Manchester City

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We asked for your memories of former Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan after the sad news of his passing was announced on Monday.

Here are some of your replies and stories:

John: I have great memories of Kevin Keegan's Championship title promotion season, establishing City in the Premier League, and of his tremendous impact on the direction and ambition of the entire club during his time as manager. A true great as a player, and a special manager who did so much to revive sleeping giants, Newcastle, Fulham and Manchester City. Rest in peace, King Kevin.

Colin: Kevin Keegan, what a man! Would we have all the current success if he hadn't brought his entertaining brand of football to City? People may see his period as City manager as a footnote in his wonderful career, but his four years at City were as entertaining as it gets. Thank you, King Kev.

Keith: His City teams were amongst the most exciting I have ever seen, and he could clearly attract excellent players. The football was sometimes so attacking, it was bonkers and NEVER dull. That 2001-02 second tier campaign was so memorable... Ali Bernabia, Eyal Berkovic, Shaun Goater, Darren Huckerby, Stuart Pearce. Rest in peace, Kevin, thank you for your time at City.

John: RIP King Kev - Thank you for the great memories from your time as Manchester City manager.

Chris: True legend, great player and wore his heart on a sleeve.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Kevin Keegan, who has died aged 75, was one of football's most charismatic and influential figures in a career of many chapters that took him from superstar player to elite manager.

Keegan's career was a reflection of himself.

He was hugely gifted, honest, decent, hard-working and emotional. There were highs and lows, but the positivity and vibrancy he brought made him a cherished figure.

Keegan could not resist the lure of the game and succeeded Joe Royle as Manchester City manager after relegation from the Premier League in May 2001.

His commitment to exciting attacking football remained, signing entertainers such as Eyal Berkovic and Ali Benarbia. City were promoted as First Division champions after scoring 108 league goals.

Adding quality like France striker Nicolas Anelka, City finished ninth in the Premier League, Keegan also inspiring more remarkable memories.

In an FA Cup fourth-round replay at Tottenham in February 2004, City came from 3-0 down at the interval, with midfielder Joey Barton sent off at the end of the first half, to win 4-3 through Jon Macken's late winner. A month later they handed out a 4-1 beating to Manchester United.

While Keegan had indicated his intention to retire at the end of the 2004-05 season, he instead left by mutual consent in March 2005.

Read Keegan's obituary here

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Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, seven weeks after he revealed he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.

One of English football's most decorated players, Keegan enjoyed spells at Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle during an illustrious playing careeer.

The two-time winner of the Ballon d'Or later went on to manage Newcastle, Fulham, England and Manchester City.

What are your favourite memories of Keegan at City? Were you fortunate enough to meet him? What will you remember him for?

Get in touch with your stories here

Opta have named their World Cup Team of the Tournament.

A host of familiar names feature, including Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez. Key names to depart both Arsenal and Chelsea this summer also make the list.

Opta explained the selections as follows:

Martinez - "Martínez led his country's backline in passes (460) and accurate passes (427) while he became the only Argentine defender on record to score and assist in a FIFA World Cup game (v Cabo Verde)."

Cucurella - "Cucurella led the way for full-backs for successful final third passes (142) and successful passes (382) and was second for touches in the opposition box (19)."

Rodri - "The Spanish midfielder registered the most accurate passes (756), most carries (164) and most line-breaking passes (122) in the competition while that haul of 756 successful passes is the most ever in an edition of the World Cup on record."

Trossard - "As well as scoring two and assisting two, no player created more chances from open play than Trossard (17) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup."

Haaland - "Haaland averaged a goal every 17.1 touches at the 2026 World Cup (120 touches, 7 goals), the second fewest on record (since 1966) for a player to score five or more at a single tournament after Oleg Salenko in 1994 (16.7 – 100 touches, 6 goals)."

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

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Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri was named best player at the 2026 World Cup.

The 30-year-old was a key figure in Spain's run to a second men's World Cup title and beat Argetina's Lionel Messi - the second-best player - to the Golden Ball.

He received the trophy from Fifa president Gianni Infantino on the field at the MetLife Stadium following the final in New Jersey on Sunday.

It is the third major individual accolade of Rodri's career, having won the Ballon d'Or in 2023 and then Uefa Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament after Spain's final triumph against England two years ago.

France striker Kylian Mbappe claimed the Bronze Ball and Golden Boot.

It rounded off a special evening for Spain captain Rodri, who also lifted the World Cup trophy surrounded by his team-mates.

Rodri, as per Fifa rules, will now have three weeks off to rest and recover before returning to City for the 2026-27 Premier League campaign under new boss Enzo Maresca.

As FA Cup holders, City play league champions Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, 16 August, before kicking off their season against Bournemouth a week later.

European champions Spain broke the resistance of 10-man Argentina in extra-time to win their second ever World Cup in New Jersey.

Barcelona's Ferran Torres was the difference maker in what was an overall disappointing final that was littered with interruptions.

Spain created the best opportunities against the defending world champions, who mainly resorted to spoiling tactics and had Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez sent off just before the game went into extra time.

Torres was the hero for Spain when he collected substitute Nico Williams' header to beat Argentina and Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez with a powerful shot from close range after 106 minutes.

Seven Premier League players will now return to their five respective clubs for the new 2026-27 season having won the biggest honour in world football.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

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Manchester City midfielder Rodri will hope to add a World Cup title to his extensive list of accolades when European champions Spain face holders Argentina in Sunday's final (20:00 BST).

The Spain captain has been at the heart of Luis de la Fuente's team, providing complete control and dominance in midfield in their unbeaten run to the showpiece in New York, which you can watch live on the BBC.

Rodri came into the tournament off the back a difficult domestic season with City as he returned from the ACL injury suffered in the previous campaign. He faced several setbacks over the course of the season and failed to recapture his highest form.

But very few can argue against Rodri's performances at the 2026 World Cup.

Going into the final, he has completed the most passes by any player at a World Cup on record, with 655.

And should Spain be victorious, Rodri will become the 11th player to have won the Ballon d'Or, the Champions League (or European Cup) and the World Cup.

Watch the World Cup final on the BBC

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Bundesliga side Cologne have signed forward Reigan Heskey from Manchester City for a deal worth up to £8m.

The 18-year-old, who is the son of ex-England striker Emile, made his senior debut for City in the Carabao Cup last season.

He also scored the winning goal in the final to help City win the FA Youth Cup with victory over rivals Manchester United.

The deal includes sell-on and buy-back clauses for City, as well as matching rights should another club make a bid for Heskey in the future.

Heskey becomes the second City player to join Cologne this summer after centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey made a permanent move last month.

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Manchester City welcomed clubs to their training ground on Tuesday to showcase the talent on offer during the summer transfer window.

The exhibition day centres largely around players available on loan - or possibly a permanent transfer - for those who likely fall into the gap between the first team and the under-23 side, known as the elite development squad.

City have held such days for a number of years, where a short training session is put on in front of watching scouts, heads of recruitment and agents from Championship and other Football League clubs.

A presentation was shown with data and analytics about each player, with conversations being held with staff in attendance afterwards, providing a fully-rounded view of what clubs will be acquiring.

Though the list of players available is undisclosed publicly, Max Alleyne, Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Charlie Gray are some of the names that may have been involved.

All three have made first-team debuts for City, while 20-year-old centre-back Alleyne and left-back Wilson-Esbrand, 23, have both spent time away on loan.

Playing for City is the dream, but for many, the reality is that they may have to walk away to forge a first-team career elsewhere.

In those moments, it becomes the task of visiting scouts and staff to try and convince these young, ambitious players that their club offers the ideal next step to move forward.

One senior figure from a Championship club described the day as being "definitely a worthwhile exercise" as they are keen to foster healthy working relationships with clubs that have the stature and size of City.

City's first team players are scheduled to report for pre-season training on Monday as manager Enzo Maresca takes charge following the departure of Pep Guardiola.

The squad head to Hong Kong and Seoul the following week for three friendly matches before the start of the new season.

Some of Tuesday's players may be harbouring hopes of booking a seat on the plane to the Far East and still being around when the new campaign comes around.

Read more on City's loans exhibition day

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With pre-season officially in full swing, we asked you to tell us what you're looking forward to about club football returning.

Here are some of your replies:

Harry: I am most excited about seeing how our squad will play. We've bought a new midfield engine and Enzo Maresca is an unknown quantity when it comes to a squad of Manchester City's quality. I don't expect us to be winning trophies, but as long as I see improvement, then I'm happy.

Lewis: Elliot Anderson anchoring the midfield! (Hopefully with Rodri.)

Roger: A change in tactics to make better use of Erling Haaland. Faster, attacking football rather than the dull, possession-based game Pep Guardiola preferred.

Dave: Fast, open football, together with great passing and good defending. Plenty of goals. Side to side is boring and doesn't score winning goals. Entertainment.

Keith: When club football resumes and we get to see the Premier League again, I am looking forward to seeing better teams and better matches than in the World Cup. The days when international football represented the pinnacle of the game are long past. Elite club football is at a higher level.

Steve: The constant feeling being surrounded by football mostly, but also just knowing your team has a genuine chance of winning a trophy in the season and, of course, watching your favourite players reunite once again. For me, not seeing Phil Foden at this year's World Cup was a real disappointment so I'm hoping to see him back to form once the season begins with Maresca!

Matthew: Now Pep's gone, Maresca should let Haaland off his leash. He's the best striker on earth. Feed the GOAT.

John: Looking forward to football life post Pep. Never really been an international football fan, but City will always thrill me. Bring it on!

Newcastle are in talks over Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, 25, and with fellow Englishman James Trafford, Manchester City's 23-year-old goalkeeper. (Mail - requires subscription), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The World Cup has done a fantastic job of filling the Premier League void, but there is nothing quite like club football.

As the tournament in North America heads towards its climax and England supporters' disappointment sinks in, there is a Manchester City fanbase waiting for the 2026-27 season with anticipation.

So, it has got us thinking: what are you looking forward to most about club football resuming?

Get in touch here

Manchester City have informed Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi they want to bring the 18-year-old Morocco midfielder straight into the first team rather than loan him back to the French club. (Teamtalk), external

City are also looking at Paris St-Germain's Senegal forward Ibrahim Mbaye, 18, after interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham. (FootMercato), external

Everton are considering a move for Manchester City right-back Rico Lewis, with Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Fulham also interested in the 21-year-old Englishman. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Leicester City fan Kate Wattam, from podcast and fan channel Blue Tinted Glasses, has been discussing new Manchester City signing Jeremy Monga after he signed from the Foxes.

"It is really disappointing, we've seen a bit of Jeremy over the last couple of seasons and he is an exciting prospect. But, with the predicament we are currently in, the league we are currently in, it's really good money for us and it could be really important for our ascendancy back up the divisions, let's hope," Wattam told BBC Radio Manchester.

On the type of player City are signing, Wattam said: "He's very, very skilful. He's one of those players who has very pretty feet, a bit like Riyad Mahrez. He's a very balanced player, got pace, he can cut inside, got two feet so he is really exciting to watch.

"Defensively he needs a bit of work, he's still fairly slight. He has only just turned 17 so there is probably still a bit of development and growth to come from him.

Monga is the third-youngest player ever to play in the Premier League, after Arsenal duo Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman.

"With the team that Man City have, he'll thrive on it because he will be surrounded by really good players. He'll be able to flourish and he'll be able to show that flair that we all know he has got.

"I wish him well and I trust that [former Leicester City manager] Enzo Maresca will look after him and do right by him."

Hit play below to hear the full clip or listen on BBC Sounds here

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Manchester City's Marc Guehi says there is "no pressure at all" on England as they prepare to face Argentina in Wednesday's Fifa World Cup semi-final.

After only coming on as a late substitute in The Three Lions' opener against Croatia, the 26-year-old has since played every minute to help Thomas Tuchel's side reach the verge of their first World Cup final since 1966.

Standing in their way is old rivals Argentina - and their talisman, Lionel Messi.

"Big game with big players," Guehi said before the last-four clash.

"Both sides have big players. When you have that, you know it's going to be a good game. It's going to be a fun watch.

"It's one you're going to be talking about for a long time, so we're excited."

Asked what pressure the England players are feeling before such a huge game, Guehi added: "What's the pressure? The onus is on them, they are the world champions.

"They need to come out and defend their title so there is no pressure on us at all.

"It's the game of your life. You have do what you can for your country."

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We asked for your views on which players you're most excited to see in action during pre-season.

Here are some of your comments:

Gary: Divine Mukasa has not only got the best name in football, he is one of the best players I have seen in over 70 years of watching football. He has the rare quality of being two footed, creates and scores goals and is good in the air. Leicester were singing his praises in the short time he was there. He needs to be put in the side.

Harry: The obvious answer is Elliot Anderson, though I don't believe he'll be playing in our pre-season friendlies. Other than him, I'd love to see Vitor Reis and Claudio Echeverri if they're returning from their respective loans. Maybe even some academy lads like Ryan McAidoo or Mukasa. Closer to heart, I want Phil Foden back and firing next season.

James: Hopefully Anderson is able to replicate what he is doing for England because he has been class. Interested to see if he will fit in with the new system Enzo Maresca brings.

Ian: The 'first team' will still be on the beach after the World Cup. So these tours are nothing but money-spinners for the club and venues, and a disappointment to fans who turn up.

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Standing between England and a second World Cup final appearance is Lionel Messi's Argentina, and Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly is relishing the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to face the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

It will be the first time Messi has faced England and, at 39, it could be the last. O'Reilly has never faced him at club level either.

"I can't wait for the challenge," the 21-year-old, who will probably have to defend against Messi one-on-one if he starts at left-back, told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"He's coming towards the end of his career. He's the best player to ever touch a football pitch."

Messi began the tournament with a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria as he became the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, equalling Miroslav Klose's record of 16, which had stood since 2014.

The Argentina captain has since scored five more to take that record - his total of eight goals putting him alongside France's Kylian Mbappe at the top of the Golden Boot race.

The winner of Wednesday's semi-final will face either France or Spain - who play each other on at 20:00 BST on Tuesday - in the World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (20:00).

Hit play below to hear more from O'Reilly or listen on BBC Sounds here

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Barcelona are open to selling Spain forward Ferran Torres, 26, to avoid having to pay his former club Manchester City about £7m if they extend his contract. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

When the World Cup ends, regardless of who wins, we'll still have loads of great content every day as we build up to the new Premier League season.

We're already working on some exciting new things for 2026-27.

As well as all the fallout and reaction to the tournament, we'll quickly shift back towards club football, with pre-season coverage and all the latest transfer gossip and stories.

BBC Sport and teams across BBC Nations and Regions cover all 20 Premier League sides and we have dedicated club reporters, who will be travelling to bring you behind-the-scenes insights from pre-season tours.

We'll also have live pages for selected pre-season matches, as well as in-depth features and storytelling, giving you the latest updates before the new campaign.

Once the World Cup ends, some of the standout players will be hot property in the transfer market, with top clubs chasing their signatures.

Our reporters, including senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel, will be breaking the big transfer stories on our website and app.

We'll also have our daily transfer gossip column, wrapping up all the rumours from across the football world.

For fans of World Cup Predictor, a new weekly game will be launching immediately after the tournament, with five fixtures a week to predict the outcomes of. You'll be able to build up your streaks and share your results with friends and family.

Our quizzes will also continue to be available to play so you can test your knowledge of the beautiful game.

Our new Shorts tab in the BBC Sport app will be the home of sport videos with content throughout the week from your club, including explainers, pundit analysis, interviews and behind-the-scenes content. We'll also be starting to include more reaction from fans so you can see the latest hot takes and debate the biggest talking points from your club.

Live pages are going to get bigger and better with more interactive elements, more conversation and improved functionality. They'll have BBC Radio 5 Live audio commentaries for the Premier League and Champions League, as well as live video for FA Cup.

Remember, the best way to get all of this content is to download the BBC Sport app and follow your favourite teams and sports using the My Sport tab.

Once you've set this up, you'll have quick access to those pages at the top of your Home tab and we'll be able to serve you better, more personalised, experiences in future.

And when following your Premier League team, from the start of the 2026-27 season you'll also get Live Notifications, which give you score updates directly on your phone's lock screen during a match.

Read more about what content you can expect here

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are both interested in Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Pre-season is just around the corner and the Premier League returns in less than 50 days.

Here is Manchester City's pre-season schedule - with kick-off times in BST.

• 1 August v Inter Milan (Hong Kong) - 12:30

• 5 August v K-League All Stars (Seoul) - 12:00

• 9 August v Atletico Madrid (Seoul) - 12:00

• 16 August Community Shield v Arsenal (Cardiff) - 15:00

Which players, including young prospects from the academy, are you most looking forward to seeing in action?

Let us know here