Manchester City transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Gundogan reveals incredible lengths John Stones went to in bid to become Man City captain – including hilarious slogan

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY star John Stones was so desperate to become captain last season that he even came up with a hilarious slogan.That is according to ex-City skipper Ilkay Gundogan, who ultimately beat Stones to the armband and lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophy.
      John Stones tried to become Manchester City captain last seasonCredit: AFP
      The Citizens held a team vote last term with the main candidates being the now Barcelona star and Kevin De Bruyne as the two most experienced players in Pep Guardiola’s roster.
      But Stones threw his name in the hat and went all in with a rather creative campaign to win over his team-mates.
      The England international even distributed posters with a comical election slogan which read: “John Stones – Man of the People”.
      Gundogan told Bild: “John promoted himself, yes, but more for fun.
      Read More on Football
      “When I was elected captain, I was relatively sure that I would be in the top three.
      “It was about whether it would be Kev [De Bruyne] or me. I think it was relatively close.”
      Gundogan left City as a free agent after their stunning Treble-winning campaign came to a close.
      The Germany international revealed the Manchester giants left it too late with their contract offer in the summer.
      Most read in Football
      The 32-year-old eventually turned down a new deal at the Etihad in favour of a move to Barcelona.
      And the German has admitted he could have been persuaded to extend his seven-year stay if they had come to him earlier.
      Gundogan said: “I’m honest and many people don’t know this but in the end, it wasn’t about a year or two.
      “City waited a relatively long time until the talks really intensified. If this had happened a little earlier, the situation would have been different.
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Stones put together a hilarious campaign with a funny slogan but lost to Ilkay GundoganCredit: Getty
      “I don’t want to go into the minute details, but it was quite late in the season.”
      Gundogan said by the time City raised the prospect of him staying, he needed to focus fully on the challenges ahead.
      He added: “When it comes to a Champions League quarter-final or semi-final, players want to concentrate purely on sport. I didn’t know what would happen next. I couldn’t plan anything.
      “Pep Guardiola’s appreciation was always there, but officially there was no movement from the club for a long time.
      “So in the end it was the perfect ending at City, it couldn’t have come at a better time. It was also my childhood dream to play for FC Barcelona.”
      Guardiola did everything to persuade his skipper to stay at the Etihad – and Gundogan said it was a tough phone call to make.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “Unfortunately, I didn’t say goodbye in person because I only made the decision after the Champions League final – two days before the Germany game against Colombia.
      “So it was probably the hardest phone call I’ve ever had in my life. The conversation was emotional, but Pep was also happy for me – joining his boyhood club Barcelona.” More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Micah Richards reveals he blames Man City star Scott Carson for costing him £1MILLION after nightmare game

      by

      MICAH RICHARDS blames Manchester City goalkeeper Scott Carson for a staggering £1million loss in 2007.That was when England lost 3-2 to Croatia at Wembley and were officially denied a place in Euro 2008 under then manager Steve McClaren.
      Micah Richards blames Scott Carson for a £1million loss in 2007Credit: Getty
      Manchester City ace Carson put together an error-laden display against CroatiaCredit: PA:Press Association
      Carson cost Richards a £1million bonus after England missed out on Euro 2008Credit: Rex
      Carson started between the sticks in that nightmare qualifier as did Richards at right-back in McClaren’s heavily rotated starting line-up for this must-win game.
      Slaven Bilic’s men opened the scoring after just eight minutes with a long-range shot by Niko Kranjcar that the keeper couldn’t hold on to.
      The Croats doubled their lead only six minutes later when Ivica Olic dribbled past the now 38-year-old shot stopper with ease and hit the back of the net.
      England managed to fight back with goals by Frank Lampard and Peter Crouch in the second half.
      Read More on Football
      But Croatia sealed their place in Austria and Switzerland with a magnificent long-range shot by Mladen Petric.
      Richards still remembers that awful performance and is not shy to express his honest opinion about Carson’s display.
      In fact, the ex-City star still blames him for missing out on a £1m bonus that he would have received if England made it to the Euro 2008 finals.
      Richards told The Rest Is Football as he joined Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer: “The team we had that day…
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      “We didn’t have Rio [Ferdinand] or John Terry. It was a mixed-bag team.
      “[David] Beckham was on the bench as well. It was all over the place. But we thought we could get a draw.
      “That was terrible! I think my player rating after that game, at best, was a two.
      “But I blame Scott Carson. I blame him. I’m sorry. He’s at Man City now, taking all the accolades, winning the treble, medal after medal.
      “And he cost me a million quid. He cost me a million pounds sterling!
      “Not euros, not pesos, not francs… That was my bonus – get to the Euros, [have] so many appearances for England, and you get more money on your contract at Man City.” More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Nine candidates who could replace Gareth Southgate as England boss from Pep Guardiola to Sarina Wiegman

      by

      ENGLAND are already thinking ahead in case manager Gareth Southgate leaves after Euro 2024.Southgate’s contract runs out next year and his future will largely depend on the Three Lions’ performance in the European championship in Germany.
      England manager Gareth Southgate’s contract runs out after Euro 2024Credit: Getty
      If the 53-year-old departs then the FA will be no short of quality options to replace him in the dugout.
      Pep Guardiola has been earmarked as the association’s top pick to take over and push England to glory, just like he did with Manchester City and Barcelona.
      Guardiola’s contract with City expires just a year after Southgate’s and the Spanish tactician is bang in the mix for the job.
      The 52-year-old would be a priority but there are other quality options, one of which would pose as a history-making appointment.
      Read More on Football
      SunSport take you through the NINE managers that could replace Gareth Southgate as England boss:
      Pep Guardiola
      Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is the FA’s “dream” pick for the top job.
      And England chiefs will ty to lure Guardiola if Gareth Southgate leaves after Euro 2024.
      The ex-Bayern Munich boss has previously opened the door to the Three Lions as he admitted he would be keen on crossing over to international football.
      Most read in Football
      A move to his native Spain would be quite unlikely after his public support of Catalan independence.
      Sarina Wiegman
      FA chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed he wouldn’t rule out England women’s manager Sarina Wiegman as the men’s next head coach.
      Wiegman led the Lionesses to European Cup glory in 2022 and then took them to this year’s World Cup Final where they lost to Spain.
      The Dutch tactician is the only manager – male or female – to lead two different teams to a World Cup Final, having also finished as a runner-up with the Netherlands to the USA in 2019.
      Thus, the 53-year-old could indeed become the first ever woman to manage a men’s national team next year, although her contract with the Lionesses expires in 2025.
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is England’s “dream” pick to replace SouthgateCredit: PA
      Eddie Howe
      Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has long been touted as a future England boss.
      It all started during Howe’s time at Bournemouth when he led the Cherries to Premier League promotion in 2015.
      The 45-year-old has since been turning heads at St James’ Park as he led the Magpies to a top-four finish last season and a subsequent return to the Champions League.
      England women’s boss Sarina Wiegman wouldn’t be ruled out for the men’s job by the FACredit: Getty
      Graham Potter 
      Graham Potter has been out of a job ever since his controversial dismissal by Chelsea last season.
      However, Potter is still highly-rated after his stunning three-year stint at Brighton.
      In fact, FA technical director John McDermott met colleagues to discuss potential successors prior to the 2022 World Cup and the 48-year-old was mentioned.
      Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has long been touted as a future England managerCredit: Alamy
      Lee Carsley
      England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley couldn’t be ruled out for the top job as current England manager Southgate was appointed while he was also in charge of the Young Lions in 2016.
      Carsley led the youth team to a stunning Euro 2023 triumph this summer that saw them winning every game and conceding no goals.
      Steve Cooper
      Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has enjoyed tremendous success and love at the City Ground after leading the club back to the Premier League following a 23-year absence from the top flight.
      But Cooper is no stranger to the England set-up as a former manager of the Under-16s and Under-17s.
      The 43-year-old was a massive success as he won the Under-17 World Cup in 2017 and made it to the final of the Euros the same year.
      Roma boss Jose Mourinho almost took over as England manager in 2007Credit: Getty
      Jose Mourinho
      Roma boss Jose Mourinho used to be many elite clubs’ dream pick to sit in their dugout.
      But Mourinho’s star has started to fade and there are not many top teams chasing the Special One’s signature.
      However, England have always been keen on the Portuguese tactician and could come back for him after almost signing him in 2007 only for his wife to change his mind at the eleventh hour.
      The two-time Champions League winner knows all about English football having previously worked for Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.
      Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard would be in contention for the England jobCredit: Getty
      Steven Gerrard 
      England could go back to some of their biggest legends to take over the hotseat, such as Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard.
      Gerrard is currently in Saudi Arabia making big bucks, but such a challenge could convince him to turn his back on all that easy money and move back to elite competition.
      The 43-year-old experienced immense success at Rangers and an impressive first year at Aston Villa – so much so, that many consider the Liverpool legend as Jurgen Klopp’s natural successor.
      Wayne Rooney
      Another legend that knows all about the demands of being England boss is former record goalscorer Wayne Rooney.
      Read More on The Sun
      Rooney showed signs of promise during his time in charge of Derby, despite the crisis that had engulfed the club.
      The Manchester United legend has also shone bright in the MLS as DC United boss as he was also picked to manage the competition’s All Stars to face Arsenal this summer. More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Classy Man City star Erling Haaland sends 175 gift boxes full of kits and footballs to budding footballers in hometown

      by

      ERLING HAALAND has struck again as he gifted 175 boxes of football kits to aspiring footballers in his hometown in Norway.The Man City star gave 1,000 budding footballers under the age of 12 wholesome gift packages.
      Erling Haaland has sent 175 gift boxes to budding footballers in NorwayCredit: Alamy
      The 23-year-old sent the packages to youngsters in Time municipality, Norway where he grew up.
      Each child received a football, T-shirt, shorts, football bag and an Aquafigure drinking bottle- a brand that Haaland has invested in.
      The packages are worth £111 each.
      However, the Norweigan star was not present to give the gifts as he was too busy scoring a hat-trick against Fulham over the weekend.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      His stunning performance led Pep Guardiola’s side to a 5-1 victory- continuing City’s winning streak this Premier League season.
      Haaland has picked up where he left off last campaign scoring already six goals in four Premier League appearances.
      His record-breaking goal-scoring last season of 36 goals in 35 appearances is the most of all time in a Premier League campaign.
      The superstar then went on to win the treble and won the Champions League Golden Boot for the second time after scoring 12 goals in the competition.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Lionel Messi is the only other player to receive the award twice before turning 23.
      To top off his success Haaland won the PFA Player of the Year award.
      The 23-year-old will be next seen in action playing for his national team Norway.
      They face Jordan in a friendly on September 7th and then take on Georgia in a Euro 2023 qualifier on September 12th.
      Haaland scored a hat-trick against Fulham over the weekendCredit: Alamy More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Eagle-eyed fans spot Scott Carson’s message on Erling Haaland’s match ball after Man City hat-trick vs Fulham

      by

      EAGLE-EYED fans were quick to spot Scott Carson’s brilliant message on Erling Haaland’s latest matchball.Manchester City’s striker has continued his red-hot form from last season’s Treble campaign with six goals in four games so far.
      Erling Haaland fired in his latest hat-trick for Man City against FulhamCredit: Getty
      The striker showed off his matchball following the game which was covered in messages from team-matesCredit: Instagram @erling.haaland
      The Cityzens romped to a 5-1 win over Fulham on Saturday, maintaining their 100 per cent start to the Premier League, with the Norwegian helping himself to a hat-trick.
      The 23-year-old also provided the assist for Julian Alvarez to open the scoring while Nathan Ake grabbed the goal.
      But it was Haaland once again who stole the show as he took his tally to 58 goals in 59 appearances for City.
      It was also the former Borussia Dortmund star’s fifth hat-trick in the top-flight for the club.
      READ MORE MAN CITY NEWS
      And he was just as keen to show off his matchball as he was the other four afterwards.
      Haaland posted several snaps on Instagram following the game with his memento as team-mates, pundits and fans from all across the planet jumped into the comments to heap praise on him.
      He captioned his photos with: “Happy. Thank you for all the support everyone! See you all soon.”
      It attracted over a million likes, however, soon it was the on-ball message from City’s reserve goalkeeper Carson that got supporters talking after it was spotted.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      It has become accustomed for team-mates to sign the ball of hat-trick heroes.
      But above his signature, ex-England goalie Carson also wrote: “Earl, what a human. Top man.”
      Haaland will be looking to add more goals to his ever-growing tally when City return to action after the international break when they travel to West Ham on September 16.
      Eagle-eyed fans loved the message from reserve goalie Scott CarsonCredit: Getty More

    • 300 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      We live by a major Premier League stadium – we used to love it here but it’s so run down we’re being forced out

      by

      LOCALS who live next to a famous Premier League stadium say they used to love the area but now want to leave because its a s*** tip.The collection of maisonettes, flats and older houses near Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium is known as the Grey Mare estate.
      One home features a mural depicting Manchester City manager Pep GuardiolaCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      Some properties have been renovated but other work has been abandonedCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      Homeowners living close by Manchester City’s ground are threatening to leaveCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      Many locals have witnessed the transformation of the area thanks to the construction of the 55,000 seater stadium and nearby sports campus over recent decades.
      But after Manchester City Council recently approved plans for a £300m expansion of Manchester City’s stadium, locals on the Grey Mare estate claim they are being left behind.
      Plans to refurbish and improve the old Grey Mere estates have been hit by a series of snags and financial set backs.
      Now locals are saying they have had enough and want out.One resident who has lived on the estate for 50 years told the Manchester Evening News: “I used to feel really good about living here.”But since all this, it’s just a s*** tip – and it’s right by the stadium where thousands of people come.”I’ve lived here since I was five – this is the first time I’ve thought I’d like to move.”
      A masterplan drawn up in 2021 suggested demolishing 124 maisonettes, flats and houses and building 290 new homes but this too has been put on hold – with many properties now remaining boarded up.
      Glenda O’Hanlon said the paused redevelopment plans left the estate looking like an unfinished “jigsaw puzzle”.
      Manchester Central’s Labour MP Lucy Powell said she was “very concerned and disappointed” by a lack of progress redeveloping the estate.
      She said: “I feel that the current leadership of One Manchester aren’t up to that task of delivering a big scheme like that.
      Most read in Football
      “They’ve let residents down in the process and some of the work that’s been carried out has not been carried out to the standard we’d expect.”
      One Manchester manages the social housing on the estate and planned to retrofit properties to improve their energy efficiency, but the scheme has stalled.
      One Manchester admitted residents had “understandable frustrations” but blamed an absence of “appropriate government-backed funding”.
      The firm said they were working with the city council “to make improvements for both our customers and the wider estate over the coming months”.
      A spokesperson added: “We will also look to collaborate on further investment proposals with MCC in the future.”
      Manchester council’s executive member for housing and development Gavin White said: “The proposals to invest in and regenerate the Grey Mare Lane estate remain a priority for the council.
      “We reassured local people at a meeting last week that the planned works would continue as promised.
      “This includes delivering new homes which will complement the previous investment in this community, including new schools and leisure centre.”
      The £300m scheme to expand city’s stadium received the green light from town planners in July.
      Read More on The Sun
      The proposal would see an extra 7,900 seats added to the north stand, increasing the stadium capacity to 61,958, as well as a a nine storey, 391-bedroom hotel and a new eight storey building constructed.
      Building work is set to start later this year. The scheme is expected to be delivered by late 2026.
      Locals are leading an exodus from a neglected estate next to reigning Premier League and European champions Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      England blow as Man City coach hints Jack Grealish will MISS Ukraine and Scotland games through injury

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY star Jack Grealish may miss England’s upcoming matches against Ukraine and Scotland.Grealish did not feature in City’s 5-1 Premier League victory over Fulham at the Etihad due to a thigh injury.
      Manchester City star Jack Grealish suffered a thigh injuryCredit: Getty
      Man City stand-in boss Juanma Lillo claimed Grealish may miss England’s next matchesCredit: Rex
      And the Citizens’ stand-in manager Juanma Lillo, who’s filling in for Pep Guardiola as the head coach continues to recover from minor back surgery, dealt England boss Gareth Southgate a further blow.
      Lillo admitted during his post-match press conference that it is “going to be difficult” for Grealish to be fit in time for the Three Lions’ next matches.
      Southgate’s men take on Ukraine next Saturday in a Euro 2024 qualifier in Poland.
      England will the square off against Scotland in an international friendly at Hampden Park three days later.
      Read More on Football
      However, Southgate might have to make an adjustment to his attack with Grealish posing as a doubt.
      This also poses as a blow for City, who are currently dealing with a minor injury crisis themselves.
      The Treble winners’ captain Kevin de Bruyne has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and could be out for the rest of the year.
      John Stones is also shelved due to a hip injury he suffered before the start of the campaign.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      And Stones is expected to be unavailable until after the international break.
      The same goes for City manager Guardiola, who looks set to return to the dugout on September 16.
      That is when the reigning Premier League champions travel to West Ham. More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City ace Kyle Walker gets told off for speeding on a jet ski by marine patrol

      by

      ENGLAND ace Kyle Walker was given a ticking off by a marine patrol for speeding — on a jet ski.The Man City star, 33, was pulled over by a safety officer who allowed him to continue after issuing “advice”.
      Man City and England star Kyle Walker was given a ticking off by a marine patrol for speeding — on a jet skiCredit: Alamy
      Walker was understood to have been in Abersoch on the Llyn Peninsula when he was stopped by the patrol, who also use jet skisCredit: Nigel Iskander
      After the incident, the star retired to the bar in Abersoch on the ‘Welsh Riviera’Credit: Nigel Iskander
      Lightning fast right-back Walker curbed his speed for the remainder of his water bike sea jaunt off West Wales before hitting the bar at an exclusive holiday park.
      A friend said: “Kyle was visiting the day after playing for City and just wanted to have some fun.
      “Problem was he went too far and was ragging the jet ski around in the sea.
      “A safety patrol spotted him and went over to him.
      READ MORE ON KYLE WALKER
      “They were pretty surprised when they saw who it was but lost no time in telling him to cool it
      “Kyle can go as fast as he wants up and down the wing — but he needs to be slower on the sea.”
      Walker was understood to have been in Abersoch on the Llyn Peninsula when he was stopped by the patrol, who also use jet skis.
      A local marine patrol member confirmed the dad of three was spoken to over his antics.
      Most read in Football
      He said: “He got told off.
      “We’ll tell them all off.
      “We don’t care who they are or what they are.
      “Bear Grylls came in here at a fair speed once so I said, ‘Oi, there’s a speed limit here’.” More