Wales boss Craig Bellamy took a playful jibe at Wrexham after including three of their stars in the national team squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers next month. The Red Dragons have spent heavily in the summer transfer window following their third consecutive promotion to the Championship this season. The Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhennery-owned club have added 10 new players to their roster.
Three Wrexham players named in Wales squad
Bellamy took a jibe at Wrexham
Wrexham face Millwall on Saturday
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Wales boss Bellamy named goalkeeper Danny Ward and forwards Nathan Broadhead and Kieffer Moore in the national team squad as he announced a 25-man roster for their upcoming international matches next month. Wales will first face Kazakhstan in a World Cup qualifier on September 4 and then face Canada in an international friendly five days later.
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WHAT BELLAMY SAID
Shortly after announcing the squad, the former Liverpool and Manchester City forward took a cheeky jibe at the Red Dragons as he told reporters: "What money can do, huh? It always helps of course, with the more Welsh players can be together. There aren't similarities to how we play with Wales and how Wrexham play. They're two different ways, and there's no right or wrong way with this.
"But for instance, with Kieffer, the way Wrexham play will definitely suit him, and I feel that when I've watched him with Wrexham, you can see that. With Broady, it'd be nice for him to get a consistent run of playing week in, week out. And to me, with the fee Wrexham paid, it looks like he will get that. That leaves me excited with Broady, because I believe there's a really good footballer there. He has the benchmarks, especially with intensity, to really flourish there."
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Bellamy added: "Wardy has worked hard to get to where he has as well. He had a tricky spell last year but came through it mentally as well. I'm delighted to see him playing for Wrexham as well as it's his club.
"It's just the journey of Wrexham and I think we're all captivated by it. It's been amazing for Welsh football, and hopefully, in a number of years, we'll see young players coming through that. Whether it's Swansea, Newport, Cardiff or Wrexham, the better they do, then the better chance we have of being a stronger nation in football, so it's always positive."
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WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?
Before heading out for national duty, the Welsh trio will feature for the club in their upcoming Championship fixture against Millwall on Saturday.
The 23-year-old was substituted onto the pitch in the second half and found the winner in stoppage time
Washington Spirit defeat Portland Thorns 2-1
USWNT's Rodman scores game-winner
Forward made long-awaited return from injury in match
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WHAT HAPPENED?
U.S. women's national team forward Trinity Rodman returned from injury and scored the game-winner for the Washington Spirit as they defeated the Portland Thorns 2-1 on Sunday. Rodman, 23, made her long-awaited return, making her first appearance for the club since April after taking time away to deal with a back injury.
On her strike, a 92nd-minute volley, she capitalized on a ball that was flicked on in the box by fellow U.S. international Croix Bethune, and she put it into the back of the net first time with her right boot. It capped off a two-goal comeback as the Spirit took three points in front of their home fans in Washington, D.C.
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Rodman's return was a welcome sight for both the Spirit and the USWNT. She'd been battling injury for months, dating back to the 2024 Paris Olympics, with a lingering back issue causing her to be "in pain all the time."
Sunday marked Rodman's first goal of the 2025 NWSL season. In 2024, she made 26 appearances for the Spirit, scoring eight goals and recording six assists while leading them to the NWSL Championship game, where they fell short to the Orlando Pride.
For the USWNT, Rodman has amassed 47 caps, scoring 11 goals and recording nine assists.
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WHAT NEXT FOR RODMAN?
The Spirit are back in action next weekend when they take to the road to take on Gotham FC. The Spirit sit second in the NWSL standings, while the Bats sit in eighth – though just seven points separate them.
The conviction relates to whether he and Bushra Bibi waited long enough after Bibi’s divorce before getting married
Danyal Rasool03-Feb-2024Imran Khan’s legal troubles continue to mount, with the former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister sentenced to a further seven years in jail. The conviction, his third of the week, relates to his marriage to his current wife Bushra Bibi, and whether the pair waited long enough after Bibi’s divorce from her previous marriage before formally getting married. It is the maximum sentence the judge could have imposed in the case and the marriage has also been declared void by the court as part of the sentence.The case concerns whether the marriage had taken place during Bibi’s period, a concept in Islam and Pakistani law that requires a woman to wait for a certain amount of time following a divorce or the death of her husband before remarrying. The case was especially controversial because of the extent to which it scrutinised the intensely personal nature of Imran and Bibi’s relationship, going so far as discussing Bibi’s menstrual cycles to determine whether the period had not been breached.While Imran and Bibi had married nearly six years ago, the case was registered by her former husband Khawar Fareed Maneka only in 2023, around the time Imran’s other legal troubles began to snowball. But in 2018, when Bibi and Maneka had separated, Maneka had released a video statement saying Imran was not the cause of his divorce.Related
Imran Khan sentenced to 14 years in prison in 'Toshakhana' case
Imran Khan sentenced to ten years in prison by Pakistan court
Bibi was also sentenced to seven years in prison. Imran and Bibi were also each fined PKR 500,000 (US $1788 approx). Bibi had earlier been incarcerated in the Toshakhana case alongside Imran, and sentenced to 14 years in jail. However, she had been allowed to serve the sentence under house arrest. But it is not yet clear if that changes with the current conviction.This latest conviction is expected to run concurrently to Imran’s other three convictions, which carried sentences of three, ten and 14 years in jail, respectively. Therefore, it does not extend the amount of time he is legally required to be incarcerated. However, it shows the extent to which Imran’s relationship has deteriorated with the state, which has launched a thinly-veiled attack on him and his political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), ever since he was removed from power in a no-confidence vote in April 2022.PTI issued a scathing statement after the sentence regarding Imran’s marriage to Bibi was passed.”How many people have fallen to bring down one person? In this case, Imran Khan and his [Bibi] were not given the right to defend themselves, nor were witnesses allowed to present themselves. When this case goes to the higher courts, in a minute this decision will be rejected and thrown into the trash.”When Imran Khan was arrested in May 2023, violent uprisings took place throughout the country•AFP/Getty ImagesImran’s lawyer called the verdict “shameless and baseless”, and said the decision would be appealed.Imran’s latest conviction comes five days before Pakistan goes to the polls in an election both he and PTI are barred from contesting. Political rallies organised by them have been dispersed and shut down by authorities. Earlier this week, a rally in Karachi was halted by police, who fired tear gas and detained dozens of PTI workers.Earlier today, another PTI political rally in Swabi was dispersed, and for months, there was a de facto ban on even mentioning Imran’s name on Pakistani TV. In the past few months, when PTI attempted to host virtual or online fundraisers, there were nationwide internet blackouts that coincided with the timing of the events. Authorities, however, have claimed the two were unrelated.The International Federation for Human Rights, in a statement after Imran’s other sentences this week, said its findings revealed “a disturbing disregard for the basic principles of justice and due process” after he was denied access to his chosen counsel, which they termed “a flagrant violation of rights enshrined in international law”.Opinion polling in the lead-up to the elections has been non-existent, but the most recent independent polls have shown Imran to be the most popular politician in the country. When he was arrested by paramilitary security forces in May 2023, violent uprisings took place throughout the country that led to an internet blackout that lasted several days; thousands of his political supporters were also arrested at the time.
Barcelona are in a race against time if they are to trigger Denzel Dumfries' €25 million release clause amid reports of a bid for the Inter star.
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Dutchman has a release clause of €25mThe release clause expires on 15 JulyBarcelona must decide and act quicklyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to , the 29-year-old has a release clause of €25 million (£21m/$30m) that is valid until July 15 for foreign clubs. The player is also on the verge of changing his agent from the Wesserman agency to Jorge Mendes, which further incentivises the Catalan club to make a move for the Dutchman.
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Barcelona have been looking for someone with a similar profile to Dumfries. The Dutchman has shown his powerful physique and strong mentality against the Spanish side in last season's Champions League, where he scored two goals in the latter half of the game. However, with ongoing financial issues and Inter wanting the fee in a single payment, it will be tough for the Catalan club to negotiate.
TELL ME MORE
Inter hope that Dumfries stays but have highlighted Dan Ndoye as a possible replacement, though Bologna are demanding €45m (£39m/$53m) in him, while Napoli are interested, too.
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The Champions League finalists will hope Barca do not trigger the clause in Dumfries' contract as they prepare to bolster the squad. They are looking to sell Hakan Calhanoglu to Galatasaray and are reportedly lining up a bid for Palmeiras' Richard Rios.
Um nome chamou a atenção na lista de relacionados do Botafogo para enfrentar o Goiás em jogo desta quarta-feira, às 21h45, pela 28ª rodada do Brasileirão, na Serrinha. Jacob Montes apareceu pela primeira vez na chamada de um jogo da equipe principal e viajou com o elenco de Luís Castro para Goiânia.
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+Marçal, do Botafogo, se vê com potencial de ser convocado: ‘Eu faria a Seleção Brasileira jogar melhor’
Jacob é um meio-campista de 23 anos que nasceu na Califórnia, nos Estados Unidos. Ele atua na posição ofensiva no setor e está treinando no Glorioso desde o começo de julho, apesar de ter sido anunciado oficialmente apenas na metade de agosto.
O norte-americano é mais um jogador que faz parte do projeto de intercâmbio de John Textor, proprietário da SAF do Glorioso. O empresário possui outros clubes ao redor do mundo e o atleta já passou por várias dessas equipes, como FC Florida-EUA, Crystal Palace-ING e RWD Molenbeek-BEL.
+Goiás x Botafogo: onde assistir, prováveis escalações e desfalques para jogo do Brasileirão
Esportivamente, o grande destaque de Jacob até aqui foi no futebol universitário, algo de grande tradição nos Estados Unidos. Ele se formou em Georgetown e fez os quatro anos de ensino, mas sempre com as atividades de futebol ao lado. Ele foi o protagonista do primeiro título dos Hoyasna NCAA na temporada 2019-2020.
NOT EVEN TWO MINUTES IN. 🤐
Georgetown's Jacob Montes scores to give the Hoyas a 1-0 lead on Louisville!#NCAASoccer | @GUHoyasMSoccer pic.twitter.com/Xda976hQoS
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 1, 2019
O bom desempenho no futebol universitário fez John Textor colocá-lo no Crystal Palace em 2021. Sem o visto de trabalho inglês, ele sequer pôde atuar pelos times de base dos Eagles e foi emprestado ao Beveren, da Bélgica. Até teve um começo promissor, com um golaço de fora da área no terceiro jogo que fez pela equipe, à época disputando a segunda divisão nacional.
+Luís Castro critica organização do Botafogo e admite dificuldades no trabalho: ‘Poucas coisas resolvidas’
Montes, porém, sofreu uma lesão tempo depois e teve que se afastar dos gramados por algumas semanas. Desde então, perdeu espaço na equipe e não voltou a performar mais como fora no começo. O meia só fez seis jogos depois do problema físico até o fim da temporada, mas a soma das participações dele nos duelos não resulta nem em 90 minutos.
Veja o único gol de Jacob Montes na Europa:
Jacob Montes of Georgetown making waves in Belgium First Division B at Waasland-Beveren!! @usmntonly @usmnt_abroad @kkfla737 pic.twitter.com/eXFg30GgN3
— Christopher Corey (@ChrisBCorey) October 5, 2021
Na temporada seguinte, ele foi emprestado ao RWD Molenbeek, clube de John Textor na Bélgica. Fez apenas um jogo na equipe porque novamente sofreu com as lesões. Agora, recebe a chance no Botafogo – vale ressaltar, contudo, que a tendência é que não seja titular contra o Goiás.
ESTILO DE JOGO
Jacob Montes é um meia ofensivo que prefere atuar perto do gol, em uma posição avançada do sistema ofensivo. Apesar de ser destro, não tem dificuldade para chutar com a perna esquerda.
Por outro lado, possui dificuldade na recomposição física e duelos sem bola. Vale lembrar também, claro, que o meio-campista nunca teve contato na carreira com um nível técnico de jogo parecido como é o exercido no futebol brasileiro.
+Botafogo: Quem é João Paulo Costa, coordenador que vai auxiliar projeto de criar estilo de jogo único no clube
SELEÇÃO
O meio-campista foi convocado para a seleção sub-19 dos Estados Unidos em outubro de 2019. Ele participou de uma vitória da equipe por 4 a 0 em amistoso contra o Tijuana, do México.
No ano passado, ele foi entrevistado pela Federação da Nicarágua por uma possibilidade de naturalização e participação nos últimos compromissos da seleção nas eliminatórias para a Copa do Mundo do Qatar.
Os pais de Jacob nasceram na Nicarágua. Ele deixou a possibilidade em aberto, mas ainda não fez uma decisão sobre se naturalizar. De qualquer forma, o Botafogo tem, desta forma, a chance de ter mais um jogador de seleção no elenco.
Luis Diaz is reportedly 'determined' to join Barcelona this summer as he 'doesn't feel valued' at Liverpool.
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Liverpool want to keep DiazWinger 'determined' to join Barca'Doesn't feel valued' at the RedsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to , via , Diaz will 'do his best' to leave Liverpool for Barcelona in the coming weeks and months, is aware this could be his last chance to join the Catalan outfit and is 'determined' to head there as he 'doesn't feel valued' at the Premier League champions.
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Liverpool reportedly rejected an approach from Barca for Diaz last week, with the Colombia international saying he is "very happy" at Anfield. That may change if he becomes more of a fringe player next season, with Florian Wirtz inching closer to a move from Bayer Leverkusen.
DID YOU KNOW?
The former FC Porto man, who joined Liverpool in 2022 from the Portuguese giants, enjoyed his best goalscoring season to date for the Reds this term, notching 17 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions.
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The report adds that Diaz, whose Liverpool contract runs until 2027, will now go on vacation after representing his country this week while 'awaiting news about his future'. Whether or not these rumours come true remains to be seen.
Sergio Aguero has explained why Lionel Messi and Inter Miami had to be at the Club World Cup, having received a special invitation from FIFA.
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Herons form part of event in the United States
Messi of obvious appeal to American audience
FIFA considered to have made the right choice
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WHAT HAPPENED?
An expanded tournament, which sees a global crown come up for grabs, is heading to the United States. For the first time, 32 teams from across the planet will be competing for the grandest of prizes.
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The majority of sides secured qualification courtesy of major trophy triumphs. Inter Miami have, however, been added to the ranks courtesy of Messi's mass appeal. The eight-time Ballon d'Or has previously won the Club World Cup with Barcelona.
Watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZNStream now
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DID YOU KNOW?
Some have questioned the decision to absorb Inter Miami into a competition that features the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors and Al-Hilal, but Aguero believes the right decision has been made by organisers.
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WHAT SERGIO AGUERO SAID
The former Argentina international has told FIFA of Messi being involved in an event that will help to build more interest in soccer across America ahead of the 2026 World Cup: "Well, I think this is something that is quite important for Inter Miami, and especially knowing that Leo is there, and I think that for the world as a whole and for the fans, I think it was quite important that Inter Miami be included, too, because by now, we know that Messi is… Although it may be painful for some, he is one of the players that everyone wants to see.
"So, I think that it will be great to see Inter Miami compete against the other teams, and especially see the Inter Miami version of Messi, who is accomplishing everything now in MLS, and they won a title that for a number of years, or I don't know if they have ever won anything, and I think that for Inter Miami, and Leo most of all, this new challenge, knowing him, he will try to do his very best because he will not want, same as with anything else, to lose at all.
"And, I think that this calls for caution because you know that when you have Leo in the rival team, even if he has a bad 88 minutes, you know that in those last two minutes, he can smash in a goal, he can score from a free-kick, he can make a play you are not expecting because, ultimately, he is the best player in the world and he is the player that can, at any time, hurt you because he is the best."
Everton’s impressive start to life under David Moyes continued as they extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to seven matches with a 1-1 draw against Brentford on Wednesday night.
The Toffees found themselves 1-0 down at the break after Yoanne Wissa found the back of the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half.
A second-half header from Jake O’Brien, who brilliantly met Vitalii Mykolenko’s cross to the back post, secured a point for the Blues on the night, though.
Despite the positive performance and result, it was not a perfect evening for Moyes and his men as in-form forward Beto did not put on his shooting boots.
Beto's performance against Brentford
The Portuguese number nine has been in phenomenal form since the Scottish manager took charge of Everton, with a return of five goals in his previous four Premier League matches before the trip to Brentford.
Beto
Unfortunately, Beto squandered both of his ‘big chances’ to find the back of the net, as his two shots on target from one-on-one situations were saved by Mark Flekken.
However, both of those chances were created by his tireless running and desire to chase down every loose ball in anticipation of a mistake, and it did take two good saves from the Bees number one to keep him out.
Beto also provided an excellent presence at the top end of the pitch for the Toffees, as the former Udinese marksman won nine of 16 duels on the night.
Chalkboard
Whilst he may be criticised for missing the chances, which he created for himself, there was an Everton player who was even worse than him – Jesper Lindstrom.
Why Jesper Lindstrom should be dropped
The Danish forward was selected to start on the right flank for the Toffees on Wednesday night and failed to make the most of his opportunity to impress.
He only had 37 touches of the ball, fewer than his goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (44), and this illustrates his lack of impact on the pitch, as the winger failed to get involved in the match to make a difference at the top end of the pitch.
Minutes
75
Key passes
0
Big chances created
0
Shots
0
Dribbles completed
0/2
Duels won
4/10
As you can see in the table above, Lindstrom came off the pitch without a single shot or chance created to show for his efforts across 75 minutes, whilst he also let his side down out of possession by losing the majority of his duels.
Beto, at least, won the majority of his physical battles and caused problems in the final third by testing Flekken on multiple occasions, whilst the Danish lightweight offered very little.
Jesper Lindstrom for Everton
The Liverpool Echo handed him a mediocre player rating of 6/10, which seems fair given his average statistics, and Moyes must instantly drop him from the starting XI as a result of this showing.
Abdoulaye Doucoure missed the game for the birth of his baby and should be brought back in to replace Lindstrom, should he be available for the clash with Wolves next week.
Moyes has unearthed Everton's new version of Richarlison in "thriving" star
He’s been one of the best performers in the Premier League over the past few weeks.
ByAngus Sinclair Feb 25, 2025
That could allow Charly Alcaraz to move out wide to the right to accommodate the former Watford man coming in to fill the number ten position behind Beto.
West Ham United have reportedly made contact with a £34m striker as Graham Potter looks ahead to his first full season in charge at the London Stadium.
West Ham transfer rumours
The Irons are currently 16 points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, sitting in 15th position. However, they are closer to the top four than they are the bottom three, with the club’s campaign on course to fizzle out.
There will be more optimism under Potter next season, though, and after a big summer spending spree last year, transfer rumours are already circulating ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Recent speculation has linked West Ham with a move to sign Club Brugge full-back Maxim de Cupyer ahead of Arsenal, whereas Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis is also on West Ham’s radar.
West Ham could also move for "magnificent" 11-goal striker alongside David
Graham Potter is keen to sign a striker this summer.
ByDominic Lund Mar 5, 2025
A new striker is once again set to be on the agenda for the Hammers, even though West Ham managed to sign Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in January.
The Irishman is unlikely to make his move to the London Stadium permanent, though, resulting in rumours linking West Ham with a move to sign Jonathan David and Tammy Abraham.
David, currently at Lille, is out of contract at the end of the campaign and appears to be Potter’s top target. Reports have even claimed West Ham have tabled a £16.5m contract offer to sign the Canada international ahead of Barcelona.
Roma paid £34m to sign Abraham from Chelsea, and he is now on loan at AC Milan. The Irons were exploring the possibility of a move earlier this month, and a new update on the Englishman has now emerged.
West Ham in contact to sign Abraham from Roma
According to TEAMtalk, AC Milan have no intention of making a move for Abraham permanent at the end of the season, opening the door for a return to the Premier League.
AC Milan'sTammyAbraham
The 138-career goal forward is open to the idea of returning to England, and West Ham have made contact by asking for preliminary information on Abraham.
West Ham aren’t alone though, with Everton doing the same in their own attempts to sign the 27-year-old, who actually shares the same agent as Irons star Mohammed Kudus.
AS Roma
120
37
11
Chelsea
82
30
9
Bristol City
48
26
4
Aston Villa
40
26
3
Swansea City
39
8
4
AC Milan
34
8
4
England
11
3
1
Abraham has come in for praise during his time in Italy from former England boss Gareth Southgate, who previously said the forward has “improved” after leaving England: “Tammy is having very good matches with the Roma shirt. Sometimes, a player is considered new by the staff, the team, but also by the fans. However, he has only improved and we are happy with what he has given on the field.
“He plays in a team that is fighting to be at the top, so every game is important. In Italy you have to work hard to find spaces. The fact that he plays in Serie A is a very good opportunity for him.”
It truly feels like the end of an era for Manchester City after they moved to 20 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League table after their 2-0 defeat to Arne Slot’s side on Sunday.
The Cityzens, albeit not mathematically, are out of the title race and have little to play for in the second half of the season, as they have been knocked out of the League Cup and the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola’s team face Plymouth in the last 16 of the FA Cup this weekend, after they beat Leyton Orient in the last round, and that competition is their last chance to end the season with some silverware.
There is a big summer ahead for Manchester City and Guardiola as they may need to restructure the squad and reinvent the team to ensure that they bounce back as genuine title contenders next season.
City started the job in the January transfer window with the signings of Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, Nico Gonzalez, and Abdukodir Khusanov, whilst Kyle Walker went out on loan to AC Milan.
There could be more emotional departures to come in the summer as the Cityzens have a number of big decisions to make on their out-of-contract stars.
Players who could move on from Man City this summer
City have several senior players who are out of contract either this summer or at the end of next season and Guardiola has to decide which of them, if any, he would like to keep at The Etihad beyond 2026.
Man City’s out-of-contract players
Contract ending 2025
Contract ending 2026
Kevin de Bruyne
Bernardo Silva
Ilkay Gundogan
John Stones
Scott Carson
James McAtee
Ederson
Stefan Ortega
Via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, a number of long-serving stars could be on their way out of the club in the next 18 months, with James McAtee being the only player under the age of 30 out of the eight on the two lists.
Manchester City and Guardiola could decide to move on from their veteran talents in order to create space in the squad for younger players to be brought to the club, in order to build for the future as well as to improve the team’s form in the present.
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.
One player who should be allowed to move on from The Etihad this year is attacking midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, who is one of the three stars out of contract at the end of the current season.
Why Man City must finally move on from Kevin de Bruyne
The Belgium international’s performance against Liverpool in the 2-0 loss to the league leaders on Sunday highlighted why it could be the right time to finally move on from the City legend this year.
Chalkboard
De Bruyne played 66 minutes and failed to create a ‘big chance’ or register a shot on target in his 66 minutes on the pitch, before being substituted by Guardiola, which shows that he did not have much of an impact, if at all, at the top end of the pitch.
The 33-year-old midfielder has provided two goals and six assists in 18 appearances in the Premier League so far this season, which is a fairly unimpressive return in comparison to his reported wage among attackers in the top-flight.
Highest-earning attackers in the Premier League
Player
Weekly wage
PL goals + assists (24/25)
Erling Haaland
£525k
22
Kevin de Bruyne
£400k
8
Mohamed Salah
£350k
41
Bruno Fernandes
£300k
12
Jack Grealish
£300k
1
Wages via Capology & stats via WhoScored
As you can see in the table above, he is the second-highest earner in the league, out of all attacking midfielders and forwards, and has not contributed much on the pitch to make that worthwhile for City – this season, at least.
His powers are waning, as shown by his disappointing showing against Liverpool last time out, and Guardiola must ditch him from the starting XI between now and the end of the season, before allowing him to leave on a free transfer in the summer.
After 105 goals and 173 assists for the club, it will take a lot for the club to find an apt replacement for de Bruyne and they may have to dip into the transfer market in the summer to find one.
However, Guardiola could finally move on from the Belgian as a starter this season by unleashing academy graduate McAtee as a regular starter for the remainder of this season.
Why James McAtee should be unleashed
The former U21s star only turned 22 in October and still has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve as a player in the years to come.
James McAtee for Manchester City.
As aforementioned, he is one of the players who is out of contract in the summer of 2026, and giving him regular game time in the coming months will give Guardiola all of the evidence he needs to make a firm decision on the playmaker’s future in the upcoming summer window.
McAtee could play his way into a new contract and into being a long-term option for the Spanish boss, or he could fail to make the step up and be sold in the summer, with only one year left on his deal.
The left-footed whiz, who was compared to City legend David Silva by Sheffield United in the highlights package above, has been around the first-team this season but has not broken into the starting line-up.
McAtee has made nine appearances as a substitute in the Premier League, scoring two goals, and five substitute outings in the Champions League, scoring once.
James McAtee (Sheffield United)
22/23 (Championship)
23/24 (Premier League)
Starts
21
20
Goals
9
3
Big chances created
6
4
Key passes per game
0.9
0.9
Assists
3
3
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, McAtee spent the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns on loan at Sheffield United and caught the eye with his goal contributions from a midfield position both in the Championship and the Premier League.
Former Sheffield United forward Carl Asaba compared him to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, a diminutive left-footed playmaker, during his time with the Blades, saying:
“He’s like Odegaard. You play him in midfield so he’s defending for you, he’s another body for them to try and navigate away from but he likes the ball 30 yards out because he can go past you like you’re not there.”
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The left-footed City academy graduate is yet to explode at first-team level but he did produce 27 goals and 19 assists in 52 matches for the club at U21 level and Guardiola, who once described him as “special”, could use the second half of this season to help McAtee to fulfill his potential as an attacking force.
City’s season, bar their FA Cup run, is all but over and de Bruyne could be on his way out in the summer, which makes it the perfect time for McAtee to be unleashed as a regular starter to assess where his level is at ahead of next season.
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