Per Mertesacker

Four players quit Man City in summer exodus as £550k freed up and £116m transfer agreed

Manchester City are poised to cut more than half a million pounds from their weekly wage bill as four players officially depart the club today. Former first-team mainstays John Stones and Bernardo Silva lead the exits, with the experienced pair leaving the Etihad Stadium on July 1 following the expiry of their contracts. Both players confirmed their departures before the season's end, giving City fans the chance to deliver an emotional send-off after the final Premier League match of the 2025-26 campaign against Aston Villa . Stones joined from Everton in 2016 in a £47.5million deal, making him the second-most expensive defender in football history at the time. FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Follow our Manchester City Mirror Football Facebook page The elegant centre-half went on to more than vindicate that outlay, racking up 295 appearances under Pep Guardiola during a medal-filled decade that brought six Premier League titles, the Champions League , Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, two FA Cups and five Carabao Cups. Silva followed him to Manchester 12 months later and swiftly won over supporters, netting 76 goals in 460 outings as he became integral to the most glorious period in City's history. Both players are currently representing their nations at the FIFA World Cup in North America – though their club futures look set to diverge dramatically. Silva has already put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Real Madrid and officially joins the Spanish giants today. Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now! Stones' next destination remains far less clear, with the 32-year-old opting to keep his focus firmly on England's World Cup campaign before turning his attention to his career's next chapter. The other two players leaving City today are academy products Ashton Muir and Ezra Carrington, whose development was hampered by a succession of injury setbacks. Between them, the four players are thought to have been pocketing around £550,000 per week, freeing up considerable funds for City to spend in the summer transfer window. According to The Athletic, Stones' contract at City was worth £250,000 per week before tax (£13m per year), while other reports have indicated that Silva was earning £300,000 per week at the Etihad Stadium. Those savings look set to be reinvested almost straight away, with the imminent arrival of Elliot Anderson, who has been City's primary target to fill the void left by the departing Silva for some time. The Nottingham Forest midfielder, currently lining up alongside Stones at the World Cup, underwent a medical at England's training base in Dallas on Sunday, ahead of a club-record deal worth in the region of £116m. The 23-year-old is set to be officially announced as a City player later this week, following England's Round of 32 clash against DR Congo on Wednesday afternoon. 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.

2026-07-01

Six players quit Man Utd in exodus as £700k struck off wage bill and new £35m signing agreed

Manchester United have officially bid farewell to six players as Michael Carrick's squad overhaul continues at speed. The club are set to return to European football's elite next season after the former skipper's stint in the dugout brought success to Old Trafford. Under Carrick, the previously faltering side recorded 12 wins, four draws and just two defeats, propelling them to third place and securing a Champions League spot. Now, with his position made permanent, the ex- Middlesbrough boss is parting ways with a number of players as the new month gets underway. Jadon Sancho , Casemiro , Tyrell Malacia , Sonny Aljofree, Malachi Sharpe and James Bailey have all cut ties with the club following the expiry of their contracts. The exits of Sancho and Casemiro have slashed a staggering £700,000 from the weekly wage bill, with the pair each pocketing £350,000 per week at Old Trafford. The Brazilian midfielder confirmed his departure back in January, having become a beloved star to supporters during his four-year spell at the club. Casemiro lifted the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his spell, and despite fans' efforts to persuade him otherwise, the 34-year-old stood firm on his choice. FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page Declaring his affection for United on social media, the midfielder said: "There are places we pass through in life... and there are places that become part of who we are. Manchester will forever be my home. "To the city, the club, and every supporter, my sincerest thank you. These past four years have been unforgettable, filled with moments my family and I will carry with us for the rest of our lives. "There simply aren't enough words to describe the happiness and warmth we've felt here. Thank you for every cheer, every memory, and for making us feel at home from the very first day. Forever a Red Devil." By contrast, Sancho faced a more difficult journey at United after his 2021 switch from Borussia Dortmund . The £73million winger turned out 83 times for the club, scoring 12 goals and contributing six assists. He spent much of his Old Trafford career away on loan, initially at Dortmund, then at Chelsea , and finally at Aston Villa . United had attempted to move Sancho on during the previous two summer windows without success, and will now be forced to accept his departure on a free transfer this year. Malacia arrived in 2022 and showed early promise, clocking up 39 appearances in all competitions during his debut campaign. However, a severe knee injury derailed any momentum and he managed just 12 outings following his return in November 2024. Aljofree, Bailey and Sharpe are set to leave United's academy and will receive assistance from the Old Trafford hierarchy in securing new clubs. Meanwhile, Carrick is preparing to welcome his first summer arrival as Ederson completes his move following the World Cup. The Atalanta midfielder will join for an initial £35million, with an additional £3.8million in add-ons. Further targets in midfield include Mateus Fernandes, Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba and Aurelien Tchouameni.

2026-07-01

Andoni Iraola frees up £710k and makes £34.5m signing as 12 players quit Liverpool in exodus

Liverpool have officially bid goodbye to 12 players. Weeks ago, the Reds confirmed their retained and released list for the 2026/27 season. While a number of academy players have exited the club on the expiry of their contracts, there were three major names that stood out: Mohamed Salah , Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, who were all out of contract at the end of this month and had already announced their pending departures . The trio, and the other nine names, officially departed the club when their contracts expired as the clock struck midnight overnight. Scotland international Robertson will join Tottenham Hotspur, while French centre-back Konate has signed for Real Madrid . It's unclear where Salah will play his football next season. The three departures mean Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola looks to have shaved a whopping £710,000 a week off the club's wage bill, which will aid the pursuit of further signings this summer. Konate was reportedly earning £150k per week at Liverpool. Robertson, meanwhile, was said to be pocketing £160,000 a week. Salah, who had signed a new two-year deal with the Reds, in 2025, was believed to be taking home a staggering £400,000 per week. Academy graduates Kareem Ahmed, Emmanuel Airoboma, James Balagizi, DJ Bernard, Oakley Cannonier, Josh Davidson, Terence Miles and Jacob Poytress will all depart Anfield . Defender Rhys Williams, who played a big role in the heart of the Reds' defence alongside Nat Phillips in the 2020/2021 season due to an infamous injury crisis, has also left. It's not all about the exit door at Liverpool, however. While the club looks to have lost out in the race for Yan Diomande, with the Ivory Coast winger said to favour a move to European champions PSG, they have launched their business this summer with the capture of Victor Munoz. The Spanish winger set the Reds back £34.5million from Osasuna. Liverpool had long been aware of Munoz and his talents, having seen him make two senior appearances at Real Madrid before becoming a full Spain international but it was the existence of a release clause that expedited the process. Paid across a six-year deal, the £34.5m fee works out at just £5.75m per year for the Reds, which is a manageable sum for a player with the potential to become a first-team star at Anfield. "I've been focused on the World Cup, so I didn't want to hear much about my future unless it was something clear," Munoz said. "Liverpool is an opportunity you can't miss. "It all took place very quickly. Iraola transmitted his confidence to me, how his team plays. He had an important role when it came to choosing." While there is a number of outgoings from Liverpool, the club also confirmed that contract offers have been made to Prince Cisse, Keyrol Figueroa, Kyle Kelly, Afolami Onanuga, Oliver O’Connor, Lucas Pitt, Ben Trueman and Matthew Wright. In tribute to those leaving, a statement on Liverpool's official website said: "Everybody at the club would like to thank the players for all their contributions and wish each of them the best for the future." FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page

2026-07-01

Liverpool transfer state of play as one deal close but two more slipping away

Never mind the World Cup and some actual football. For a certain section of people, the real action has now started with the transfer addicts getting their fill with the summer window now upon us. Business officially opened for Premier League clubs on Monday, June 15 before the window is slammed shut - as we are duty-bound to state - on Tuesday, September 1 at 11pm. Plenty of time for moves to be made, then. Having splashed out almost £450million on new signings and seen close to £225m worth of talent depart last summer, the Reds are understandably not expected to spend anything like the same amount. But this campaign has underlined that there still needs to be plenty of work done if Liverpool, under new head coach Andoni Iraola, are to once again bother those towards the top of the table. Mohamed Salah , Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have all now officially left Liverpool, along with nine other Academy players after their contracts expired. Robertson has signed for Tottenham Hotspur while Konate has gone to Real Madrid, both on free transfers. Salah is being linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Curtis Jones has been wanted by Inter Milan, but the Italians are unwilling to come close to Liverpool's asking price in excess of £30m for the 25-year-old, who is in the last 12 months of his contract. Nottingham Forest are keen but Jones is understood to be reluctant to move to the City Ground. With Alisson Becker having committed to Liverpool for the season, there have been claims from Italy that Giorgi Mamardashvili has been offered by his representatives to several Serie A clubs for a potential season-long loan. Joe Gomez cast doubt over his long-term future with recent comments on his status at Liverpool, while Federico Chiesa has been linked with a return to Italy but is expected to first attempt to impress new boss Iraola. Harvey Elliott is similarly likely to feature in early pre-season but is another who could leave if the right offer is forthcoming. Talk over a possible departure for Alexis Mac Allister has cooled, with long-term suitors Real Madrid having signed Bernando Silva and now looking at Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea. Luca Stephenson spent the last two seasons on loan in Scotland with Dundee United but is now on the verge of signing for Championship side Bolton Wanderers. And while it's a little early to determine which players could be released on loan, Kieran Morrison, who signed a new contract last month, is likely to be among them. Trey Nyoni, the 18-year-old midfielder who made 14 senior appearances this term, has previously been wanted by Championship side Swansea City for a temporary move. Spain international winger Victor Munoz became the first signing under Andoni Iraola when Liverpool triggered his £34.5million release clause at Osasuna last month. The Reds had already confirmed back in January that 20-year-old centre-back Jeremy Jacquet would arrive this summer from Rennes after a £60m deal was agreed amid strong interest from Chelsea. Nevertheless, Liverpool were recently linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur central defender Micky van de Ven despite the Londoners reportedly unwilling to sell this summer. Salah's departure means Liverpool are looking for a new right-winger. They were willing to pay £86m for RB Leipzig's 19-year-old Yan Diomande, a valuation equating to a package worth about €100m. Leipzig, though, refused to deal, although the player has now stated he expects to leave this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain believed to be his preference, making a Liverpool move highly unlikely. Bradley Barcola of PSG is another winger being assessed by the Reds, along with Brighton's Yanbuka Minteh, Said El Mala of Koln and Lille's Matia Fernandez-Pardo. PSG, though, are understood to not want to sell Barcola and have set a prohibitive price tag of more than £110m for the France international. The other three options on Liverpool's shortlist would be significantly cheaper. The Reds had retained an interest in Anthony Gordon, having been close to signing the England international two years ago, only for Barcelona to snap up the Scouser for €80m (£69.4m) from Newcastle United. Despite being linked with several midfielders, Liverpool are unlikely to do any business in the engine room until the futures of several present squad members are determined. The Reds are also not guaranteed to sign a new right-back despite Conor Bradley's long-term injury and the erratic fitness record of Jeremie Frimpong. January target Denzel Dumfries has, in any case, joined Real Madrid. FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page

2026-07-01

Man Utd blown out of the water as Tottenham agree Mateus Fernandes transfer deal

Tottenham have blown Manchester United out of the water by agreeing an £85million deal for Mateus Fernandes. Spurs offered the highest bid for Fernandes, 21, who's poised to make the move across London. The Portuguese was among United's top targets for the summer transfer window , as Michael Carrick looks to rebuild his midfield. But Mirror Football understands that £85m is well above their valuation, paving the way for Tottenham to win the race. Fernandes became United's priority after they pulled out of a move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson. In similar circumstances, the Red Devils weren't willing to match the £116m bid which Manchester City have been successful with. It leaves United scouring the market for an alternative, with midfield stalwart Casemiro leaving upon the expiry of his contract on Wednesday. Carrick's side have, though, agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta to sign holding midfielder Ederson. Get the latest World Cup 2026 news in your inbox with our Make Football Great Again newsletter As for Tottenham, Fernandes is expected to become their fifth summer signing. Spurs have already wrapped up deals for Andy Robertson , Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka - each one a free transfer - while they paid Brighton £52m for Jan Paul van Hecke. Like United, Tottenham are now focussing on midfield. With Yves Bissouma due to leave when his contract expires and Joao Palhinha's loan having come to an end, there's now the possibility of another departure after Lucas Bergvall informed club chiefs that he wants a new challenge. Roberto De Zerbi's men narrowly avoided relegation at West Ham 's expense and have capitalised on the Irons needing to bring in funds. Jarrod Bowen is another West Ham star who several Premier League clubs are interested in. Is Mateus Fernandes worth £85million? Have your say in the comments section . The sale of Fernandes represents a huge profit for the Irons, who bought him from Southampton for £38m a year ago. Although he was unable to help West Ham avoid dropping to the Championship , the 21-year-old impressed with his consistent performances. Fernandes scored four goals and registered four assists in 38 appearances across all competitions. He also made his debut for Portugal in April, although he missed out on Roberto Martinez's 26-man squad for the World Cup. 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.

2026-06-30

Arsenal transfer state of play as Bruno Guimaraes chase takes twist after offer for £80m star

Alex Scott is the latest midfielder Arsenal have made overtures to as they attempt to enhance the squad that won the Premier League title last season. After three years of coming up just short in the title race, Mikel Arteta oversaw the Gunners' first league success since 2004 last month. And while the club may have been unable to follow that up with a maiden Champions League triumph, they are not resting on their laurels ahead of the new season and have aspirations of strengthening significantly in the transfer window. As well as a desire to level up the left side of their attack, Arsenal are seeking further strength in midfield and hold an interest in Scott and the Newcastle duo, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. However, as their rivals Tottenham and Manchester United are finding in their pursuit of West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, proven Premier League midfielders are not easily attainable these days. Fernandes is valued at £85million by West Ham , just shy of the £80m price tag that has been placed upon Scott. The 22-year-old's valuation is not the only obstacle Arsenal have encountered, either. BBC Sport report they have now had an approach for the midfielder rebuffed by Bournemouth , whose insistence that one of the Premier League's most promising young players is not for sale this summer would seemingly make any prospective deal difficult. It remains to be seen if Arsenal, or any of Scott's other suitors, will attempt to seriously test that stance. Bournemouth are attempting to tie Scott down to fresh terms with a new contract which would include a release clause. Where that leaves Arsenal in their pursuit of another central midfielder remains to be seen. Newcastle have adopted an identical stance with Guimaraes, who they consider unsellable. Whether or not that will deter Arsenal from making further advances — they have already made contact through intermediaries and seen a verbal offer rebuffed — is up for debate and there are already rumblings that the club are ready to go back in for him. The same report claims that a deal for Guimaraes is currently viewed as more likely than one for Tonali irrespective of Newcastle's refusal to countenance a sale. The sort of transfer fee it may take to force Newcastle into reneging on a deal for Guimaraes is likely to be vast and, perhaps questionable given the player turns 29 later this year. But at the same time, the Brazilian is a proven Premier League commodity and would be primed to make an instant impact. Tonali is being pursued aggressively by Tottenham, while Manchester City are also admirers of the Italian and could be prepared to finance the significant figures it would take to satisfy Newcastle's demands. Arsenal have been credited with an interest in other central midfielders, too, including Ayyoub Bouaddi who has enjoyed a highly impressive World Cup campaign with Morocco . Fernandes is another player to be touted with the Gunners and the longer a deal evades both Manchester United and Spurs, the prospect of other suitors coming to the table may well grow. With Morgan Rogers emerging as Arsenal's priority attacking target, transfer funds will have to be proportioned appropriately with Aston Villa reportedly insistent that a British record fee be paid for the 23-year-old. Whether that will have a direct impact on Arsenal's plans for central midfield remains to be seen. There are plenty of irons in the fire — only time will tell where they plan to strike. Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now! 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.

2026-06-30

The 12 players waving goodbye to Liverpool today

Today marks the day when Liverpool and 12 of their players say their mutual farewells to each other as their journeys head in different directions. Across football, the date June 30 is when most contracts either roll over into the next year or come to an end. This summer at Liverpool is likely to see another period of major change with new head coach Andoni Iraola looking to update his first-team squad at the same time as the club goes through the natural process of refreshing their main Academy sides. Spain international winger Victor Munoz became the first signing under Iraola when his £34.5million release clause at Osasuna was triggered earlier this month, while centre-back Jeremy Jacquet is on his way from Rennes after a £60m deal was agreed in January. And there are a dozen players at both first-team and Academy level who will officially have their final day on the books at Liverpool, although a number have already confirmed their next destinations. Chief among them are Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, who will become Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid players respectively on Wednesday after their deals at Anfield expire. Mohamed Salah is also leaving, but will not determine his future until after Egypt's participation in the World Cup. Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are believed to be strongly interested in signing the 34-year-old. Rhys Williams, the centre-back who made 19 appearances for Liverpool during the 2020/21 season but hasn't featured for the first team since, is making an exit and has already been having a trial with MLS side New York Red Bulls. The remainder of the players departing on free transfers have featured at the Academy. Defenders Josh Davidson, Terence Miles and Emmanuel Airoboma and goalkeepers DJ Bernard and Jacob Poytress will all leave, as will midfielder James Balagizi, who made the senior bench twice in the 2021/22 season. Striker Kareem Ahmed is also exiting, along with Oakley Cannonier, who shot to recognition when an Academy youngster in 2019 by throwing the ball towards Trent Alexander-Arnold to deliver his famous quickly-taken corner for Divock Origi to send Liverpool into the Champions League final at the expense of Barcelona at Anfield. FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page

2026-06-30

Matheus Cunha's classy World Cup act can't hide uncomfortable Brazil truth for Man Utd star

Matheus Cunha is too humble to compare himself to Neymar. It wouldn't enter his head to talk about himself in the same breath as Brazil's greatest ever goalscorer. Since joining Manchester United , Cunha has impressed senior figures and staff with how grounded he remains. He can be spotted putting in extra sessions in the players' gym at Carrington. He has volunteered to be part of community projects and appearances, when he didn't have to. And if more proof were needed Cunha remains sincere and likeable, despite his wealth and fame, it came in the Houston Stadium following Brazil ’s thrilling win over Japan . At the final whistle, Cunha celebrated. Before realising it was a moment which required kindness more than personal happiness. Cunha made a bee-line for Ao Tanaka, the Leeds United midfielder who was in floods of tears. Japan had conceded a late, stoppage time goal to lose, and would be heading home instead of into the last 16. Cunha put his arms around Tanaka, before offering his opponent some comforting words It was a touching moment. One which personified what Cunha is all about. Which leads the narrative surrounding Cunha into the awkward stuff. Because there is a general feeling he lacks the grit to go with the guile needed to become a great footballer, instead of a good one. Cunha has been at the heart of what Brazil have done well up to now: he has given Carlo Ancelotti another reason not to trust Neymar, who has missed the last three seasons, but is fit and available again. Brazil supporters are used to having a traditional No.9. But Cunha is different. He can perform this role, as well as being a No.10 as well. He can score goals, and make them too. But against Japan he did neither. Like those around him, Cunha looked lost in a first half which saw Brazil fail to register a single shot on target. He wasn't creative. He wasn't physical. He wasn't finishing chances or creating them. His one attempt on target failed to test Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. In the end Ancelotti had seen enough and hauled Cunha off. He had lasted a few minutes more than an hour. Cunha looked like someone who couldn't get off the pitch quick enough. It was the fastest he'd moved all game. And his substitution proved to be another Ancelotti masterstroke. Because Cunha's replacement, Gabriel Martinelli, ended up winning the game with almost the last kick of it. Cunha has a lot of talent. Almost as much as compassion. But it's what he does with his feet and head, as opposed to his heart, that Ancelotti is most interested in. Ancelotti needs Cunha to do more, if Brazil are to stand a realistic chance of winning what would be their first World Cup since 2002. But on sure evidence, even managing this would not elevate Cunha to the level of his nation's true greats. And when Neymar decides to call time on his international career and pass the baton to someone else, the chances are he will hand it to Vinicius Jr - not Cunha. Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now! 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.

2026-06-30

£50m West Ham star, Woltemade and the new XI Aston Villa could sign

Aston Villa need to reinforce Unai Emery’s squad ahead of next season’s Champions and Premier League campaigns. Indeed there aren’t many positions Villa won’t be looking at and wondering if they can either improve quality or depth. Left back is probably the only position where there aren’t near daily reports of Villa being keen on Player X, Y or Z. In fact if money were no object they could go out and sign an entire new XI – here’s what it would look like based on players already linked with Villa. Obviously we understand they won't sign all of them, financial constraints won't allow that, but with so many different positions being linked it could be that Villa are looking across the whole board. The summer comes and the rumour mill starts generating Emiliano Martinez’s name. Last year it was Manchester United and this time it’s Juventus. Villa have been linked with several ‘keepers, including Parma’s Japan international Zion Suzuki and Stoke’s Viktor Johansson. Trafford could be the most eye-catching, though. Uncertain of his future at Manchester City and also linked with Newcastle. Villa have been searching for a challenger to Matty Cash and rather surprisingly Emerson Royal’s name has emerged. The Brazilian has been at Flamengo for only one season – but has not been massively impressive. Indeed the 27-year-old spent three seasons at Tottenham Hotspur and split the jury with his performances. Villa are one of several Champions League clubs being credited with an interest in Crystal Palace’s centre back. Liverpool and Bayern Munich have also been linked – as have Chelsea – but the associated price tag of around £50million could be prohibitive. The France international has the size and speed that would improve most back-lines, albeit he still has three years left on his contract at Selhurst Park. The Dutch defender has been at Union Berlin for the last four years but is a free agent with his contract finishing at the end of the month. The 27-year-old has been linked with Villa, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United and could attract a price tag in excess of £20m. The Juventus man is a central defender but he can play left back. In truth it would be a surprise to see Villa add to options that already include Ian Maatsen and Lucas Digne. Kelly, who made his name at Bristol City and Bournemouth, spent a short period at Newcastle before being sold to Juve after failing to force his way into Eddie Howe’s team. He has been linked with Villa and Leeds. FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! Get more news and AVFC analysis via our Aston Villa FB page The Senegal international is set to leave Spanish second-tier team Almeria after they failed to secure promotion back to La Liga. Spanish outlet Cadena Ser reckon a €15m transfer is a ‘done deal’. The 24-year-old has been with Almeria since signing a six-year after leaving Reims in 2023. Villa would have to break the bank to sign the West Ham star, who is also linked with Manchester United and Tottenham for a whopping £80m. Villa do have decent options in defensive midfield but Amadou Onana has had his injury struggles and Youri Tielemans didn’t really recapture his best form after he returned to the side. There has been extensive speculation linking Bowen and Villa, indeed talkSPORT have claimed it’s not a question of if – but when. Leominster-born Bowen has been at West Ham since 2020 but at least a season in the Championship might bring that to an end. Everton have also been connected in a player who still has four years left on his deal but could cost £50m. The 24-year-old made a brilliant start to his first season at Newcastle after joining them from VfB Stuttgart last summer. However, his performances waned and led to discussion about his best position, with most seeing him more effective behind the striker even though he is 6ft 6ins. Villa have been linked by Eddie Howe has professed himself a fan of the Germany international. A £65m price tag could mean Villa aren’t. The 24-year-old was one of the few West Ham players to end last season with much credit in the bank – credit that has paid dividends in terms of a place in a call up to The Netherlands’ World Cup squad. Villa have looked into the prospect of signing Summerville, as have Manchester United and Liverpool and it’s difficult to think he’ll be playing Championship football next season. Reports in Germany cite Villa as one of several clubs keen on Sunderland’s Brobbey, along with Chelsea, United and Spurs. The 24-year-old, who joined the Black Cats from Ajax last summer, has made an impact at the World Cup, with a brace against Sweden.

2026-06-30

Manchester City appoint Enzo Maresca as new manager

According to a club press release, the Italian has signed a three-year contract, keeping him at the club through the summer of 2029 and marking his third spell at Manchester City. Maresca said he knew Manchester City very well and considered the chance to manage the team a brilliant opportunity. "This will be my third spell here. I know this Club, I know the demands and I know the expectations. I cannot wait to start coaching the players. I want us to win, play good football and enjoy the pressure of representing Manchester City," he added. Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said Maresca's personality, passion and intelligence are aligned with the club's ambitions. "Enzo inherits a squad and football organisation perfectly suited to reflect and evolve his brand of football, and we are all very much looking forward to seeing the impact he can have in building further on the Club's success," Al Mubarak said. Chief Executive Officer Ferran Soriano described Maresca as the standout candidate for the role. "Enzo was the stand-out candidate in our considerations. We know his personality and his vision for the way football should be played. He is a man with integrity, charisma and passion," Soriano said. He added that, in addition to his successes at Chelsea and Leicester, Maresca's previous work at Manchester City included managing the club's Elite Development Squad and contributing to the club's historic Treble season. Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that Pep Guardiola had announced he would step down as Manchester City's manager at the end of the 2025/26 season.

2026-06-29