Tag: Manchester City

Joao Cancelo Close to Barcelona Return as Romano Gives Deal Green Light

Joao Cancelo
January 2026

Joao Cancelo is reportedly on the verge of rejoining Barcelona, with Fabrizio Romano signalling the move is effectively done. Cancelo has prioritised a Camp Nou return after a difficult spell at Al-Hilal. Reduced playing time, physical issues, and reported tensions in Saudi Arabia have opened the door for an exit, with Al-Hilal needing a foreign-player slot. Barcelona have moved ahead of Inter Milan to secure the deal.

McFarlane Says Maresca Sacking Shocked Squad as Leaders Rally for City Point

Enzo Maresca
January 2026

Interim coach Calum McFarlane said Chelsea’s dressing room was shocked by Enzo Maresca’s New Year’s Day dismissal, but senior players pulled the group together. Chelsea drew 1-1 at Manchester City after a late equaliser. McFarlane credited Reece James, Enzo Fernandez and Tosin Adarabioyo for leadership through the transition. City led through Tijjani Reijnders before Enzo Fernandez scored in stoppage time, with the squad framing the result as a response to disruption.

Iraola Says Semenyo Still Bournemouth Player and Expected to Face Spurs

Antoine Semenyo
January 2026

Andoni Iraola said Antoine Semenyo is still a Bournemouth player despite reports of an agreed-in-principle move to Manchester City. He expects Semenyo to be available for the next match against Tottenham. Iraola said the club has not been told the deal is completed and will continue selecting Semenyo until that changes. He also criticised refereeing after the Arsenal loss, arguing a key free kick decision was wrong.

Shearer Backs Maresca for Quick Return to Top Job After Chelsea Exit

Enzo Maresca
January 2026

Alan Shearer says Enzo Maresca will not struggle to land another high-level job despite leaving Chelsea after one win in seven. Shearer argues Maresca’s Chelsea spell should still be viewed as successful because of trophies and Champions League qualification. The view is that Maresca’s reputation remains strong from work at Chelsea and Leicester, even after the exit was linked to breakdowns with ownership and reports of outside discussions about future roles.

Report Claims Maresca Left Without Speaking to Players After Bournemouth Draw

Enzo Maresca
January 2026

A report claims Enzo Maresca left Stamford Bridge without addressing Chelsea’s players after the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, with public explanations about illness described as a cover. The episode is framed as a turning point before his exit. The report says players sensed tension without knowing details, while the club doubted Maresca’s focus amid poor form and talk of outside interest. Chelsea were also linked with other coaching options as internal patience ran out.

Premier League Schedules Sunday 3pm TV Slots Due to 60-Hour Rest Rule

Premier League
January 2026

Multiple Premier League matches are scheduled at unusual times, including several Sunday 3pm kick-offs shown live on TV. The changes are tied to fixture congestion and broadcast selections around the New Year period. The league aims to provide at least 60 hours between matches, forcing several teams who played midweek to be moved from Saturday to Sunday. Sunday also has no UK blackout, allowing multiple 3pm matches to be televised.

Chelsea Interim McFarlane Takes Over and Preps for Guardiola Test at City

Calum McFarlane
January 2026

Chelsea Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane has been placed in interim charge after Enzo Maresca’s exit and will lead the team away to Manchester City. He said the first days in charge have been intense but positive, with strong energy in training. McFarlane described a supportive club environment and credited leadership within the squad, highlighting Reece James’ role in rallying the group ahead of Sunday’s trip. Chelsea continue their search for a permanent manager while he handles immediate fixtures.

Arteta Demands Arsenal Finish the Job as Title Lead Holds at New Year

Mikel Arteta
January 2026

Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to finally win the Premier League after several near-misses, with the club top of the table and four points clear of Manchester City. Arsenal are also in strong positions across cups and Europe. Arsenal have combined elite defensive numbers with depth through injuries, including a 4-1 win over Aston Villa without Declan Rice. Arteta’s test is turning a mid-season lead into the trophy, after multiple past seasons ended with Arsenal losing ground late.

Manchester City Agree Semenyo Deal in Principle as £65m Clause Looms

Antoine Semenyo
January 2026

Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, with paperwork being prepared. The forward has a £65 million release clause that can be triggered in the January window. City have moved ahead of other suitors by progressing terms with Bournemouth, while Guardiola stayed non-committal publicly. Semenyo has continued producing at Bournemouth and says he is focusing on performances rather than transfer noise.

Manchester United Track Elliot Anderson as January Plan Shifts After Semenyo Blow

Elliot Anderson
December 2025

Manchester United have put Elliot Anderson at the top of their midfield shortlist as they prepare for uncertainty around Kobbie Mainoo and continued struggles from Manuel Ugarte. United also expect to miss out to Manchester City for Antoine Semenyo, forcing a pivot in January plans. Anderson is viewed as a premium target but is unlikely to be available until summer because Forest are fighting relegation and chasing a Europa League run. United’s wider holding-midfield list includes Carlos Baleba, Conor Gallagher, Adam Wharton, Tyler Adams, Joao Gomes, Ruben Neves and James Garner.

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