Italian football manager, current City boss
Chelsea has begun life under Xabi Alonso with a 3-2 win at Fulham, with Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro shining. The result boosts Chelsea's mood ahead of a looming transfer deadline and a tougher test against Brighton, while Alonso hints at squad balance amid potential Enzo Fernandez involvement and a shift in recruitment strategy.
France winger Barcola has joined Liverpool on a five-year deal from PSG for about £106m, with reports of a potential rise to £123m. He wears number 29 and aims to help Liverpool win the Premier League as they rebuild under Andoni Iraola, following Mohamed Salah's departure.
Tottenham Hotspur have acquired Omar Marmoush from Manchester City on an initial loan, with a 60m pounds option to buy next summer, amid a flurry of summer signings that have put Spurs over 300m in expenditure. Marmoush joins Savio in a City-to-Spurs reshuffle as Roberto De Zerbi rebuilds his attack.
Grealish has returned to Manchester City and is available as the transfer window nears its close. Everton are pursuing options, with Ndiaye and Richarlison linked, while talks with City continue and a decision is expected before Tuesday’s deadline.
Transfer deadline day arrives as leagues close windows; clubs ensure paperwork is complete and deals can proceed, with free agents able to sign after the deadline under certain conditions. The top leagues set deadlines, and deal sheets provide extra time for finalising terms.
Chelsea has appointed Xabi Alonso as manager, vowing to build a competitive team and target European qualification. He emphasizes a unified approach with sporting directors, hints at keeping key players, and signals a long-term plan despite recent instability.
England has claimed third place after a dramatic 2-0 win over France in the bronze final, capping a tournament that saw changes under Thomas Tuchel and Mbappe's continued form. France finishes in semi-final defeat to Spain; England's best finish since 1966.
Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 in extra time to claim the World Cup title, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. The match features a tense post-final scuffle that FIFA is reviewing; Unai Simón records a standout defensive performance.
Phil Foden has extended his Manchester City contract until 2030 with an option to 2031, amid a renaissance under Enzo Maresca. The winger/attacker has become City’s most decorated player, and the deal signals confidence in a new era after Pep Guardiola’s departure. Maresca is reuniting with Foden as the club plans to reclaim dominance in domestic and European competitions.
Arsenal confirm William Saliba has a back injury from World Cup duties and will undergo a rehabilitation programme. Surgery is not required; the club plans to strengthen the centre-back position this summer while preparing for the season opener against Coventry.
Elliot Anderson has joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for £116m, becoming one of the world’s most expensive midfielders. He signs until 2031 and is eager to prove himself under Enzo Maresca, aiming to help City continue their domestic and European success.
Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca faces a midfield puzzle as Rodri undergoes back surgery, with questions over his return and possible moves in a window that also sees new signings like Elliot Anderson and cautious talk around James Trafford and Jack Grealish.
Liverpool is pushing to reboot under Andoni Iraola after a turbulent pre-season, with Szoboszlai and Elliott reflecting on last season’s upheavals. New signings and young players are in focus as the manager shapes a cohesive unit ahead of the new campaign.
A wave of new football kit designs is hitting top Scottish and European clubs as the 2026-27 season approaches. BBC Business collects notable releases from AC Milan to Celtic and Wales, with reactions ranging from praise for heritage-inspired designs to criticism of bold, modern looks.
Everton are negotiating to sign Denmark midfielder Christian Nørgård from Arsenal for around £7m, aiming to strengthen their midfield amid departures and injuries. Arsenal’s 2025-26 title win has left Nørgård seeking regular football, while Everton have also recruited Hackney and George to bolster the squad.
Arsenal have secured Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United for £75m on a four-year deal with an option for a further year. The transfer closes a long-running saga and strengthens Arsenal’s midfield as they move to defend their title. Newcastle accept a fee around £75m as they look to replace him with younger options.
The Argentina international has joined Manchester City from Marseille for £1.7m and will back up Gianluigi Donnarumma after James Trafford's departure to Leeds for up to £45m. Rulli has won the World Cup and Copa America with Argentina and previously spent time with Villarreal, Real Sociedad and Ajax.
Celtic has moved ahead in their Champions League play-off after a 3-0 first leg in Glasgow, with Nygren and Durán scoring and Duran adding a third. LASK created chances; Celtic are in a strong position for the return leg in Linz.
Arsenal has officially announced the signing of Bruno Guimarães for £75m from Newcastle, and he is being integrated as the club eye another title defense. The midfielder has given his first impressions and the squad will rely on his versatility to influence both build-up play and goals.
Scotland has named Sebastien Pocognoli as its new head coach, succeeding Steve Clarke. Pocognoli, a 39-year-old former Belgium international, has led Union Saint-Gilloise to a Belgian title and most recently managed Monaco. His appointment signals a shift to a front-foot, high-press style and aims to build on Clarke’s foundations.
Manchester United has strengthened its squad with midfield additions Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, plus back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow, while Marcus Rashford has returned from a Barcelona loan. Manager Carrick says more signings are needed to challenge for the title and sustain Champions League contention.
El Mala has extended his contract with Cologne to 2031, retaining the No. 10 jersey amid transfer talk. He confirmed his commitment, saying he aims to build on last season’s 13 goals and five assists as the club hopes to fend off interest from Dortmund and others.
The FIFA president has drawn support from several signatories ahead of next year’s vote, even as a revolt grows over a plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. European and regional federations have warned of consequences, and some signatories have withdrawn support amid governance concerns.
Chelsea has set a Friday deadline for offers at £120m for Enzo Fernandez, with Manchester City’s interest tied to Rodri’s potential exit. City have already signed Elliot Anderson, and Rodri’s future and Fernandez’s deal appear interconnected as both clubs reassess midfield options ahead of the new season.
Nine Premier League clubs start the 2026-27 season with new coaches, including Manchester United’s Carrick and Tottenham’s De Zerbi. Arsenal look to defend their title under Arteta as City begin under Enzo Maresca. World Cup fatigue, transfer chatter, and European commitments shape early form and squad strategies.
Chelsea have not received a formal bid for Enzo Fernandez, who remains a Chelsea player as the transfer window closes. City are keen, while Chelsea are eyeing replacements and preparing for the season opener against Fulham.
BBC and Al Jazeera report Manchester City are negotiating the transfer of Bouaddi from Lille to strengthen midfield, while Rodri’s exit to Barcelona is set to proceed on a four-year contract. City’s midfield overhaul appears imminent as Reijnders moves elsewhere.
Arsenal have begun their title defence with a convincing 3-0 win over Manchester City in Cardiff, with Christos Tzolis contributing two assists and Kai Havertz scoring. Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard anchored the midfield as the Gunners dominated from early in the second half.
Arsenal have opened the 2026–27 Premier League season with a 3-0 win over promoted Coventry at the Emirates. Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard have scored as Mikel Arteta’s side have shown refreshed attacking fluency, parading new signing Ezri Konsa and starting with several key players fit together.
Leicester City is under pressure as owner King Power seeks to sell amid a poor start to the season, a heavy losses year, and managerial scrutiny. The club has drawn 1-1 and lost 2-1 in its opening League One fixtures, while questions mount over funding, strategy and future ownership.
The Scotsman and Independent describe early optimism for Fantasy Premier League strategies as Arsenal prepare to host newly promoted Sky Blues, with multiple signings shaping selection debates and 100m budgets guiding decision-making.
The Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala has disclosed a temporary, treatable absence seizure diagnosis. Bayern confirms the condition was present before last season and is adjusting his treatment. Kompany says Musiala is making progress and will train individually as Bayern prepare for the Supercup and Bundesliga opener.
Brentford have hammered Tottenham 3-0 in the season opener, led by Mamadou Sangare9 with two assists and a goal, while Tottenham's new signings struggle to gel. Newcastle edge Spurs in another match, as Jaissle's side shines in attack.
Liverpool rescue a late point at Newcastle as Szoboszlai’s 99th-minute penalty cancels Ngumoha’s 100th-minute goal; questions arise over attack depth and transfer plans amid growing concerns about creativity and squad quality.
Erling Haaland has unveiled a new buzz-cut ahead of Manchester City’s season debut against Bournemouth, replacing his long blonde locks. He has shared the moment in a YouTube video and across social media, saying it marks a fresh start for the new season. Reactions from teammates and figures including Zlatan Ibrahimović and Pep Guardiola have been captured in clips and calls.
Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 in Xabi Alonso’s first Premier League game in charge. Joao Pedro opened after 31 seconds, Morgan Rogers scored on his Chelsea debut, and Cole Palmer netted a late goal. Chelsea’s defense looked vulnerable at times due to goalkeeping errors, prompting questions about the goalkeeper position.
Manchester City has secured 18-year-old Bouaddi on a five-year contract for €100m after Lille agreed a deal amid a flurry of transfers. Bouaddi has been a standout for Morocco at the World Cup and Lille, with City aiming to build a long-term midfield spine.
Chelsea have moved to sign goalkeeper Martinez on a two-year deal, aiming to strengthen their leaky goalkeeping setup after Robert Sánchez’s poor form. The move follows Villa’s stance to sell Martinez amid their rebuild, with Chelsea eyeing immediate Premier League title contention.
The Champions League league-phase draw has placed PSG, Bayern, Real Madrid and others into eight-match groups for the 2026–27 campaign, with fixtures kicking off in September 2026 and Madrid hosting the final on 5 June 2027. Arsenal and Liverpool face stern tests as they bid to advance to the knockout rounds.
Manchester City have beaten Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park, with Rayan Cherki scoring twice and Erling Haaland also on target as Enzo Maresca’s new era gathers momentum. Haaland, Cherki and Foden link with a fluid attack, while Palace’s struggles in the final third persist.
Everton are in talks to bring Ndiaye back, while City edge in on the deal, potentially reshaping deadlines and staffing as Richarlison eyes a move and Balogun nears Everton link. Yard-wide shifts with Tete and Grealish talks also in play.