Manchester City

Former Manchester City captain Paul Lake hopes Jack Grealish will be "given an opportunity" under new manager Enzo Maresca, as he believes the left winger brings "great attitude and personality".

The club triggered a £100m release clause to prise Grealish away from boyhood club Aston Villa in August 2021. Since then, he has won three Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup at Eithad Stadium.

However, after dropping out of Pep Guardiola's starting XI, the 30-year-old joined Everton on a season-long loan for the 2025-26 campaign in search of first-team minutes.

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester, Lake said: "There is no reason why it can't happen. All of these players have got their own egos.

"Jack Grealish will say: 'Of course I can play in that team, I've done it before and I can do it again.' He does bring something different. He has experience, so he can deliver in high-pressure moments.

"He brings a great attitude and personality as well. He was so loved by the rest of the squad at Manchester City, you can even see that now when they are all walking around. There is a genuineness to that.

"That is something else that will be really healthy for the squad, especially for new players like Elliot Anderson with his price tag on his shoulders. It won't be easy for him to manage, but people like Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland will help him do that.

"I hope he is given an opportunity under Enzo Maresca. If he is, it will be two almost-new signings for the manager. That will certainly bolster the whole atmosphere in the changing room."

Listen to the full conversation above or listen on BBC Sounds

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Elliot Anderson was the schoolboy footballer so good his teachers discussed placing a bet on him playing for England.

The bet was never made - but Thomas Tuchel put huge trust in Anderson at the World Cup, and Manchester City are doing the same by signing him for a club record £116m from Nottingham Forest.

Anderson's progress has been so impressive that he was fully focused on the World Cup, even as discussions continued around his move to Manchester City.

City agreed a package worth £116m - though some sources initially suggested the figure was £130m, which would have eclipsed the £125m that took Alexander Isak from Newcastle United to Liverpool last summer.

It was not just Anderson's England status shaping those discussions - his numbers last season add great value.

Anderson had the most touches in the Premier League (3,300), won possession the most times (306), won the most duels (297) and drew the most fouls (80).

He will now start next season at Manchester City under the leadership of Enzo Maresca.

Former Republic of Ireland international Glenn Whelan, who was player-coach at Bristol Rovers when Anderson joined on loan, has no doubts he will flourish.

"The sky's the limit," he said. "I don't think it will faze him at all. He just loves playing football. I think if he wasn't playing for Nottingham Forest or England at the World Cup, he'd be playing grassroots with his mates.

"He's going to be around for a very long time. We see what he's doing at the World Cup but I think in time the top teams in the Champions League and all over the world will be sitting up to watch this boy play."

Read more on Anderson's rise here

Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca remains keen on signing Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 25, and France full-back Malo Gusto, 23, from former club Chelsea. (Caughtoffside), external

Meanwhile, City and Arsenal are among the clubs in a race to sign Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, who previously rejected a £69m bid from Liverpool for the 19-year-old. (Bild - in German), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Elliot Anderson has said Manchester City's domination of club and European football made him join Enzo Maresca's side.

As his £116m transfer from Nottingham Forest was confirmed, Anderson said: "They're winners and they're relentless, and that's the sort of team I want to be a part of - champions and people who win trophies.

"Over the past 10, 12 years, they've dominated, so that's why I wanted to join.

"It's happened quite quick [his career progression], but I think I always believed that I could get to this point.

"This is where I want to be. Now that I'm here, I'll keep pushing and try to take this club forward."

The Tyneside-born midfielder began his football career at boyhood club Newcastle United, joining the Magpies at eight years old.

The 23-year-old moved to Forest in July 2024 and then earned his England debut in September 2025.

Anderson started all of England's group and knockout games at the 2026 World Cup, and featured from the bench in the 6-4 win over France in the third-place play-off.

"I bring a bit of everything [to the team]. I bring quality, I bring physicality, energy. I'd like to think I'd get them [the fans] excited, get them off their feet and bring energy to the team," added Anderson.

"I'll help the team out when we're in tough times. I love to just be involved, get the team going forward and get all the good attacking players here on the ball."

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Former Manchester City midfielder Paul Lake has said he still thinks Phil Foden could win the Ballon d'Or after signing his new contract at Etihad Stadium.

Lake told BBC Radio Manchester: "Phil has been absolutely incredible from pre-academy right the way through, making his way into Pep Guardiola's team. He has been integral to our football club.

"The fact he was voted the best player in the Premier League two seasons ago and how, by his own standards, he wasn't at his best last season - and that was very apparent by how he wasn't included in [Thomas] Tuchel's England squad - must have hurt.

"At the same time, he's able to reflect and focus on how he approaches his training from a psychological perspective. I've seen him recently - he's filled out and he looks on tip-top form.

"He's got a point to prove - not to us, we know how good he is, but maybe to himself.

"I still believe the Ballon D'Or is in his locker. He is still that good, but he needs to get back to doing what he used to do.

"He needs to show Enzo Maresca that he is back to his best. Maresca has seen him at his best, so he knows what he's getting with Phil Foden and Manchester City know what they're getting with Phil Foden.

"It's about getting right behind him and enabling him to really flourish this season."

Hit play below to hear more from Lake or on BBC Sounds here

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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Chelsea not only lost to Manchester City in the 2020 FA Youth Cup final, they also had a glimpse of their own future within the opposition ranks.

So much so that Chelsea's first-team squad in the 2026-27 season could contain twice as many players who have graduated from City's academy as have come through their own system.

The latest addition is club-record £117m signing Morgan Rogers, who scored against the Blues' under-18s that night six years ago.

Fellow City academy graduate Cole Palmer was also on target in City's 3-2 victory at St George's Park, while Liam Delap led the line.

In addition, Xabi Alonso's squad features Romeo Lavia, Jamie Gittens and Tosin Adarabioyo - all of whom also came through City's youth system.

Together with Rogers, Palmer and Delap, the six players account for almost £300m in transfer fees paid by Chelsea since 2023.

By contrast, Alonso is likely to only have three permanent senior squad players that came through Chelsea's Cobham academy: Levi Colwill, Reece James and Josh Acheampong.

Trevoh Chalobah also remains a Chelsea player, but he is in advanced talks over a move to Serie A side Como.

There are several reasons for Chelsea's interest in players developed from Manchester City, but one is the success of Palmer. Having moved between the clubs in 2023 for £40m plus £2.5m in add-ons, he has become one of the Premier League's standout performers.

One former insider told BBC Sport that anyone who comes from City "knows what good looks like".

Another factor is Joe Shields, who worked in City's academy recruitment department and is now involved in both youth and senior recruitment at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea also employ a number of former City staff members, including first-team coach Calum McFarlane and recently promoted academy director Glenn van der Kraan.

There was also a brief spell for former City executive Tom Glick as Chelsea's president of business, while former Blues head coach Enzo Maresca and several members of his coaching staff previously worked at the Etihad.

Chelsea also held an interest in former City academy player Michael Olise before his move to Bayern Munich and previously explored a deal for defender Nico O'Reilly.

Read the full article here

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We asked you to pick one player you would like to move on this summer and one realistic target you want Manchester City to bring in before the transfer window shuts.

Here are some of your suggestions:

Harry: I would move on Savinho, I think it's clear he doesn't want to be here and he is not at the level. I would then move to sign Iliman Ndiaye, I think he is a magic man in the final third especially. He is really skilful with both feet and I think he could give us a really good option on both sides.

Korey: I think Savinho should go to Tottenham for more minutes, and then we should try to sign Michael Olise from Bayern Munich or Desire Doue from Paris St-Germain.

Mamu: Rodri's mind is Real Madrid bound, so we should cash-in on him and bring that Moroccan kid Ayyoub Bouaddi in as soon as possible.

Youssef: I would love to see us get Nuno Mendes, especially if Rodri leaves, which would see Nico O'Reilly pushing up into midfield with Elliot Anderson. One player who I think their time is up is Savinho. He is a great player but he has never seemed to fit in, maybe also Rico Lewis.

Alan: I think Rico Lewis could do with a move, although I don't agree with some who comment on here and say he is 'one of the worst City players ever'. They obviously don't remember the Geoff Lomaxs and Nigel Johnsons of the 80s. I'd like to see City sign Lewis Hall from Newcastle, he is a very versatile player who should've gone to the World Cup.

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Manchester City attacking midfielder Phil Foden says he "can't wait to work with Enzo Maresca again" after penning a new four-year deal to extend his already lengthy stay at Etihad Stadium.

The 26-year-old, who is a lifelong Manchester City fan, joined the club's academy set-up as a nine-year-old and made his first-team debut under Pep Guardiola as a 17-year-old.

"Committing my future to City means everything to me," Foden said. "Playing for this club is all I've ever wanted to do. It is always an honour to wear this shirt.

"It isn't lost on me that I've been lucky enough to be part of a historic period, with so many titles won, but we are always looking to the future and trying to win more."

The England international has won 20 major honours during his time at City: six Premier League titles, five EFL Cups, three FA Cups, three Community Shields plus a Champions League, a Super Cup and a Club World Cup.

"I can only thank the club, the staff, my team-mates and the fans who continue to put their faith in me and trust that I give everything I can for City. I hope I'll be able to repay you for years to come.

"I can't wait to work with Enzo Maresca again. He was brilliant during our Treble season, someone all the players respected and loved working with, so to have him back here is exciting.

"I'm excited for the next phase of my career at this great club."

Director of Football Hugo Viana added: "He represents everything good about our academy. He is a unique talent and his creativity is a joy to watch.

"None of what he has achieved would have been possible without his focus, dedication and humility to work hard in every moment and absorb all of the knowledge available to him through our coaches and players.

"His continued success is one that is celebrated in every corner of our club."

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Former Manchester City winger Danny Tiatto says it was "an honour" to play under the late Kevin Keegan.

It was announced on Monday that Keegan, who managed City for four years between 2001 and 2005, had died, seven weeks after he revealed he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.

"It was another challenge for Manchester City, and also for myself, to prove that I was good enough to play in his side. It was definitely an honour to play underneath him as a player," Tiatto told BBC Radio Manchester.

The Australian joined the club in 1998 and remained until 2004. When asked what it was like to work with Keegan, Tiatto said: "He was very passionate as a manager. He would always come in very enthusiastic.

"He would join in the training sessions. He was a little bit older but could hold his own in the shooting drills and then in the small-sided games.

"He wanted us to be a footballing side that would go out there and entertain and score as many goals [as possible]. He wanted us to play the same as the passion he had as a footballer as well.

• Keegan memories: Listen to David James pay tribute to legendary manager

Reflecting on what it was like to be part of the 2001-02 promotion season, Tiatto added: "It was amazing. He signed a lot of good players at the time and the football that we played week in, week out, we knew we were going to outscore every team we played against. For me as a footballer, that part of my career and under Kevin it was phenomenal.

"He would give us the belief to go out there and win games and never back down. It was an amazing couple of seasons we had with Kevin. He would always come in with a smile and a great attitude. He wore his heart on his sleeve, he was always accommodating to everyone and was a great person to be around."

Hear the full conversation below on listen on BBC Sounds here

With the 2026 World Cup done and dusted, the return of club football is back on everyone's minds.

Pre-season preparations are under way and we want you to have a think about Manchester City's squad.

Tell us one player you would like to move on this summer and one realistic target you want City to bring in before the transfer window shuts.

Get in touch with your picks here

Now the dust has settled on the 2026 World Cup, you can officially review your Predictor results for the tournament.

If you played more than four rounds, BBC Sport has done a deep dive into your predictions, tournament performance and compared you to other players.

Don't worry, though, Predictor isn't stopping at international tournaments! Pre-season has kicked off and there are plenty of friendlies and European qualifiers to keep us occupied before the new season gets under way.

So how do you fancy your chances of correctly predicting the scores for our six selected matches every week?

BBC Sport has launched a new weekly Predictor game to cover the 2026-27 season, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from six fixtures from across the leagues.

There will usually be a Friday deadline and the game will also feature streaks, so make sure to build it into your weekly football habits.

Lock in your first round of predictions before Friday, 24 July here

If you're wondering how to play, here are a few easy steps:

• Click on the link above to take you to the selections page.

• For every match, you either choose a winning team or select a draw - once your prediction has been submitted you won't be able to change it, so be sure to pick carefully.

• Then wait for the results to roll in to see how you have done.

• Share your results with your friends and family.

• Every consecutive round you play adds one to your streak, but if you miss a round then your streak will reset to zero.

Mohamed Moallim
BBC Sport Journalist

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The Premier League's financial landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. Since 2016 total summer transfer spending has risen from £1.16bn to a record £3.19bn in 2025 – an increase of almost 175%.

On the surface, that suggests transfer figures are continuing to accelerate. Headline fees, though, tell only part of the story.

Research by Kieran Maguire and colleagues at the University of Liverpool suggests some of the Premier League's earlier record signings represented even greater investments when measured against clubs' buying power at the time.

Using Premier League broadcasting revenues as an index, Alan Shearer's £15m move from Blackburn Rovers to Newcastle United in 1996 remains the league's biggest transfer relative to clubs' spending power. Rio Ferdinand's £29.1m move to Manchester United in 2002 and Juan Sebastian Veron's £28.1m arrival at Old Trafford in 2001 also rank above any of this summer's blockbuster deals.

The same model suggests Trevor Francis' £1m move from Birmingham City to Forest in 1979 – English football's first £1m transfer – would equate to about £173m in today's market.

That does not mean the fees paid for Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali were modest. Rather, it reflects how dramatically Premier League revenues have grown, allowing clubs to spend sums that would once have been unimaginable.

When Jack Grealish became Britain's first £100m footballer when joining City from Villa in 2021, the transfer marked another turning point in the evolution of the market.

Only five years later, nine-figure deals are no longer viewed as extraordinary. They have become a familiar feature of Premier League transfer windows.

The next milestone may not be far away.

While no Premier League club has yet paid £200m for a player, football's financial ceiling continues to rise and the first transfer of that magnitude no longer feels beyond the realms of possibility.

• Read more on transfer fee evolution

Erling Haaland's Norway went out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage - but on social media, he's arguably been the tournament's biggest winner. From shopping for a cowboy hat in Texas to coming home with a taxidermied raccoon, Haaland's American adventures have seen his online following explode, and his fame has now spread into wider US pop culture. But what is it about him that America has fallen in love with - and just how big a star could he become?

Listen to a Haaland special with More Than The Score from BBC Sounds

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha says Kevin Keegan was an "incredible mentor" to him, having been handed his first-team debut by the Englishman after progressing through the club's academy ranks.

Keegan, who spent four years in charge of the Citizens between 2001 and 2005, has died weeks after revealing he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.

"It wasn't just a debut for me because it was a life-changing moment," Onuoha told BBC Radio Manchester. "I think back on all the work I had to put in before that to get the opportunity to do it, but he was the first coach that gave me the chance to even train with the first team.

"Before I knew it, I went from being a ball boy at Maine Road, watching his teams, to being in and around some of those same faces. It was an incredible feeling. He believed in us academy players and he gave us the opportunities.

"Whether it was just training with the first team, making it into the first team or starting peoples' careers, he was very much invaluable in terms of the history of the football club.

"He was an incredible mentor to me, I owe him so much. He came in and changed things, such as the mood at the training ground and the general belief of the club. It was evident there was something different about the football club when he came in. It was positive and hopeful.

"Then, as if by magic, Manchester City were playing Barcelona at the City of Manchester Stadium under his stewardship. It was refreshing to see the club drifting towards a better direction again. It was surreal to be part of it."

Listen to the full conversation above or listen on BBC Sounds

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport journalist

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Returning from an ACL injury is a notoriously difficult task.

Having suffered the injury in September 2024, mere months after Spain's Euros triumph, Rodri missed the rest of that season then featured sporadically last campaign.

He made 33 appearances across all competitions for City but suffered a number of injury setbacks and, at times, looked a shadow of the player he was before the injury.

Former City boss Pep Guardiola predicted in October last year that we would not see the best of Rodri until the World Cup.

And, as has so often been the case, the Catalan was right.

"I've gone through a logical process that every football player has to go through after an injury like this," Rodri said after Spain's triumph.

"It takes a year to get back to your best fitness level and then one more on top of that to feel like yourself again as the player you were.

"You need to be patient, and you need to believe and be confident in yourself."

It was a frank conversation with Guardiola, where Rodri told him he needed to stop to get his body right for the World Cup, that changed the trajectory of his recovery and ensured he was back to his best for the summer tournament.

"To get where I am today in my current form, I had to be clever," Rodri added.

"I had to know when to stop playing and when to carry on when I needed to, and that's part of what you need to do to recover properly.

"It's been a very tough time. I just want the new generations to see my example as an opportunity.

"When you go down, you can rise again. This is my philosophy for my entire life.

"Of course, sometimes things go well, things go wrong, but always the positiveness."

Read the full story here.