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Pep Guardiola's side might have lost their clutch on the Premier League crown, but should in the mix this summer

Manchester City, crisis club? It is sort of fun to say – or at least, see. From the neutral perspective, having someone other than the Cityzens win the Premier League, at the very least, makes for a refreshing change of pace.

And City have deserved their struggles this season. They have looked tired, out of ideas, frustrated. Erling Haaland is injured. Kevin De Bruyne is leaving. They lost the reigning Ballon d'Or winner to an ACL tear. Rotten luck? Sure. But it has made the Premier League that little bit more interesting.

The season is done now, though. City will finish third. They are winning games again, looking more like a Pep Guardiola side. Odds are, they will claim the FA Cup with a victory over Crystal Palace next month. And the Club World Cup, in some ways, could be a reset.

De Bruyne might be gone by then. New signings such as Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez will have been allowed to properly settle in. Haaland should be approaching full fitness. This machine could be whirring back into life again. Still, it might just come a bit too soon. There are no guarantees here, with tired legs and fitness issues likely to play a role.

A fully fit City should win this thing. Anything short of that? Then it's anybody's game.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, from the opener on June 14 until the final on July 13. In the U.S., fans can stream or watch matches on DAZN or TNT. Leading up to kickoff, GOAL will provide scouting reports on each of the 32 participating teams in the expanded field.

Next up is Manchester City with a look at key players to watch, and expectations for the English side at the tournament.

Getty ImagesThe Basics

DOMESTIC LEAGUE: English Premier League

CLUB WORLD CUP HISTORY: Second appearance (won 2023 edition)

GROUP: G (Al Ain, Juventus, Man City, Wydad Casablanca)

OPENING MATCH: Wydad – June 18, noon, Philadelphia

AdvertisementGetty Images SportHow they got here

Ironically, Man City have rather struggled in European competition, and finally won their white whale of a trophy in 2023 after many years of glorious failure. And it was that victory that sealed their spot in the tournament, Rodri scoring the only goal in a 1-0 clash against Italian giants Inter.

ImagoThe player to watch

Who else but Haaland? The striker hasn't enjoyed his best season in Manchester blue, struggling a bit for form, and then picking up a serious ankle injury in March – just as he was getting in a goalscoring groove.

Still, the expectation is that he should be fit an firing by the time the tournament comes around. It will, in truth, be interesting to see which version of Haaland shows up. Will it be the razor-sharp Nordic force that will batter through the tournament and lead City to glory?

Or will Guardiola work his main man back into the side steadily, saving him for the big moments? It is an interesting storyline to follow in a tournament admittedly lacking in them.

A word, too, for Phil Foden. The attacking midfielder followed a Premier League Player of the Year winning season with a pretty dire Euro 2024 – and equally miserable domestic season. He needs to turn things around, and this summer could be the time to start.

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Getty Images SportRealistic expectations

Win the whole bloody thing.

Somehow, the Club World Cup field has gotten weaker as the season has chugged along. Real Madrid look a shadow of themselves, while Bayern Munich and Inter have struggled either domestically or in Europe.

Only PSG look to be at 100 percent heading into the competition. But a weaker field should make for an ample hunting ground for City. They will likely do away with Al Ain, Wydad and a pretty tepid Juventus side. After that, it's the knockouts – at which point City should be off to the races.

Celtic are now in late transfer talks to sign an “on fire” striker in a deal worth up to £10m, according to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.

Celtic eyeing late signings after Jota return

The Hoops, who have qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, recently sealed their first signing of 2025 in winger Jota. The Portuguese attacker returned to Glasgow after spells in Saudi Arabia and France, joining from Rennes with Kyogo Furuhashi heading the other way.

More additions could be on the way before Monday night’s deadline, though, with defender Kieran Tierney also possibly returning to the club. Brendan Rodgers recently revealed that Celtic and Tierney have a pre-contract agreement for the summer, but “ideally”, the club would strike a loan deal with Arsenal for the second half of the season.

“Ideally it would [happen in January] but, at this moment, he’s still an Arsenal player. I think everyone is agreed that it will definitely take place in the summer. If we can do it beforehand, then great.

“I don’t know. I think that, like I said, we’d prepared that for the summer. And I don’t want to speak too much on it, with the greatest respect, because he’s not a Celtic player here now with us.

“But, if we were able to do it, of course we would like to do that. But that’s out of our control at this moment in time.”

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Alongside a full-back, another forward is also wanted at Parkhead. Celtic recently made a bid to sign Sarpsborg forward Sondre Orjasaeter, whereas Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden has also been heavily linked with a move to Scotland. It looks as if the latter of the two is still firmly on the Hoops’ radar, with a new development recently emerging.

Celtic in talks to sign £10m Mathias Kvistgaarden

As per Joseph, who took to X on Wednesday, Celtic are in talks with Brondby over signing Kvistgaarden before the deadline. The 11-time Danish champions are holding out for a record departure fee worth more than £10m, with Celtic seeing the player as a replacement for Furuhashi.

Kvistgaarden, who is 22 years of age, is primarily a centre-forward who can also play on either wing if needed and holds a career-high €8m Transfermarkt valuation.

Appearances

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As can be seen, the Denmark U21 international has been impressing in front of goal and has been dubbed “on fire” this season, taking his overall tally to 38 goals in 110 Brondby appearances.

You’d imagine he may only get better with age, so Celtic securing his services for an eight-figure fee could be another shrewd piece of business by the Hoops, reinvesting the fee they received for Furuhashi straightaway.

Two months away from the T20 World Cup, the West Indies management have no clarity on the availability of key players

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Aug-2022Andre Russell hasn’t made himself available for selection. The status of Sunil Narine’s availability is a bit of a mystery. Evin Lewis and Oshane Thomas have not appeared for their fitness tests. Sheldon Cottrell and Roston Chase are out with injuries while Fabian Allen has pulled out for personal reasons. As a result, with the men’s T20 World Cup about two months months away, West Indies are far from identifying their best squad, and the 4-1 series defeat to India at home recently hasn’t helped.The three-T20I series against New Zealand, starting later today, gives the team management one last chance to see the players in an international setting – the CPL will follow – and lead selector Desmond Haynes and chief coach Phil Simmons expressed their disappointment at the state of affairs ahead of the series.Russell, for example, has not played for West Indies since the 2021 T20 World Cup. He’s playing the Hundred at the moment – along with Narine – and missed the home series against India and now against New Zealand. A couple of days ago, Russell was part of the list of overseas players unveiled by the UAE’s International League T20, which begins in January next year.”From what I have gathered, I think he is unavailable because he hasn’t made himself available,” Haynes said of the Russell situation.Related

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Lewis failed to complete a fitness test that had been arranged for him by the CWI during his IPL stint with Lucknow Super Giants earlier this year, according to Haynes.”I will love everyone to play for West Indies. I would love to make sure that all the guys make themselves available to play,” Haynes said. “But you must realise that the guys have options now, and if guys are choosing other franchises in front of West Indies, then we have to pick from who is available to us.”Simmons’ comments were stronger: “It hurts. There’s no other way to put it. But what can you do? I don’t think that I should be begging people to play for their countries. I think if you want to represent West Indies, you will make yourself available.””Life has changed, in that people have the opportunities to go different places and if they choose that over West Indies, that’s just how it is.”

“If there is a competition that is run by the West Indies (and) somebody is playing well, I think his name should really come up for selection. That performance is very important to us”Desmond Haynes, on selectors looking at CPL performances

The CPL, which runs from September 1 to October 1, will come at a good time vis-à-vis West Indies’ selection for the T20 World Cup. The West Indies will have to play the first round of games, which starts on October 16, to qualify for the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup.”If there is a competition that is run by the West Indies (and) somebody is playing well, I think his name should really come up for selection,” Haynes said about considering CPL performances for World Cup selection. “That performance is very important to us, and we didn’t say that we have picked the World Cup team yet, so all the games that are going to be played leading up to the World Cup, we must take into consideration.”In the three T20Is against New Zealand, West Indies could tinker with the positions of their two main batters in the middle order, Nicholas Pooran, the captain, and Shimron Hetmyer.”So far we have been experimenting; as we get to the end of these games, we’re going to have a better idea how we want them to be put in the order and how we want them to go in,” Simmons said. “And we tend to judge it by overs and the situation. So in each game it could be different. Shimron could bat higher and Pooran could bat lower. It just depends on the game, the situation in the game.”

Manchester City have now opened talks over a deal to sign a goalkeeper who could replace Ederson between the sticks next season, according to a report.

Pep rebuilding his squad

Pep Guardiola has been rebuilding his team this month, as they have been way below par in the Premier League this season, and it looks like a number of new arrivals could be imminent.

A deal for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush is set to be completed soon, with Guardiola keen to strengthen his attacking optIons, while a bid in the region of £55m is also being prepared for Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso.

Defensive duo Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov are also set to arrive at the Etihad Stadium in the very near future, with Pep looking to reinforce his squad in multiple areas – and there are now indications that he could look to bring in a new goalkeeper, too.

Pep now desperate for Man City to sign La Liga "specialist" after Marmoush

They’re wasting little time…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 18, 2025

According to a report from Football Transfers, Man City have now identified FC Porto’s Diogo Costa as their top target between the sticks, with a deal more likely to take place in the summer rather than January.

The 25-year-old has been selected as the first-choice option to replace Ederson next season, with the Brazilian’s starting spot now under major threat from Stefan Ortega.

The Sky Blues have already made contact and started talks to sign Costa, underlining the fact that they have a concrete interest in his signature, and the potential move is now said to be gaining momentum.

Should Guardiola bring the Porto goalkeeper in this summer, Ederson may move to the Saudi Pro League, where there are a number of lucrative offers on the table.

Diogo Costa could be the perfect Ederson heir

It is exciting news that City have picked out the Portugal international as their top target, as he has put in some very impressive performances in his native country for a number of years now.

The Switzerland-born goalkeeper ranks in the 97th percentile for his clean sheet percentage per 90 over the past year, while also placing in the 95th percentile for goals against when compared to his positional peers, as per FBref.

The Porto academy graduate has experience in the Champions League, which is another bonus, and he received praise for his performances in the competition from football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who labelled him as a “Superman”.

Ederson has been a fantastic servant to City, playing an instrumental role in the success of the Guardiola era, but Ortega’s emergence as a starter perhaps indicates the Brazilian’s best years are now behind him.

As such, the reigning Premier League champions should pursue a move for Costa this summer, as he has proven he is ready to sign for one of Europe’s top clubs.

Kevin De Bruyne has refused to rule out remaining in the England after his spell with Manchester City comes to a close at the end of this season.

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KDB 'willing to listen to projects'City star leaving after 10 seasonsComments come out after virtuosic performance against PalaceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

The 33-year-old was speaking to Norwegian journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft about his future. When quizzed on the challenges left in his career, De Bruyne suggested he'd be open to any and all offers, including staying in England.

AdvertisementWHAT KEVIN DE BRUYNE SAID

Speaking to Fjortoft, De Bruyne said: "There is always a challenge, you know. I don’t know what’s going to happen next season. If teams come and then convince me that they have a nice sport project. I know I am obviously not the youngest anymore. I still think I am able to perform on the highest level. I don’t know what teams are interested or what they want to do. Whatever project [is] available – I am willing to listen. I love football – I love to play football and if a nice project comes and my family is also good with that, we will be able to make a decision."

When pressed on whether his career in England was over, De Bruyne replied: "I don’t know. Honestly I don’t know. The decision to leave has not been long. Nothing can be decided in one week in the football world. I haven’t seen my family since the decision. I have to speak to them and then I will see whichever team wants me. So I don’t know. I have no idea."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Earlier this week, it was announced the Belgian midfielder would move on from the Etihad Stadium after ten stellar seasons. He leaves with six Premier League winners' medals, a Champions League title and two PFA Players' of the Year awards.

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AFPDID YOU KNOW?

De Bruyne's comments came out after a virtuosic display in City's come-from-behind 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace.GOAL gave the City legend a 9/10 for his performance, as he logged a goal and an assist.

Preparing to get their January business underway, Aston Villa are now reportedly prepared to pay the £17m release clause to sign one of their biggest transfer targets this month.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans have struggled to balance European and domestic responsibilities so far this season, falling outside of the Premier League’s top four as a result as they enter the second half of the campaign.

So it comes as little surprise that they’ve already threatened to steal the headlines more than once during the January transfer window, as Unai Emery looks to reinforce his squad to mount a comeback into the Champions League places.

What should undoubtedly aid their search for fresh faces is the pending sale of Jaden Philogene. Since returning to Villa Park in the summer, the winger has struggled to break into Emery’s strongest side and is now closing in on a mid-season switch to Ipswich Town, who are reportedly splashing out over £20m to secure his signature.

It looks as though those in the Midlands are already preparing to spend that money, too. According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa are now prepared to pay the €20m (£17m) release clause to sign Oscar Mingueza this month, with the deal already reportedly underway.

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The right-back currently looks destined for Villa Park and to hand Matty Cash alarming competition for his starting spot for the remainder of the season and beyond. Still just 25 years old, that £17m fee could quickly become one of the bargains of the window if Mingueza continues his Celta Vigo form in the Midlands.

"Revelation" Mingueza can replace Cash

Dubbed a “revelation” at Celta Vigo by journalist Zach Lowy, Mingueza’s potential arrival could signal the end of Cash’s starting role under Emery. The right-back’s attacking work is particularly something to look out for and a trait that should only add further excitement at Villa Park should he complete a mid-season move from Spain.

A player who began as a right-back more comparable to Cesar Azpilicueta at Barcelona, Mingueza is now a modern-day full-back who would undoubtedly aid Villa’s push to record back-to-back top-four finishes.

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0

Tackles won

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While his creativity is impressive, Mingueza’s ability to recover possession is also a trait which should benefit Aston Villa if they manage to get their deal over the line.

Emery has already seen just how much competition for places can push his players to greater heights, with Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran’s goalscoring battle a key part of the current campaign, and he could now see Cash and Mingueza endure a similar fight to start down the right-hand side for the remainder of the season.

King and Brown took 5 for 18 between them as Ireland were held to 99 for 8 from 20 overs before Mooney and Lanning ran it down in 12.5 overs

Alex Malcolm17-Jul-2022Superb spells from Alana King and Darcie Brown have helped Australia thump Ireland by nine wickets in the second match of the Tri-Nation Women’s T20I series in Bready.After rain had washed out Australia’s march again Pakistan in game one, the world champions produced a near-flawless bowling display with King taking 3 for 9 and Brown bagging 2 for 9 as Ireland limped to 99 for 8 from their 20 overs. Just four Ireland batters reached double figures with Rebecca Stokell top-scoring with 22.Beth Mooney and Meg Lanning made light work of the chase, running down the target in 12.5 overs after the early loss of Alyssa Healy.Brown’s spell set up the game after Lanning won the toss and sent Ireland in. Gaby Lewis holed out to deep backward square in the opening over off Megan Schutt before Brown produced a double-wicket maiden in her second over.Her extra pace was too much for Orla Prendergast and Laura Delany. Prendergast had struck two boundaries but had her off stump flattened by Brown attempting to drive on the up. Brown then pinned Delany on the body with a swift short ball before again firing full and straight. Delany tried to give room to slash through the off side but had her leg stump flattened.Related

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That left Ireland 16 for 3 in the fourth over and they never recovered. King was introduced in the first over after the powerplay and struck immediately, trapping Rachel Delaney plumb lbw.Brown bowled her four overs straight, finishing with 16 dot balls alongside her two wickets. Ireland were just 40 for 4 after 10 overs and slumped to 44 for 6 shortly after. Mary Waldron chipped Nicola Carey straight to cover before King bamboozled Stokell. King had a very close lbw shout turned down. She then beat the outside edge with sharp turn. Next ball Stokell played for turn and was beaten on the inside edge by one that skidded on and crashed into leg stump.Leah Paul and Ava Canning fought hard to ensure Ireland batted out their overs. King had Paul caught behind trying to sweep in the 19th over for 12, while Canning finished 14 not out.Mooney and Lanning waltzed through the chase but not without some luck. Mooney was dropped in the opening over, chipping Jane Maguire to mid-off and Stokell spilled a sitter. Mooney slog-swept the pacer for six not long after to rub salt into the wound. Healy struggled for fluency on the slow pitch striking just one boundary in 11 balls before holing out to mid off for 10 off Arlene Kelly.Mooney and Lanning slipped into cruise control thereafter striking nine boundaries and a six between them in an unbroken 68-run stand to ice the game with more than seven overs to spare.Ireland face Pakistan on Tuesday before playing Australia again on Thursday.

Graham Roberts has revealed that Rangers ignored his advice to take a transfer punt on the “frightening” ability of Dele Alli.

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Midfielder starred for Premier League giantsCareer went off the rails due to injuryEmbracing a fresh start in ItalyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Roberts savoured league and cup glory during his time at Ibrox, having headed to Scotland from Tottenham in 1986. He continues to keep a close eye on how both of those clubs are getting on, with efforts being made to aid their respective causes.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

After seeing Dele sparkle in north London, Roberts urged those in Glasgow to consider an approach for the ex-England international as his career began to come off the rails. Forgettable stints with Everton and Besiktas failed to rekindle a lost spark.

DID YOU KNOW?

Dele is now working with ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas at Serie A side Como, as he seeks to rebuild his career at 28 years of age, but a different career path could have been taken.

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InstagramWHAT GRAHAM ROBERTS SAID

Roberts told "I liked him when he joined [Tottenham], I thought he was brilliant when he played for us, [Tottenham]. I remember him scoring two goals against Chelsea, two brilliant goals when we won 3-1.

“I have always liked him, I don’t know what went wrong. I tried to recommend him to Rangers a few years ago and said: ‘If you get hold of him and you help him, there is a player there’. There is a player there but he needs someone to put an arm around him to really get him back to what he was as a kid. He is barely at his peak yet, it’s frightening.”