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Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has offered his thoughts on Xavi Simons and his performances in training, while addressing the decision to bench him in Spurs’ last four matches.

Thomas Frank set for Brentford reunion amid poor Spurs run

Spurs welcome Brentford to north London on Saturday, desperately needing to end a dismal run that has seen them plummet to 11th in the Premier League table with just 19 points from 14 games.

Frank’s side approach this clash winless in their last five league outings, including three defeats.

Cristian Romero’s dramatic late overhead kick salvaged a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in their last match, with a controversial VAR penalty to Newcastle denying them all three points.

Their home form has completely collapsed too, with the club now going six consecutive league matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without a single victory.

16. Burnley

2

1

4

7

-2

17. Nottingham Forest

2

1

4

7

-5

18. West Ham

2

0

5

6

-9

19. Tottenham

1

2

4

5

-1

20. Wolves

0

1

6

1

-11

That shocking run includes 10 home defeats throughout the entire calendar year of 2025, matching the club’s worst-ever records for home losses in a single year.

Most concerning was their last appearance on home soil, where Fulham raced into a two-goal lead within the opening six minutes before securing a 2-1 victory.

The final whistle brought a cacophony of boos ringing around the stadium, aimed squarely at Frank and his struggling squad.

The ghosts of their 4-1 capitulation at Arsenal last month continue to haunt the team. During that humbling derby defeat, Tottenham managed an expected goals figure of just 0.07, one of their lowest outputs this season, highlighting their serious lack of creativity which has become a concern.

Injury problems compound Frank’s difficulties.

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Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski remain sidelined, robbing Spurs of crucial attacking impetus, with James Maddison not expected back until the new year. Meanwhile, Yves Bissouma also has no set return date yet.

The Lilywhites really need Simons to step up right now after his marquee £55 million move from RB Leipzig, but the Dutchman has scarcely been given a chance lately.

Simons’ highlights in a Spurs jersey are few and far between, with the ex-PSG sensation putting in a Player of the Match display against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League and notching an assist against West Ham way back in September.

That is, however, the sum of his contribution this season, with the ex-Eredivisie starlet attracting criticism.

Thomas Frank makes Xavi Simons training claim in response to Tottenham snubs

Simons could end up costing the club £125 million when factoring in wages, agent’s fees and other add-ons over a potential seven-year contract, but to be fair to him, it’s hard to justify that price with limited game time.

Speaking in his latest press conference, Frank addressed why he hasn’t been starting for Simons for Tottenham lately — claiming it is down to a matter of form with alternatives and different personnel for contrasting matches.

The Dane also shared how Simons has been impressing in Tottenham training lately, so it is absolutely not a question of work ethic.

With the pressure on Simons to perform, Saturday sets the perfect stage, and he could become a hero by helping to arrest the club’s barren home form through a convincing display against Frank’s former club.

In search of an attacking spark, Everton have now reportedly joined Newcastle United in the race to sign young Brazilian star Allan Elias from Palmeiras in 2026.

The Toffees have endured an inconsistent season so far, but entered the international break off the back of a routine 2-0 victory over Fulham. For the most part, David Moyes’ side have shown potential, albeit without blowing teams away.

It must be said, however, that their weakness has been clear since the beginning of the campaign. Everton just can’t get their strikers going on the goal front. After making Thierno Barry one of their most expensive signings, those in Merseyside would have at least expected a goal or two by now. So far, though, he’s yet to find the back of the net.

Meanwhile, Beto is also struggling. The towering forward showed glimpses of promise last season – especially under Moyes – but has so far scored just two goals in 13 games in all competitions.

The Friedkin Group are seemingly running out of patience with their strikers, too. Recent reports have claimed that Everton are interested in adding to their attack in the January transfer window, with Joshua Zirkzee and Daizen Maeda both linked.

The latter would be a particularly impressive signing, given that he scored 33 goals for Celtic at his best last season. Now apparrently keen to leave the Scottish club, Everton could reportedly land a deal for just £15m.

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Alas, the Japan international isn’t the only attacking spark on the Toffees’ shortlist, and they could also make some improvements to those providing the service for Beto and Barry. Fresh headlines in Brazil have suggested that those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium now want a South American gem.

Everton join race to sign Allan Elias

According to reports in Brazil, via Sport Witness, Everton have now joined the race to sign Allan ahead of Newcastle. The 21-year-old has impressed for Palmeiras, assisting eight goals in the current campaign, and could yet ignite Moyes’ frontline.

For many, Allan will be an unknown talent, but it’s worth noting the impressive performances that he enjoyed from the bench at last summer’s Club World Cup. Squaring off against the likes of Chelsea and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, the young Brazilian more than held his own.

The 21-year-old has also earned plenty of praise during his time at Palmeiras, with manager Abel Ferreira telling reporters: “It’s difficult to leave names like Veiga, Mauricio and Murilo out, but Allan comes in and gives a great dynamic. A machine.”

Claims that Palmeiras have inserted a release clause worth as much as €100m (£88m) in Allan’s contract shows just how highly they rate him and that could provide a problem for Everton.

As much as Friedkin were willing to spend big last summer, they mainly spent on proven European talent rather than gambling on the unknown. At this stage, it seems unlikely that the Toffees would spend £88m on Allan.

"Brilliant" Everton target asks to leave Celtic as Friedkin enter £15m race

Jamie Carragher criticised a struggling Liverpool star as the Reds were dealt another humiliating defeat at Anfield, this time at the hands of PSV Eindhoven.

Curtis Jones admits he's out of "answers" after Liverpool defeat

Where do Liverpool go from here? This is no longer a blip. The Premier League champions are in a full-blown crisis that not even Anfield could protect them from against Nottingham Forest and PSV. Their crown has been ripped from their head in ruthless fashion and serious questions are being asked of manager Arne Slot.

Curtis Jones looked a man defeated at full-time, as he admitted that he doesn’t have the “answers” to Liverpool’s current form, which has seen them lose nine of their last 12 games in all competitions.

The academy graduate told reporters: “I don’t have the answers. Honestly, I don’t. I’m saying that to everybody. It’s just unacceptable. I don’t even have to wait to think about it. I’m past being angry inside.

“I’m at the point now where I just don’t have the words. It’s hard because I’m playing for the team I support. I’m a fan, and I’ve seen this club all my life. In a long, long time, I haven’t experienced a Liverpool team going through a period like this with results like these.

Ranked: The worst title defences in Premier League history

Look away now, Arne Slot…

ByTom Cunningham Nov 25, 2025

“But at the end of the day, we still have that badge on our chest. And until that badge is gone, we’re always going to fight. We’re going to try and get this team back to where it needs to be, show everyone again what this club is about and why people call it the best team in the world. But right now, we’re in the s***, and it needs to change.”

Carragher also didn’t hold back behind the scenes on CBS, ripping into Ibrahima Konate after the Frenchman endured another disastrous outing at Anfield.

Carragher rips into Konate after "sackable" PSV performance

Caught on camera watching the game behind the scenes on punditry duty for CBS, Carragher slammed Konate and claimed that it was a “sackable offence” for Slot to start the struggling defender against PSV.

Konate, who is out of contract in the summer, has been one of the most disappointing players in Liverpool’s recent run and continued his struggles against PSV – missing his interception for their third goal.

Once again, he found himself hooked in the second-half as Slot desperately attempted to turn the game around. By the time that the defender departed the game in the 76th minute, Konate had made just three tackles and won zero aerial duels on another evening to forget.

It’s a timely reminder that, despite breaking their transfer record twice in the summer, Liverpool made a major mistake when they missed out on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

As bad as Konate & Van Dijk: £85m Liverpool duo cannot start together again

Pete Alonso is continuing his ride with the New York Mets after signing a two-year, $54 million extension that will keep him anchoring first base and the heart of the order. He'll be paramount to the Mets' success as they hope to build on a run that took them to the National League Championship Series last season. So it was a major reason for concern when Alonso suffered an injury during practice on Thursday.

SNY cameras caught the aftermath of Alonso taking a ball to the face during drills.

Thankfully for player and organization, Alonso was able to get back on his feet relatively quickly and leave the field on his own power. He returned to the field later to continue the club's preseason work.

Alonso has been an iron man since breaking through with New York in 2019, missing only 24 regular season games. In 2024 he suited up for all 162 regular season and 13 playoff contests.

The first baseman has made four All-Star trips during his six Major League Baseball seasons and coming off a year in which he blasted 34 home runs.

Table-toppers bounce back from 0 for 2 to post formidable first-day total against Derbyshire

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay22-Jul-2025

Rehan Ahmed scored another century for Leicestershire•Getty Images

Leicestershire 357 for 3 (Hill 132*, Rehan 115, Handscomb 99*) vs Derbyshire Leicestershire displayed the quality and character of promotion contenders to stage an impressive fightback on the opening day of the Rothesay County Championship match against rivals Derbyshire at the Central Co-op County Ground.The Division Two leaders recovered from 0 for 2 to close on 357 for 3 with England all-rounder Rehan Ahmed and Lewis Hill scoring centuries.Ahmed’s 115 was his third consecutive hundred in the championship and his fourth of the season while Hill and skipper Peter Handscomb celebrated personal milestones.Hill marked his 100th first-class appearance with an unbeaten 132 and shared an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 188 with Handscomb who was not out 99 in his 200th red-ball game.Hill also added 169 with Ahmed which turned the tide after Luis Reece and Blair Tickner made such an encouraging start for the hosts before Leicestershire took control.The pitch had been used for three T20 matches which would have influenced Leicestershire’s decision to bat but that looked questionable when both openers were dismissed in the space of six balls.Cloud cover hinted at assistance for the seam bowlers and Reece found enough away movement with the third ball of the day to have Rishi Patel caught behind.When Tickner straightened his second ball to bowl Sol Budinger, the morning was threatening to go badly wrong for the leaders but Ahmed and Hill counter-attacked to dominate the rest of the session.Ahmed scored his maiden century at Derby three seasons ago and he quickly imposed himself on the bowlers to relieve the pressure.When Derbyshire turned to spin in the 15th over, he came down the pitch to dispatch Jack Morley for six before reaching his 50 from 54 balls in the next over.Hill’s role was less eyecatching but just as valuable and by lunch the pair had transformed Leicestershire’s fortunes at 118 for 2.Ahmed quickly closed in on his hundred, reverse sweeping Alex Thomson for his 13th four to move to 99 and then squeezing a single past gully to reach three figures from 118 balls.Hill completed his 50 before Ahmed whipped Zak Chappell in the air to deep mid-wicket where Caleb Jewell took a fine catch on the run.The rest of the afternoon belonged to Hill and Handscomb who accumulated steadily against bowling that lacked the consistency to put them under pressure.The pattern was repeated after tea with Handscomb reaching 50 off 84 balls three overs before Hill raised his bat to celebrate the 9th first-class hundred of his career which had come from 194 balls.Not surprisingly, Derbyshire claimed the second new ball as soon as it became available but although Reece beat the bat several times, could not make the breakthrough as Hill and Handscomb put their side in a commanding position.

خيم التعادل السلبي على نتيجة مباراة الأهلي والمصري، في المواجهة التي جمعت بينهما مساء اليوم ضمن منافسات الدوري الممتاز.

وأقيمت المباراة بين الأهلي والمصري، على أرضية استاد برج العرب في الإسكندرية، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الـ13 من الدوري الممتاز.

وعقب مباراة اليوم، وصل رصيد الأهلي إلى 23 نقطة، من الفوز بـ6 مباريات والتعادل 5 مرات بجانب هزيمة وحيدة حتى الآن، خلال مشواره في الدوري المصري.

ويخوض الأهلي المواجهة القادمة أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا على استاد هزاع بن زايد بمدينة العين الإماراتية، ضمن منافسات السوبر المصري بنظامه الجديد بمشاركة 4 أندية.

طالع | ترتيب الدوري المصري بعد فوز الزمالك وبيراميدز وتعادل الأهلي

ويأمل الأهلي في التتويج ببطولة السوبر المصري، ساعيًا لكسب ود جمهوره بسبب تذبذب أداء ونتائج الفريق منذ بداية الموسم الحالي. موعد مباراة الأهلي وسيراميكا كليوباترا في السوبر المصري

من المقرر أن يلتقي الأهلي مع سيراميكا كليوباترا، يوم الخميس 6 نوفمبر 2025، في تمام الساعة الخامسة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، السادسة مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، والسابعة مساءً بتوقيت الإمارات.

وتُنقل المباراة عبر قناة أون سبورتس الناقل الحصري للبطولة.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to fitness could not have come at a more important time for Real Madrid, following the loss of Dani Carvajal to injury. It comes just a week before Los Blancos are due to face Liverpool in the Champions League at Anfield, only five months after Alexander-Arnold decided to end a 20-year association with his boyhood team.

Carvajal medical report revealed

On Tuesday, Real Madrid gave an official statement confirming that Carvajal has had knee surgery – he had earlier been "diagnosed with a loose joint in his right knee" following tests that had taken place on Monday. He didn't start El Clasico against Barcelona and felt discomfort after coming on.

"Our captain, Dani Carvajal, underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee today," it read. "The operation was performed by Dr. Manuel Leyes under the supervision of Real Madrid's Medical Services. Carvajal will begin recovery work in the coming days."

While there is no timeframe from the club on his return, early estimates suggest the right-back could be sidelined for most of the rest of the calendar while he recovers. It suggests he could be back in action at some point in December, or perhaps even after Real Madrid are back from Spain's winter break in early January.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesBoost for Alexander-Arnold ahead of Anfield return

Alexander-Arnold was struck down by a hamstring injury just five minutes into last month's Champions League win over Marseille, but was back in the matchday squad for Sunday's Barcelona clash for the first time since then. He didn't get on the pitch, with Carvajal going on to grab headlines for the way he angrily confronted Lamine Yamal at the final whistle, accusing the teenager of running his mouth in the build-up. But it points to a return to fitness, at least, for someone who hasn't naturally flourished since joining the club in June.

The former Liverpool defender was forced to share game time with Carvajal prior to getting injured, getting the nod against Osasuna and Mallorca but having to make do with late substitute appearances when Madrid faced Real Oviedo and Real Sociedad. Marseille was the next match after Real Sociedad, so it made sense for Trent to return to Xabi Alonso's XI, only for him to get injured straightaway.

But with Carvajal competition for the place now not a factor for the foreseeable future, Alexander-Arnold suddenly has a great chance of starting against Liverpool. There is no other senior recognised right-back in the first-team squad, although midfielder Federico Valverde has often filled in when needed – as was the case against Barcelona – and would be an option if Alexander-Arnold is viewed to be short on match fitness.

Liverpool's poor form without homegrown right-back

For Real Madrid, this feels like a good time to play what was, on paper at the time the league phase draw was conducted, their hardest fixture. While Alonso's side have won five straight games across all competitions since a surprisingly heavy defeat to city rivals Atletico a month ago, Liverpool have five of their last six outings – including four in a row in the Premier League to slide down the table.

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AFPHostile reception for Alexander-Arnold

Whether he starts at Anfield or not, Alexander-Arnold could find himself in for a hostile reception from the fans who used to consider him one of their own. Trent's decision to run down his Liverpool contract, ensuring the Reds could only command a negligible transfer fee due to the uniqueness of the mini-transfer window before the summer's Club World Cup, did not sit well with supporters. Alexander-Arnold was audibly booed by some Liverpool fans in the final weeks of last season and openly accused of betraying the club with homemade signs displayed in the area around Anfield. When he did eventually reach his last game for Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold was more warmly received inside the stadium, but that feeling may not last if he is lining up for an opponent he seemingly considered to be a bigger club.

Borussia Dortmund have been keeping a close eye on Ecuadorian wonderkid Justin Lerma since striking a deal to sign the teenager back in 2024. The young sensation is set to join the Bundesliga giants next summer once he turns 18 in a €4 million deal and the club's current plan is to immediately thrust him into the senior team after being impressed by his performances in his homeland.

Dortmund’s 2024 signing Justin Lerma to arrive next summer

Dortmund secured the signature of Lerma back in 2024, paying around €4m to Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder, highly rated across South America, will officially move to Germany in 2026 after turning 18. Dortmund moved early to beat competition from several top European clubs, including Chelsea, maintaining close contact with Lerma and his family since the agreement was reached.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBuilding on a legacy of nurturing world-class talent

Die Schwarzgelben's scouting department has once again beaten Europe’s elite to a South American gem. The club’s track record speaks for itself from Ousmane Dembele and Jadon Sancho to Jude Bellingham and they hope Lerma can follow a similar trajectory. Independiente del Valle, known for producing players like Moises Caicedo, Kendry Paez and Piero Hincapie, continues to be a goldmine for European clubs looking for future stars.

Inside the deal and BVB’s long-term plan

Sporting director Sebastian Kehl revealed that Dortmund had been monitoring Lerma for years, maintaining close contact with his family to secure the deal. 

"We've been monitoring Justin for some time and have maintained close contact with the player and his family ever since," said Kehl.

reports that Dortmund staff made multiple trips to Ecuador to ensure the player felt integrated even before his arrival. Head coach Niko Kovac is expected to include Lerma in first-team training next summer, giving him time to adapt before making his Bundesliga debut. Lerma has already visited the Dortmund facilities on several occasions, too, and has been impressed by the atmosphere.

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What lies ahead for the teenage midfielder

Lerma, capable of operating as a No. 10 or No. 8, will need time to adjust to the pace and physicality of European football. For now, he continues to feature primarily for Independiente del Valle’s youth sides. Dortmund, however, see him as a long-term project, one who could potentially follow the same rise as Bellingham or Dembele and eventually command a major transfer fee.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras viajou para Porto Alegre sem Rony e Dudu, mas terá uma novidade para enfrentar o Internacional, neste domingo, às 18h30, pelo Brasileirão. Trata-se de Kevin, destaque do sub-20 que foi relacionado por Abel Ferreira e deve ser opção no banco de reservas no Beira-Rio. Promovido recentemente ao profissional, ele já fez gol pela equipe principal, tem sido alvo constante da Europa e é bicampeão da Copinha pelo clube.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Após representar a Seleção Brasileira no Mundial sub-20, que aconteceu entre maio e junho, na Argentina, Kevin já estava nos planos da comissão técnica para ganhar espaço no grupo principal. Pouco tempo depois da competição de base, Giovani, seu companheiro de Verdão e de Amarelinha, foi vendido para o futebol do Qatar, o que acelerou seu processo de ida para ficar em definitivo na Academia de Futebol.

O comunicado ao jogador aconteceu no início da semana, após a eliminação do Palmeiras na disputa da Libertadores sub-20, pois o garoto estava no Chile buscando o título inédito para o Alviverde. Sem reforços para o ataque em vista, Kevin foi a solução ideal encontrada pelo clube, ou seja, valoriza a base, “engorda” o elenco e ainda ocupa a vaga de um atleta que também era uma Cria da Academia.

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+ Palmeiras renova com joia da base e busca se blindar de assédio europeu

No entanto, para quem não sabe, Kevin já tem a sua história no elenco profissional. No fim de 2021, após a conquista do título da Libertadores, o grupo principal ganhou folga e o sub-20 foi convocado para disputar as últimas rodadas do Brasileirão daquele ano. Entre os nomes que tiveram a missão de representar o clube estava Kevin, que atuou em dois jogos e marcou um gol, que foi da vitória por 1 a 0 sobre o Ceará.

Kevin tinha 18 anos naquela época e estava a poucos dias de fazer história pelo Verdão. Isso porque, em janeiro de 2022, ele fez parte do grupo que venceu a tão sonhada Copinha, conquista inédita para o clube. O garoto não era titular, mas atuou em oito dos nove jogos daquela edição e ainda marcou um gol.

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No ano seguinte, Kevin voltou a disputar a Copinha pelo Palmeiras, mas dessa vez como destaque do time, uma vez que a grande maioria dos companheiros de 2022, como Endrick, Jhon Jhon e Giovani, já haviam deixado o sub-20. E ele não decepcionou. Com cinco gols e cinco assistências em oito jogos, ele foi eleito o craque da competição que foi conquistada novamente pelo Verdão.

+ Adeus, base! Kevin é integrado ao profissonal do Palmeiras em definitivo

O protagonismo foi apenas mais um elemento para que os clubes europeus crescessem os olhos para cima da Cria da Academia. O Shakhtar Donetsk-UCR chegou a oferecer 10 milhões de euros (R$ 56,4 milhões na cotação da época) depois de ter duas propostas recusadas pelo Alviverde. No entanto, os valores não convenceram os dirigentes palmeirenses, que creem que o garoto vale mais do que isso.

A questão é que o Palmeiras tem apenas 50% dos direitos do jogador, e os outros 50% pertencem aos Desportivo Brasil, que faz jogo duro diante da busca alviverde por comprar mais 20% do atleta. Enquanto não conseguir essa fatia maior, a diretoria não pensa em fazer negócio e ao mesmo tempo busca se blindar do assédio europeu, que recentemente sinalizou com interesses ingleses e franceses.

Em meados de junho deste ano, Kevin assinou a renovação de seu vínculo com o Verdão até dezembro de 2026. O anterior era válido até junho da mesma temporada e o atual ganhou uma valorização salarial.A intenção do clube é dar um plano de carreira ao atleta, que deve ganhar mais chances a partir deste jogo contra o Internacional. Vale lembrar que ele já havia sido relacionado por Abel para o duelo com o Bolívar, em La Paz-BOL, pela primeira rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores, mas não saiu do banco na derrota por 3 a 1.

+ Internacional x Palmeiras: onde assistir, escalações e desfalques do jogo pelo Brasileirão

Ficha técnica (dados publicados pelo clube):

Nome: Kevin Santos Lopes de Macedo
Idade: 20 anos (4/1/2003)
Local de Nascimento: São Paulo-SP
Altura: 1,76m
Pé dominante: direito
Chegada ao Palmeiras: 2020
Palmeiras sub-20 2023: 22 Jogos / 9 Gols
Palmeiras sub-20 2022: 44 Jogos / 12 Gols
Palmeiras Principal 2021: 2 Jogos / 1 Gols
Palmeiras sub-20 2021: 34 Jogos / 6 Gols
Títulos: Campeão da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior (2022 e 2023), do Campeonato Brasileiro sub-20 (2022), da Copa do Brasil sub-20 (2022) e do Paulista sub-20 (2020 e 2021)

Manchester City find themselves in a mini-rut after two successive defeats, though could be about to announce a statement signing ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

Manchester City suffer problematic defeat at Brighton

Despite being billed as one of the Premier League title favourites, Manchester City have lost back-to-back Premier League matches after falling to a 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring and looked set to send the Citizens on their way to a victory, though a penalty from James Milner and Brajan Gruda’s late strike left Pep Guardiola with much to ponder after a disappointing collapse on the South Coast.

Speaking after the loss, Manchester City star Rodri admitted his side ‘are not at the level’ that they should be and urged newcomers to step up quickly if they have designs on fighting for major silverware.

He told Sky Sports: “Disappointed because we are Manchester City and we come here to win, but this is the reality. We are not at the level for a long, long time.”

“We are missing the level. It is a matter of the team and the changes. New players have to adapt, and of course, when you change the team that much, it is difficult. This is our reality, it is not for excuses and we have to see that this is not the way to achieve things.”

Related Man City plan to submit record £130m offer to sign Ballon d'Or nominee

The Citizens are ready to break the bank.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Aug 29, 2025

Undoubtedly, the lack of cohesiveness between Manchester City’s defence and goalkeeper James Trafford is one factor behind their shaky nature. £27 million was forked out on the stopper who joined from Burnley, while fan favourite Ederson looks set to depart before the window closes.

Needing a replacement with the wherewithal to become a rock behind Guardiola’s backline, Manchester City could now have found their man with time ticking before tonight’s deadline.

Manchester City set to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma

After weeks of speculation, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed on X that Manchester City are set to seal a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Ederson has agreed to join Fenerbahce, the renowned journalist added in his description, and the former AC Milan stopper is set for a medical this afternoon before an official announcement.

Weeks after Pep doubled down on Ederson’s importance to Manchester City, Donnarumma looks set to replace the Citizens’ legend between the sticks, though he hasn’t exactly had a simple journey of his own to get to this point.

Speaking about his situation at Paris Saint-Germain, for whom he kept 17 clean sheets in 47 appearances across all competitions last term, he admitted that he has been somewhat forced out at the Parc des Princes after protracted negotiations to extend his £212,000-a-week deal fell through.

Either way, that all appears to be water under the bridge and Manchester City will land an apt replacement for Ederson who will make a major difference between the sticks.