AS World Cup

‎Joe Cole has called on Chelsea to make surprise moves for John Stones and Robert Lewandowski this summer, insisting the experienced duo could transform the atmosphere within the squad as a new era begins under Xabi Alonso. ‎ ‎Joe Cole urges Chelsea to sign John Stones and Robert Lewandowski to bring leadership and winning culture to Stamford Bridge. ‎Getty Images Sport (2) ‎The former Chelsea midfielder believes the Blues need proven winners to guide their talented young players after another disappointing Premier League campaign. According to Cole, Stones and Lewandowski would provide the leadership and mentality currently missing from the dressing room at Stamford Bridge. ‎ ‎Xabi Alonso set for Chelsea takeover ‎ ‎Chelsea are preparing for a fresh start with Xabi Alonso officially set to become the club’s new manager in July. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder has signed a four-year contract after being chosen to replace Liam Rosenior, whose spell in charge ...

‎Manchester City are reportedly pushing to re-sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro as preparations begin for a major transition at the club. ‎ ‎Following Pep Guardiola’s departure, City are moving toward a new chapter under Enzo Maresca and are keen to strengthen key positions within the squad. Improving the right side of defence has become an important objective ahead of the summer window. ‎ ‎Pedro Porro has emerged as a key Manchester City transfer target after impressing for Tottenham this season. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎According to AS, initial contact has already been made regarding a possible transfer for the Spanish international. ‎ ‎City are entering the next phase of their rebuild after missing out on the Premier League title during the last two seasons. However, they still finished the campaign strongly by securing both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. ‎ ‎Tottenham’s season unfolded very differently. Under Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs struggled throughout a chaot...

‎After a decade filled with trophies and record-breaking achievements, Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City at the end of the season. ‎ ‎Sources familiar with the situation indicate Guardiola is preparing to depart this summer despite having a contract running until June 2027. His exit would conclude one of the most successful managerial spells English football has seen. ‎ Manchester City are preparing for Pep Guardiola’s departure, with Enzo Maresca tipped to become the club’s next manager. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎City’s FA Cup final victory over Chelsea FC on Saturday delivered Guardiola’s 20th major trophy with the club. Combined with their Carabao Cup success earlier this season, the campaign has added more silverware to an already historic era. ‎ ‎Attention has now turned toward Guardiola’s successor, with Enzo Maresca expected to step into the role. The former Chelsea head coach had already been identified in December by The Athletic as a leading can...

‎Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Jérémy Doku has all the qualities needed to become one of football’s elite wingers after the Belgian’s recent burst of goalscoring form. ‎ ‎Doku has found the net in three successive matches, giving Manchester City an important attacking edge as they continue their pursuit of Arsenal in the closing weeks of the Premier League season. ‎ ‎Jeremy Doku’s recent scoring form has convinced Pep Guardiola he can become one of football’s elite wingers. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎After City defeated Brentford 3-0, Guardiola was questioned about whether Doku could eventually match the standards set by Vinícius Júnior and Lamine Yamal. ‎ ‎"Yeah, for sure," said Guardiola. "And always accept being pushed. Always accept that. And that is so nice. We are really pleased. Now he is winning games. But he has always been really, really good." ‎ ‎The Spanish coach also humorously remarked that managers are often praised when play...

Mikel Arteta has called on Bukayo Saka to step up and make a defining contribution as Arsenal push for the Premier League title in the closing stretch of the season. The Arsenal manager is counting on the winger’s return from an Achilles issue to provide the spark needed in a tightly contested race with Manchester City. With only a handful of games left, every moment carries weight. ‎ ‎Mikel Arteta calls on Bukayo Saka to make a decisive impact as Arsenal battle Manchester City for the title, with the winger returning from injury. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ Saka is expected to be included in the squad for Saturday’s key home clash against Newcastle United, marking a significant boost for the Gunners. The England international has been absent since the Carabao Cup final, during which time Arsenal managed just one win in five matches. His return comes at a pivotal stage, particularly as Arsenal attempt to recover from back-to-back defeats that have dented their position in th...

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice insisted after the defeat to Manchester City that the title fight is still alive, stressing, “It’s not done.” That belief is backed by City’s narrow 1-0 win over Burnley, which took them top only on goals scored, keeping the race extremely tight. ‎ Arsenal's title race with Man City heats up as Arteta faces calls to attack more, with crucial games ahead that could decide the Premier League crown. ‎Getty/GOAL ‎ City’s early strike through Erling Haaland suggested they might significantly boost their goal difference. They dominated chances, registering 28 shots with nine on target, yet could only convert once. The lack of clinical finishing left an opening Arsenal will see as encouragement. Haaland himself dismissed concerns over missed opportunities, stating that securing three points was the priority. Still, the failure to score more against Burnley is seen as a wasted chance that could influence the momentum of the title race. For Arsenal...

Southampton have made a striking change for their FA Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City at Wembley, stepping away from their traditional red and white stripes to wear a special yellow kit. ‎ ‎Southampton wear yellow kit vs Man City in FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, honoring 1976 triumph over Man United as Eckert's side chase historic final place boost hopes. ‎Getty Images Sport  The switch is not random but deeply symbolic, as the commemorative design marks 50 years since the club’s famous 1976 FA Cup triumph over Manchester United, which remains their only major trophy in history. The yellow-and-blue colour scheme reflects that historic achievement and serves as a tribute to one of the most defining moments in Southampton’s 141-year story. Notably, the special kit also features no player names on the back, further reinforcing its commemorative purpose. It is intended as a direct nod to Lawrie McMenemy’s legendary side, whose victory at Wembley continues to sta...

‎Rodri has voiced serious concerns about his long-term future, warning that the current football schedule could force him out of the game sooner than expected. The Manchester City midfielder, who recently suffered another injury setback, described the fixture list as excessive and damaging. ‎ Manchester City’s Rodri fears injuries and fixture congestion could shorten his career, warning the current football calendar is unsustainable. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The Ballon d’Or winner indicated that the physical demands placed on players have reached a critical point. At 29, and having already dealt with significant injuries such as an ACL tear, he believes the intensity of modern football is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. ‎ ‎Having played a central role in both club and international success over recent years, Rodri admitted that the toll of constant competition is beginning to show. He suggested that without meaningful changes to reduce the number of matches, ...

‎Liverpool’s FA Cup journey came to a heavy end following a 4-0 defeat against Manchester City, leaving Arne Slot openly critical of his side’s performance. Although the Reds showed early intent, their resistance faded dramatically as the match progressed. ‎ ‎Liverpool boss Arne Slot criticises his team’s defending and missed chances after a 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, urging improvement before PSG tie. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎A short but decisive spell proved costly. Within 20 minutes, Liverpool conceded four goals, allowing Manchester City to seize complete control. Erling Haaland led the charge with a hat-trick, while Antoine Semenyo added another to ensure their place in an eighth consecutive semi-final. ‎ ‎Slot expressed deep frustration after the match, particularly with how his team defended during that period. He stated that such defensive displays make winning impossible, especially when the same issues continue to resurface. The manager also pointed ...

‎Real Madrid delivered when it mattered most, with Vinicius Jr stepping up in emphatic fashion to guide his side past Manchester City and into the Champions League quarter-finals. Holding a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg, Los Blancos avoided any late drama at the Etihad Stadium, sealing a 2-1 win in a high-tempo encounter. ‎ ‎Vinicius Jr scores twice as Real Madrid defeat Man City 2-1, with Courtois producing key saves to help secure Champions League quarter-final qualification. ‎Getty Images Sport ‎ ‎The visitors nearly extended their aggregate lead instantly, but Federico Valverde failed to convert a golden early opportunity following his previous hat-trick display. Manchester City responded strongly, testing Thibaut Courtois through efforts from Rayan Cherki and Rodri, yet the goalkeeper stood firm. ‎ ‎Madrid’s opener arrived amid controversy. Vinicius initially struck the post before the ball returned to him for another attempt, only for Bernardo Silva to i...

‎Pep Guardiola’s long-term future at Manchester City has become a major talking point this season as speculation continues to grow that the 55-year-old could be planning to bring his time at the Etihad Stadium to a close. Although the City boss remains tied to the Premier League club until the summer of 2027, many believe he could step down at the conclusion of the 2025–26 campaign. ‎ Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City future remains uncertain despite his 2027 contract, with speculation growing about a possible 2026 exit and potential replacements already being discussed. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Uncertainty still surrounds Guardiola’s next move. According to ESPN, senior Manchester City officials insist they are unaware of the manager’s long-term plans. Individuals connected to the agency working alongside Guardiola’s representatives say any details about his future are extremely confidential. Much of the speculation is reportedly fueled by conversations among rival club e...

‎Kalvin Phillips is on the verge of departing Manchester City on loan, with Sheffield United set to secure the midfielder’s services until the end of the season. The Daily Telegraph reports that the Championship side are close to completing a deal that would see the City player step down a division. ‎ ‎Kalvin Phillips is preparing to leave Manchester City on loan for Sheffield United, with the Championship club agreeing a deadline-day deal without a buy option. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Since arriving from Leeds United, Phillips has endured a frustrating spell at the Etihad Stadium, struggling to break into Pep Guardiola’s plans. Although he remains registered for Premier League action this campaign, he has yet to feature and recently picked up an injury that briefly stalled discussions. ‎ ‎Despite that setback, talks have continued. According to The Athletic, Sheffield United and Manchester City have now finalised an agreement, with Phillips scheduled to undergo a medica...

‎Pep Lijnders has disclosed that Jurgen Klopp would have stepped into the role of Manchester City assistant manager had he turned down the chance to work under Pep Guardiola. The revelation came after Lijnders made the surprise move from Liverpool to City last summer, ending a long association with the Merseyside club. ‎ ‎Pep Lijnders says Jurgen Klopp was ready to become Manchester City’s assistant manager if he had declined Pep Guardiola’s offer. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The Dutch coach initially arrived at Liverpool in 2014 as a development coach during Brendan Rodgers’ tenure. When Klopp took charge in 2015, Lijnders became a key member of the first-team setup. He later left Anfield to take his first senior managerial role at NEC Nijmegen midway through the 2017-18 campaign, but that spell ended with his dismissal at season’s end. ‎ ‎Lijnders returned to Liverpool later that summer and remained as Klopp’s assistant until the German’s departure in 2024. Following his ...

‎Manchester City are on the brink of securing the signature of Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Nypan, marking their fifth signing of an ambitious summer transfer window under Pep Guardiola. The reigning English champions are reportedly finalizing a record-breaking transfer fee for a player from the Norwegian Eliteserien, as first revealed by The Athletic. ‎ Man City beat Arsenal & Villa to land Rosenborg’s Sverre Nypan in record deal—Guardiola’s fifth summer signing to reshape Etihad squad. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Nypan, an 18-year-old midfield sensation from Rosenborg, has been on the radar of top European clubs after a standout season in Norway. Arsenal, Aston Villa, and City-affiliated Girona were all in the hunt for the teenager, but Manchester City have now emerged as frontrunners to secure his services. ‎ ‎The deal—expected to be finalized in the coming days—represents the most City have ever paid for a Norwegian league player. Though the terms are still being iron...

‎Manchester City have set their sights on RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons as a potential fallback option if they fail to reach an agreement for Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki, according to L'Équipe. ‎ ‎ Manchester City eye Xavi Simons as Rayan Cherki backup amid De Bruyne exit. Leipzig star on radar as transfer talks with Lyon continue. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎With Kevin De Bruyne expected to leave the Etihad this summer, City are actively searching for a creative midfield replacement. Cherki, 21, has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Premier League champions, and City are preparing a formal offer close to his £25 million ($34 million) release clause. ‎ ‎Should negotiations with Lyon stall, Simons is next in line. The Dutch midfielder only signed permanently with Leipzig in January, but their failure to qualify for the Champions League could pave the way for his exit. Simons is also attracting interest from Manchester United and Arsenal, making City’s interest part of a b...

‎Manchester City have finalized a €55 million (£46.3m) deal, including add-ons, with AC Milan for the signing of Tijjani Reijnders, marking a significant reinforcement to Pep Guardiola’s midfield following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne. ‎ Manchester City agree €55m deal for Tijjani Reijnders from Milan. Dutch star joins on five-year contract to fill Kevin De Bruyne’s midfield void. ‎Marco Luzzani/Getty Images ‎ ‎The Netherlands international has agreed to a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, with personal terms already settled. At 26, Reijnders arrives after an outstanding season in Serie A, where he scored 15 goals across all competitions and was crowned Midfielder of the Year. ‎ ‎City initiated contact with Milan earlier in May, as first reported by The Athletic, and talks progressed steadily. Milan had recently extended Reijnders' contract until 2030, but the Premier League champions presented an offer too substantial to decline. ‎ ‎With De Bruyne’s exit an...

‎Kevin De Bruyne, the legendary Manchester City midfielder, is reportedly on the verge of a high-profile move to Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions. After a remarkable decade-long career at the Etihad Stadium, where he claimed six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy, the Belgian playmaker is poised to start formal negotiations for a free transfer to the Italian side this summer. ‎ ‎ Kevin De Bruyne to join Napoli on a free transfer this summer. The Man City star set for talks with Serie A champions after a decade at Etihad. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎As confirmed by ESPN, De Bruyne has already set his sights on Napoli as his next destination. Italian journalist Matteo Moretto revealed that the club intends to offer the 33-year-old midfielder a lucrative three-year contract. The deal reportedly includes a €6 million annual salary for the first two years, followed by €5 million in the final year, underscoring Napoli’s commitment to securing a world-class ...

In one of the most memorable days in Crystal Palace's history, the Eagles soared to their first-ever major trophy with a stunning 1-0 win over Manchester City in the 2025 FA Cup Final at Wembley. A magical goal from Eberechi Eze and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Dean Henderson etched this date – May 17, 2025 – into south London legend. ‎ Crystal Palace beat Man City 1-0 to win the 2025 FA Cup. Eberechi Eze scores, Dean Henderson saves. First-ever trophy for the Eagles! ‎Getty Images Sport (3) ‎ ‎History Made Under the Wembley Arch ‎ ‎This was more than just a cup final – it was the crowning moment of Crystal Palace’s 119-year journey, a triumph over one of football's greatest modern dynasties. Facing heavy favourites Manchester City, Oliver Glasner’s men defied the odds and delivered a masterclass in grit, unity, and tactical discipline. ‎ ‎Eberechi Eze: The Man, The Moment ‎ ‎The decisive moment came just after the quarter-hour mark. A composed build-up f...

‎When Manchester City walk out to face Wolves on Friday, the absence of a small golden detail will speak volumes. For the first time since 2021, City’s right sleeves will bear the standard blue Premier League badge—no longer champions, no longer holders of English football’s crown. ‎ ‎ Guardiola loses crown to Liverpool, but City's rebuild begins: new keeper, Rodri's return, De Bruyne successor, and renewed hunger. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Pep Guardiola, the serial winner and perfectionist, finds himself in unfamiliar territory. Liverpool’s coronation last weekend officially ended City’s four-year reign. Even a Wembley victory that sent City into the FA Cup final couldn’t disguise the sting. Guardiola didn’t hide his disappointment: “Nooooo... We are a thousand million points behind Liverpool.” The actual gap is 21, but to Guardiola, that might as well be an eternity. ‎ ‎But history shows that Guardiola thrives on setbacks. Each time his teams have faltered, he has r...

‎Manchester City edged a dramatic 2-1 victory over Aston Villa thanks to a last-gasp goal from converted right-back Matheus Nunes, keeping their Champions League ambitions firmly alive while dealing a blow to Villa’s hopes. ‎ Matheus Nunes' stoppage-time winner lifts Man City over Aston Villa in crucial UCL clash. ‎Getty Images Sport (3) ‎ ‎The match, held at the Etihad Stadium, exploded into life within seconds as Marcus Rashford rattled the post just 18 seconds after kickoff, sending an early warning to the hosts. However, City responded in style, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Omar Marmoush carved through the Villa defence to tee up Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese playmaker's shot, though not perfectly struck, evaded Emiliano Martinez and nestled into the back of the net. ‎ ‎Villa drew level 11 minutes later under controversial circumstances. A clumsy challenge by Ruben Dias on Jacob Ramsey was penalized after a prolonged VAR review. Despite City’s pro...