Oscar Bobb (Manchester City)
June 2025
Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb is pushing for a breakthrough at Manchester City after returning from injury. The 21-year-old missed most of the 2024/25 season but has featured at the Club World Cup in the U.S.
Bobb fractured his leg last summer and had a setback in February. Now fully fit, he’s impressed in recent appearances and intends to stay at City despite heavy squad competition under Pep Guardiola.
Adam Lallana
June 2025
Adam Lallana has retired from professional football at age 37 after leaving Southampton, the club where he began and ended his career.
In an Instagram post, Lallana reflected on his journey with Southampton, Liverpool, Brighton, and England, expressing gratitude for a career that began in 1999 and ended with 34 England caps and major club titles.
Olympique Lyonnais
June 2025
Lyon have been relegated to Ligue 2 after authorities ruled their financial restructuring plans insufficient.
Despite attempts to stabilize finances, Lyon failed to meet Ligue 1’s regulatory requirements. Their Europa League spot and Palace’s qualification status remain unclear.
Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion)
June 2025
Brighton right-back Tariq Lamptey has signed a one-year contract extension, staying with the Seagulls through the 2025-26 season after a year hampered by injuries and limited to 10 league starts.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler praised Lamptey’s versatility and drive to help Brighton reach new targets. The 24-year-old Ghana international will compete for a regular spot in wide defensive roles next season.
Ruben Selles (Hull City)
May 2025
Hull City have parted ways with head coach Ruben Selles, who helped the club avoid relegation from the Championship this season.
Despite securing safety, Hull’s board opted for change, making Selles the third coach sacked by the club within the past 12 months as they aim for stability and long-term direction.
Paulo Pezzolano (Watford)
May 2025
Watford have appointed Paulo Pezzolano as their new head coach on an initial one-year contract. The club views him as a “promotion specialist” to lead their push back to the Premier League.
Pezzolano replaces Tom Cleverley, who was sacked after a 14th-place finish in the Championship. This marks Watford’s 16th permanent managerial appointment in the last decade.
Lewis Baker (Stoke City)
May 2025
Stoke have triggered a one-year extension for Lewis Baker after he scored six goals in 19 matches following his January return from Blackburn. He re-established himself as a key player under manager Mark Robins.
Baker impressed upon recall, helping Stoke narrowly avoid relegation. Goalkeepers Jack Bonham and Frank Fielding also extended their stays, while four senior players will depart the club this summer.
Fabio Cannavaro (Dinamo Zagreb)
April 2025
Dinamo Zagreb have sacked Fabio Cannavaro after just 14 matches in charge, marking their third managerial dismissal this season. Cannavaro, hired in December, failed to keep the club in the title race.
Under Cannavaro, Dinamo recorded a mixed record of 5 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses in the league. They were also eliminated from the Champions League early and are now 8 points off leaders Hajduk Split.
Mats Hummels (Roma)
Summer 2025
The 36-year-old defender has announced he will retire at the end of the current season after an 18-year career.
Hummels, a 2014 World Cup champion, reflected on his journey and stated, “Now comes the moment no footballer can avoid… I’m ending my career this summer.” He is currently finishing his final season at Roma.
Fabian Schar (Newcastle United)
Announced ahead of end-of-season run-in, 2024/25
Veteran centre-back Fabian Schar has signed a contract extension that keeps him at Newcastle United until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Schar, who joined from Deportivo La Coruña in 2018, has made 221 appearances for the Magpies. The 32-year-old expressed his joy after the club’s recent Carabao Cup win and reaffirmed his happiness at continuing with the club and in the city.
