, contributing to the club's third-place Serie A finish, and secured selection for France's World Cup squad. According to Italian publication Corriere della Sera, Arsenal have already conducted discussions with the midfielder's representatives and settled personal terms ahead of a post-World Cup transfer. The remaining task is to thrash out a fee with Roma, who are seeking £43million. The report suggests, however, that the Italian outfit might accept £39m (€45m), with Roma believed to require player sales before month's end, potentially smoothing the path for a deal. Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan had also registered interest, but Arsenal now seem to have established themselves as frontrunners. Several midfielders have been connected with the north London outfit, including Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, who appeal to the hierarchy. Arsenal have recently cooled their pursuit of Fernandes - who has been mooted as a possible addition for Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid and Manchester United. Meanwhile, Tonali could still make the switch to Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham following discussions with the player's representatives. Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi is believed to regard the Italian as the 'ideal' acquisition to help propel the club up the Premier League standings after consecutive relegation battles. FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page By choosing to proceed with a move for Kone, Arsenal fans may get the opportunity to watch him feature in France's opening fixture against Senegal on Tuesday night (8pm). Conscious of the likelihood he might draw attention during the tournament, Kone played down the rumours surrounding his future, saying: "Honestly, right now I'm only thinking about the World Cup. It's my first major international competition, a tournament I've always dreamed of playing in. "I want to remain exclusively focused on this. We'll talk about the future after the World Cup and see what happens." Kone started his professional career at Toulouse before signing for Borussia Monchengladbach, where he remained for four seasons, before ultimately transferring to Roma in 2024. He presently has 14 caps for France . Alongside Kone, Arsenal are understood to be weighing up other midfield options, including Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

2026-06-16