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The BCB has stated that neither the player nor the BCCI has approached it for an NOC

Mohammad Isam14-May-2025

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) signing of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the remainder of IPL 2025 has hit a snag, with the BCB stating that it hasn’t been approached for a no-objection certificate (NOC).Usually, the IPL only announces signings after a player has received an NOC from his home board. According to its CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury, however, the BCB had yet to receive a request for one.”Mustafizur is supposed to go with the team to the UAE according to the schedule,” Chowdhury told ESPNcricinfo on Wednesday. “We have not received any communication from IPL officials. I have also not received any such official communication from Mustafizur either.”Related

Bangladesh are all systems go for two-game face-off against T20I-happy UAE

BCB to finalise Pakistan tour based on government directives

DC announce Mustafizur signing after Fraser-McGurk exits IPL 2025

IPL to allow temporary replacements for last leg of 2025 season

Mustafizur is part of the Bangladesh T20I squad that is due to play back-to-back away T20I series against UAE and Pakistan, both of which clash with the IPL. On Wednesday, hours after the IPL announced his signing as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mustafizur flew out to Dubai with the rest of Bangladesh’s squad.Bangladesh are due to play two T20Is in the UAE on May 17 and 19, followed by five in Pakistan on May 25, 27 and 30, and June 1 and 3. Those two series are in conflict with the IPL; DC are set to play their last three league matches on May 18, 21 and 24, followed by the playoffs should they get there.ESPNcricinfo has sought a response from DC on this development.

On transfer deadline day, Liverpool celebrated the record-breaking acquisition of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, ending weeks of speculation and animosity over his future.

Isak had been desperate to sign for the Anfield side, and he has got his wish at the final hour. Liverpool have got themselves a gem, with pundit Alan Shearer remarking earlier in 2025, “Everything about his game is of the highest quality.”

However, it didn’t all go the Reds’ way, with their protracted summer pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi ultimately leaving them empty-handed.

It all looked like it was ready to be green-lit, with the Three Lions star having completed his medical with the Premier League champions, but external issues have left the 25-year-old stranded at Selhurst Park.

Why Liverpool wanted Marc Guehi

With Ibrahima Konate having entered the final year of his contract at Liverpool and skipper Virgil van Dijk having turned 34 in July, thus edging closer to the twilight of his career, it was crucial that fresh defensive faces were welcomed.

And sporting director Richard Hughes came ever-so close to making that arrival Guehi, having tracked the England international all summer and respectfully awaited the green light from Eagles chairman Steve Parish, which never quite came following Oliver Glasner frustration at having not signed a suitable replacement.

Remarked to have been “England’s best player” during the 2024 European Championship by analyst Ben Mattinson, Guehi’s cool and collected defensive presence merges with an effortless ball-playing game that suggests he would dovetail right into Slot’s Liverpool squad – or indeed any elite team worth their salt.

Though FSG will retain confidence in their rearguard options, Guehi would have added icing on the cake, especially with Slot looking to defend his Premier League title while challenging for silverware across further fronts too.

Leoni is a top talent, and the hope is that he will one day stand where Van Dijk stood as a long-term star at Liverpool. However, he’s not the only teenage prospect the club boast, with an existing member of Slot’s squad perhaps ready to cover for the gap where Guehi should be.

Liverpool have already got their own Guehi

Make no mistake, Leoni is one of the most exciting defensive prospects in the business, and, only 18, has so much room for improvement over the next few years.

However, the Italy international will also need time to develop his skills over the next few years, ultimately reaching a level that will see him thrive as a regular starter.

With Joe Gomez having stayed put despite transfer interest from elsewhere on deadline day, his experience will help Leoni ease into the way of things, and the same could be said for fellow teenager Amara Nallo.

Nallo hasn’t had a flawless start to life in Slot’s senior side, it must be said. In January, Nallo was sent off on his professional debut, entering the fray in the closing stages and hacking down Johan Bakayoko. It was unfortunate, but Slot said post-game that the youngster “will learn” from his mistake.

Though that remains Nallo’s sole senior showing for Liverpool, he sat three further first-team games on the bench across the 2024/25 season, and given his obvious quality in emerging from the academy, so strong and powerful and technically adept for one of his level, he could prove to be Liverpool’s own version of Guehi.

Admittedly, getting sent off on your big bow isn’t very Guehi-like, but the Palace man received an indirect card suspension himself last season, showing that he too has the capacity to make a blunder.

And Nallo won’t let a simple mistake define him, having been described by West Ham coach Carlton Cole in the past as being a “Rolls-Royce of a centre-back”.

Curiously, Nallo is two-footed and so could conceivably cover for Van Dijk and Konate across the course of the campaign. The England U19 international has also racked up 53 appearances for Liverpool’s youth sides across the two years he has been on Merseyside.

Liverpool wanted to sign Guehi for his quality and experience at the highest level, of course, but perhaps his ability on both sides of the central defence also captured Hughes’ attention. After all, the England star was described as “one of those versatile CBs who can play both sides equally as comfortably” by the aforementioned analyst Mattinson.

While Liverpool’s failed attempt to sign Guehi will have frustrated the Reds fanbase, who came so close to seeing the defender wearing red, the likes of Leoni and Nallo will perhaps have given a silent cheer as they find themselves with a clearer pathway toward playing time over the months ahead.

Nallo might be something of a forgotten man at the moment, but he was entrusted with a first-team role on the big stage last season, and there’s every chance he could now take that next step.

In The Pipeline

Given his Guehi-like tactical tendacies, perhaps this is the big opportunity he needs to take that leap and prove himself worthy of a long-term role in Liverpool’s first team.

Now worth more than Isak: Liverpool wanted to sign "one of the best in the world"

With Alexander Isak joining Liverpool for £125m on deadline day, do the Reds rue missing out on “one of the best players in the world” worth more?

By
Ben Gray

Sep 2, 2025

A FIFA vice president said that U.S. President Donald Trump cannot decide which cities host games in the 2026 World Cup. Victor Montagliani, who is also president of CONCACAF, was speaking at a conference in London after Trump suggested he could move games away from cities he thought might be "even a little dangerous for the World Cup.”

• Montagliani reiterates FIFA's authority

  Montagliani made the comments to an audience at The Summit, part of Leaders Week London. The Canadian was clear in his message to the Whitehouse; they have no jurisdiction over which cities will host games in the 2026 World Cup. 

  "It's FIFA's tournament, FIFA's jurisdiction, FIFA makes those decisions," he said. "With all due respect to current world leaders, football is bigger than them and football will survive their regime and their government and their slogans." 

  The 2026 World Cup will be hosted jointly between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. 

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• Getty Images News
  

  Policies cause problems for FIFA officials

  The Trump administration has pursued a number of policies which could cause issues for  football's governing body. Montagliani was specifically responding to comments Trump made last week about San Francisco and Seattle. At a news conference in the Oval Office, Trump was asked about safety ahead in those cities ahead of the World Cup. 

  Trump said, "It will be safe for the World Cup. If I think it isn't safe, we'll move it to a different city. If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup, or for the Olympics, but for the World Cup in particular, because they're playing in so many cities, we won't allow it to go. We'll move it around a little bit." 

• The American cities hosting the 2026 World Cup

  The majority of the tournament's fixtures will be held in the U.S., with 78 of the 104 games, including the final, played across 11 host cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle. 

  Seattle and San Francisco will host six games during the tournament, with Los Angeles hosting eight fixtures. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Trump and FIFA

  The comments come as the latest intervention from Trump ahead of FIFA's marquee event. In March, he claimed the political and economic tensions between the US and its co-hosts Canada and Mexico would be a good thing for the tournament.

  During the summer, Trump sparked headlines by inserting himself into Chelsea's celebrations after winning the Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium, the New Jersey stadium which will also host the World Cup final. 

Nottingham Forest have now submitted an offer for a defender who has “great speed”, with negotiations currently ongoing.

Business as usual at Forest despite Nuno uncertainty

Nuno speaking negatively about his relationship with Evangelos Marinakis has caused instability at Forest, and there have been suggestions that Ange Postecoglou could be brought in as a replacement for the 51-year-old.

However, there is said to be an air of business as usual at the City Ground, with Forest focusing on having a strong end to the summer transfer window, having already made major improvements to their squad.

One position in which the Tricky Trees are yet to strengthen, however, is full-back, and Nuno clearly feels more depth is required on both sides ahead of the upcoming Europa League campaign.

Requested by Nuno: Nottingham Forest make offer for £6m "big-game" player

The Tricky Trees have tabled a bid for a new signing, with negotiations currently ongoing.

ByDominic Lund Aug 27, 2025

Earlier this week, it was revealed that talks over a deal for Leicester City left-back Victor Kristiansen are progressing, and now Nuno’s side are looking to strengthen on the opposite flank too.

That is according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), which states Nottingham Forest have now submitted a €12m (£10m) offer for Juventus right-back Nicolo Savona, which was knocked back, with the Italian club looking for a total package worth up to €20m (£17m).

The Serie A side are open to a sale, with information from journalist Gianluca di Marzio also being relayed, who reports that negotiations between the two clubs are currently ongoing, and they are likely to meet somewhere in the middle.

Savona is being targeted as an alternative to Sevilla’s José Ángel Carmona, who has made it clear he would prefer to remain at his boyhood club, rather than moving to the Premier League this summer.

Carmona should remain Forest's number one target

The aforementioned report states Carmona could still change his mind about a move to the Premier League, which would be good news for Forest, given that he has vastly outperformed Savona from a defensive point of view over the past year.

Average per 90

Jose Angel Carmona

Nicolo Savona

Tackles

2.42

1.42

Interceptions

1.96

0.58

Blocks

1.22

0.75

Clearances

2.88

2.04

The Spaniard is also far more experienced at senior level, having made 96 appearances across spells with Sevilla, Getafe and Elche CF, while the Juventus defender has just 40 first-team appearances to his name.

Juventus boss Igor Tudor has praised his defender in the past, saying: “He is professional and has great football intelligence. He understands what is happening on the pitch, and he has great speed. So we’re talking about a player with so many skills.”

“He is a humble guy who listens to advice. These are things that may seem obvious, but they are not at all. He has those values ​​that are getting a bit lost, so they are precious now.”

However, Forest should work on changing Carmona’s mind before the transfer deadline, as there is every indication he would be a better signing than the Italian.

Everton’s pre-season preparations have left plenty to be desired. Still, David Moyes proved his wherewithal upon replacing Sean Dyche last season and will remain confident that a successful season lies ahead.

Against the backdrop of the Premier League’s heavy expenditure this summer, Everton has forked out comparatively little. A new striker has been signed in Thierno Barry, while an initial £25m deal has been agreed with Chelsea for the transfer of robust midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

However, there was a blue-shaded exodus on Merseyside in June, with so many unwanted players filtering out. Two of those players were Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison, whose loan deals remained temporary.

Now, a replacement is needed.

Everton submit bid for new attacking midfielder

Dewsbury-Hall, 26, will add impetus to the Everton midfield. He’s strong, cultured and confident on the ball, having starred during Leicester City’s promotion-winning campaign of 2023/24, posting 12 goals and 15 assists under Enzo Maresca’s wing that year.

His time at Stamford Bridge might not have worked out, but he stands a fantastic chance of becoming a mainstay in Moyes’ Everton system, potentially forging a neat partnership with another top target.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Everton have tabled a second bid for Southampton prospect Tyler Dibling worth £40m including add-ons.

An earlier summer offer has already been rejected, and the 19-year-old is also on Aston Villa and Newcastle United’s radar. Southampton, it is felt, want £50m for their prized playing asset.

This said, Everton will not – cannot – pay over the odds for this talented teenager, and the Friedkin Group are prepared to walk away if Saints fail to reduce their exorbitant valuation.

Why Everton should sign Tyler Dibling

Southampton suffered a wretched return to the Premier League last season, narrowly missing out on the unwanted record of bearing the division’s all-time lowest points total.

But they were relegated all the same. However, Dibling shone as a beacon of solace throughout, making good on the praise from Southampton’s academy manager, Andy Goldie, that he is a “world-class talent.”

He scored four goals and supplied three assists across the 2024/25 campaign, but, as per Sofascore, to have completed 84% of his passes and averaged 4.2 successful duels in the Premier League, in a rotten Southampton side, that’s an indicator of sky-high potential.

And he’s dynamic in a positional sense too.

He’s versatile all right. But given the lack of depth on the right flank at Everton, coupled with his blistering speed and ability to manipulate tight spaces, it’s clear that Moyes wants to field him on the wing.

Especially with the Merseysiders set to wrap up a move for Dewsbury-Hall, who is very much a central midfielder. But he’s a creative one at that, hailed by former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers in the past as being a player who “typifies everything we want to be,” bringing energy and intensity and creativity.

The Englishman ranked among the top 5% of centre-midfielders in the Conference League last term for progressive passes and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, highlighting the smooth passing game which could open up a world of opportunity for the fleet-footed Dibling as he surges forward, into the danger area.

With these kinds of signings, Everton are bound to evolve, and Moyes’ vision for the future might just begin to take shape.

As exciting as Ndiaye: Everton in the race to sign "powerful" £10m talent

Everton targets Ligue 1 starlet and close friend of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in hunt for Reinforcements

By
Will Miller

Aug 5, 2025

Alex Lees has been appointed club captain at Durham and signed a contract extension that will keep him in the north-east for at least the next three seasons.Lees, who played 10 Tests for England in 2022, captained Durham to the T20 Blast quarter-finals last season and has led their white-ball sides for the last two years. He will now take over in the County Championship too, replacing Scott Borthwick who is moving into a player-coach role as he approaches the end of his career.Born in Halifax, Lees was widely predicted to be a future Test regular when he broke through at Yorkshire and captained their T20 side at 22. But he struggled for form after Jason Gillespie left as coach and made the move to Durham in 2018, where he showed enough to earn an England call-up after their 4-0 defeat in the 2021/22 Ashes.He showed enough in his maiden series in the Caribbean to be retained for England’s first home summer under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s leadership, but was eventually dropped with a record of two fifties in 19 innings and an average of 23.84. He has been prolific for Durham since, scoring nine Championship hundreds in the last two seasons.Related

• Northern soul: How Durham made it back to the big time

• Borthwick takes up player-coach role at Durham

“I am delighted to be named the new men’s club captain at Durham,” Lees said in a club statement. “The move to the north east has been a good one for me, so to now be given the opportunity to captain Durham is a privilege and an honour. I believe this squad has the potential to really challenge to go on and win trophies.”We have a great bunch of lads here and that is the thing which excites me the most. I feel like we have a group of players who can really challenge and go on to look to win something. This opportunity to captain Durham gives me an opportunity to put some real focus into the red-ball team, building on the foundations that we have built over the last few years.”Marcus North, Durham’s director of cricket, said that he was “thrilled” that Lees had agreed to sign an extension to his deal, which was due to expire at the end of the 2025 season. “Alex’s dedication, passion and ambitions for the club has been evident since his arrival in 2018,” he said. “He is a popular and respected figure in the squad who leads with tenacity.”Durham have strengthened their top order for 2025, with Will Rhodes and Emilio Gay signing from Warwickshire and Northamptonshire respectively. Sam Conners, who has played for England Lions, has also joined from Derbyshire and will add depth to their seam attack.Lees may be able to call upon Stokes and Mark Wood in the early stages of the 2025 season after neither player registered for the IPL auction, though their availability will be dictated by the ECB. Brydon Carse will not be available in April or May, after he was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the recent mega-auction.

Looking to deal Crystal Palace a major blow, AC Milan are now reportedly taking initial steps towards signing a Selhurst Park star this summer.

Crystal Palace could still lose Eze

Whilst they have at least managed to sign Walter Benitez and Borna Sosa, it’s fair to say that Crystal Palace have endured a frustrating summer so far. And things could yet get worse for those in South London. Rumours are continuing to arrive regarding Eberechi Eze’s future and reports suggest that both Chelsea and Arsenal have set their sights on the talented attacker.

His exit wouldn’t be the only bad news that Palace have received this summer, either. The Eagles were recently dealt a harsh blow when UEFA confirmed their relegation from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League after John Textor’s involvement with Lyon and Palace broke multi-club ownership rules.

Steve Parish has since had his say on the matter, confirming that Palace will be appealing UEFA’s decision: “We are still fighting. There’s an appeal process, so we go to CAS which is the court for arbitration and, you know, we’re very hopeful. We think we’ve got great legal arguments.

“We don’t think this is the right decision by any means. We know unequivocally that John didn’t have decisive influence over the club. We know we proved that beyond all reasonable doubt, because it’s a fact.”

Crystal Palace eyeing move to sign "talented" £26m ace who may replace Eze

The Eagles are already preparing for the worst.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 16, 2025

Whether UEFA’s decision will play a part in players’ immediate futures remains to be seen, but it looks as though AC Milan are willing to put that theory to the test this summer.

AC Milan make first moves in Mateta race

Whilst there will be plenty of concern about Eze’s future, another one of Oliver Glasner’s key players could yet be heading for the exit door. According to L’Equipe, AC Milan are now making initial moves to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is open to completing a summer switch to the Italian giants.

As things stand, however, the Frenchman’s valuation remains a major obstacle and potential saving grace for Crystal Palace. The Italians have reportedly been put off by Crystal Palace’s asking price, which stands at over €30m (£26m).

Alas, the Eagles’ demand should not be a surprise to Milan or any other interested parties. The £50,000-a-week forward enjoyed another excellent campaign last time out – scoring 17 goals in all competitions – and earned high praise from Glasner.

The Crystal Palace manager told reporters: “We don’t always talk because he knows what we demand of him. With his two goals today, he is amazing in the box.

“He has the feeling that a number nine must have in the box. He makes so many runs where he doesn’t get the ball. You need to suffer as a striker because you make so many runs where you don’t get the ball. He gets the reward and it decides the game for us.”

He has not adequately recovered, and will now work on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Aug-2024

Pakistan fast-bowling allrounder Aamer Jamal will miss the two-Test series against Bangladesh, the PCB confirmed on Monday.Two days out of the series opener in Rawalpindi, Pakistan announced their XI, with Saim Ayub, the incumbent opener, retaining his place at the top after having made his Test debut against Australia at the SCG in January earlier this year. The selectors picked Ayub for continuity, which meant Muhammad Hurraira will have to wait for his international debut.Hurraira, 22, has been a heavy scorer in domestic cricket and last month he scored 218 against a Bangladesh High Performance XI in a four-day game in Darwin.Saud Shakeel was named vice-captain while Naseem Shah was also back in the XI for his first Test match since July 2023.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

As for Jamal, he was initially selected in the squad with his participation subject to fitness clearance. He was most likely going to miss the first Test, starting on August 21 in Rawalpindi, as he hadn’t completely recovered from his back injury, but is now ruled out of the second Test starting August 30 as well.Jamal, who was Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker in the away series in Australia in 2023-24 with 18 wickets in three Tests, has been dealing with lower back issues since May this year. The injury also affected and ultimately curtailed his multi-format stint with Warwickshire in England, and he last played competitive cricket in June.Related

Shan Masood: 'We want to give Saim Ayub a fair chance'

T20 WC blues behind them, Pakistan and Bangladesh switch focus to red-ball cricket

Aamer Jamal leaves Warwickshire early after injury-blighted stint

Bangladesh look to shut out the noise and find rhythm in Rawalpindi

Pakistan set to play all-pace attack in a home Test for the second time in 28 years

Jamal was originally the lone seam-bowling allrounder in the squad, and with no replacement named, Pakistan will go into the first Test with 14 players since Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam were also released to play for the Shaheens. Pakistan are also expected to name an all-seam attack for the first Test and the other quicks in the squad are Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali.Jamal will now work on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore with one eye on regaining fitness before the Test series against England in October.Pakistan XI for the first Test against Bangladesh1 Abdullah Shafique, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Shan Masood (capt), 4 Babar Azam, 5 Saud Shakeel (vice-capt), 6 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 7 Salman Ali Agha, 8 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Khurram Shahzad, 11 Mohammad Ali

‘Who knows what cricket is going to look like in even two years’ time?’ says England Test captain

Vithushan Ehantharajah25-Jul-2024Ben Stokes has called for more player input over the international schedule, ahead of an overloaded 12-month period for England’s red- and white-ball sides.Speaking ahead of the third and final Test against West Indies, England’s Test captain reiterated his long-held criticisms of a congested fixture list, further complicated by the rise of franchise cricket. Having previously worried about its effect on the quality of cricket, Stokes is wary of the negative impact it could have on the development of England teams as a whole.While Stokes’ focus is on building towards the Ashes in the winter of 2025-26, the limited-overs set-up is looking towards a new dawn, with a decision to be made imminently on the futures of head coach Matthew Mott and captain Jos Buttler. Such are the commitments ahead for both squads, it is highly unlikely that each will progress at a similar rate.Related

Ollie Pope: England aiming to become 'more and more ruthless'

Harry Brook at ease with expectations as comparisons with KP swirl

Switch Hit: Big-league Bash

Unchanged England seek 3-0, as Test cricket desperately seeks a contest

Akeem Jordan replaces injured Jeremiah Louis in WI Test squad

After the conclusion of this series in Edgbaston, the Test team will reconvene for a three-match series against Sri Lanka which begins at Emirates Old Trafford on August 21. The day after the third Test is due to finish in September, England begin a T20I series against Australia.That is followed by an ODI series against the same opponents that finishes just eight days before the start of a three-Test series in Pakistan. Three days after that tour concludes, England begin an ODI series in Antigua, which ends in St Lucia eight days prior to the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.The start of 2025 offers some respite with no overseas Tests in the first half of the year, but England will play five white-ball matches in India as preparation for the Champions Trophy in February. The home season then plays host to four visiting teams, with an ODI series in Ireland running parallel to the India Test series.England are blessed with a playing pool that can be adequately split for the obligations that await. But the pull on their multi-format players such as Harry Brook, Mark Wood and even Jofra Archer, who is mooted to return to the Test side in 2025, will become a problem, particularly as they continue to seek opportunities on the T20 franchise circuit.Stokes believes his role as Test captain allows him to have a firm hand on the tiller when it comes to what is best for his team. But he acknowledged problems on the horizon and urged boards such as the ICC, who produce the Future Tours Programme (FTP), and the ECB, who rubber-stamp it, to collaborate more with players at an uncertain time for the game’s ecosystem.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”I hope not,” answered Stokes when asked if his ambitions with the Test team will be hampered by the schedule. “It is something that does need to be addressed.”Who knows what international cricket is going to look like, with all the franchise stuff that is going on as well? It does need to get looked at. The landscape is constantly changing. I don’t think anyone can put their hand on their heart and say they know what cricket is going to look like in even two years’ time.”I think some consultation might be quite nice, obviously to Jos (Buttler) and myself. The FTP could maybe see the people playing in it consulted, and I think we could have some good input in that.”Asked whether he had been consulted on the recent FTP running from 2023-27, Stokes was tight-lipped: “Yes and no. Make of that what you will.”He was similarly guarded when asked about his own white-ball career, unwilling to entertain the question on the eve of a Test match. Having reversed his ODI retirement to play in the 2023 World Cup, he subsequently opted out of the T20 World Cup last month to focus on his Test duties. He also refused to acknowledge reports in last week that he has signed a bumper £800,000 deal with MI Cape Town in the SA20, which clashes with the India white-ball series at the start of next year.

After Pep Guardiola revealed the news that Kyle Walker will not be at the Club World Cup as he prepares to leave the club this summer, Manchester City have reportedly made one particular target their no.1 priority.

Kyle Walker set to leave Man City

Following a loan spell at Milan, Walker is set to leave Manchester City on a permanent basis this summer. The veteran defender looks set to bow out as one of the best defenders to play for the Citizens and will forever have his part cemented in their history books. After eight successful years, however, he’s set to bring his Manchester City career to an end.

Guardiola confirmed the news that the defender will not be at the Club World Cup, with Fabrizio Romano then revealing that he is on course to depart Manchester City in the coming months.

Man City now eyeing shock chance to sign £84 million Arsenal contract rebel

This would certainly steal headlines…

ByTom Cunningham May 23, 2025

Walker’s exit should come as little shock. For all of his impressive work in Manchester, the England international was beginning to fall away from his best form before his loan spell away at AC Milan. Often at the centre of moments to forget for Guardiola’s side, a departure always seemed inevitable.

By the time his exit is confirmed, however, fans around The Etihad won’t remember Walker for this season’s defensive blunders. Instead, they will remember a right-back who became a mainstay in one of, if not the most successful side in Premier League history.

Replacing such a player should be among City’s priorities this summer in a task that certainly won’t be easy. Without Walker, Guardiola has been forced to turn towards some surprising options at right-back, including the likes of Matheus Nunes and the impressive Nico O’Reilly.

If the Spaniard wants to take his side back to Premier League glory after a season away, he will know more than anyone how important it is that City welcome a right-back this summer.

Man City prioritising Livramento move

According to Romano, Manchester City are now prioritising a move to sign Tino Livramento from Newcastle United this summer and have made the right-back their No 1 target.

The former Chelsea youngster has impressed at St James’ Park ever since arriving, but nailed his place down in Eddie Howe’s side ahead of Kieran Trippier once and for all this season. Now, he could be on his way to The Etihad if City get their way.

At 22 years old, Livarmento’s best years are yet to come and may well come under Guardiola as has been the case for several stars over the years. As Walker prepares to leave, the Newcastle man, who Howe described as “excellent” in April, should be seen as the perfect heir to his Manchester City throne.

Clearing £75,000 a week from their wage bill whilst welcoming a player who could spearhead a new era at The Etihad would, in many ways, represent an ideal way for Manchester City to commence their summer spending.