Anderson - what will Forest lose and Man City gain?published at 14:53 BST 3 July
14:53 BST 3 July
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Transfer fees often reflect potential as much as proven quality. In Elliot Anderson's case, Manchester City appear to believe they have bought both.
At 23, Anderson will arrive at Etihad Stadium as their record signing - beating the £100m City paid for Jack Grealish - having enjoyed a remarkable campaign for Nottingham Forest in which he quietly established himself as one of the Premier League's most complete central midfielders.
While Forest finished 16th, Anderson's influence on their performances was extraordinary.
No player in the Premier League recorded more touches than Anderson's 3,300 during the 2025-26 campaign.
He also led the division for duels won (298), possessions won (306) and fouls won (80), underlining just how frequently he involved himself at both ends of the pitch.
Those numbers paint the picture of a midfielder who is constantly in the game. He demands possession, regains it more often than anyone else and rarely allows the intensity of his performance to drop.
His quality on the ball is equally striking. Among Premier League central midfielders, Anderson completed more passes (2,038) than anyone else and also led the position with 376 line-breaking passes.
Rather than simply recycling possession, he consistently looked to eliminate opponents by playing through defensive lines and advancing Forest up the pitch. That blend of security and ambition is rare.
The physical data is every bit as impressive. Anderson covered 411km across the Premier League season, second only to Everton's James Garner, while his 1,895 high-intensity pressures ranked second among midfielders.
Hit play below to hear Forest podcaster Max Hayes speaking to BBC Radio Manchester's Mark Crossley and Emily Brobyn about Anderson's move to Etihad Stadium, or listen on BBC Sounds here
Strong Man City contingent still in World Cup contentionpublished at 10:55 BST 3 July
10:55 BST 3 July
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City have had more players at this summer's World Cup than any other Premier League team, with 16 taking part in the tournament in North America.
That list does not include Bernardo Silva and John Stones, who have now left the club following the expiry of their contracts.
Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly both started England's first knockout round victory over DR Congo and should feature against Mexico in the last 16, while goalkeeper James Trafford is expected to be on the bench again.
Erling Haaland also progressed to the same round with Norway to set up a tasty tie against five-winners Brazil and the striker is vying for the Golden Boot having already scored five goals in just three appearances.
Winger Jeremy Doku helped Belgium come from 2-0 behind to beat Senegal 3-2 in an all-time classic World Cup knockout tie and they face co-hosts United States in the next round on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, forward Rayan Cherki has found minutes hard to come by for scintillating France, who face Paraguay in the last 16 on Saturday.
Rodri captained Spain in Thursday's win over Austria, Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes got the better of Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic's as Portugal narrowly beat Croatia in the early hours of Friday,while later on, Omar Marmoush should be in action for Egypt against Australia.
Ghana star Antoine Semenyo will be hoping to lead his side into the next round when they face Colombia on Saturday.
Just one of that contingent suffered a group-stage exit, with Abdukhodir Khusanov and Uzbekistan finishing bottom of the standings without a point in their first appearance at a World Cup.
And Netherlands duo Tijjani Reijnders and Nathan Ake also went home following their last-32 defeat on penalties by Morocco.
Gvardiol goal ruled out as Portugal knock out Croatiapublished at 08:34 BST 3 July
08:34 BST 3 July
Media caption,
Portugal secured their place in the last 16 of the World Cup after beating Croatia 2-1 in Toronto.
Josko Gvardiol's very late equalising goal was ruled out for offside by VAR, as he and Mateo Kovacic were sent home by Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes' Portugal.
Charles played 21 times for Wednesday in a season disrupted by a shoulder injury, as financial issues led to the Hillsborough side being relegated to League One.
The 20-year-old Northern Ireland international came through the academy at City before joining Wednesday, where he first signed professional terms in 2022.
Sources have told BBC Sport a deal is progressing but has not yet been completed.
It is not yet known whether Charles will join City's first team or be sent out on loan.
If he is integrated into the senior set-up, it may cast doubt on the future of England international James Trafford, who rejoined the club last summer but was second choice to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Recent reports say free-spending Tottenham are interested in signing Trafford.
Monga, 16, is attracting major interest from a number of Premier League clubs this summer, including from Arsenal and Brentford.
The Gunners are the most advanced in their interest, but City - who are long-term admirers of Monga - are understood to have made enquiries towards a potential move in recent days.
Monga - who turns 17 this month - agreed to a one-year scholarship contract which is set to turn into a professional contract 10 July.
That means interested parties will be required to pay a transfer fee for the teenager, wiith reports indicating Leicester want a minimum of £10m.
Monga, who has made 37 appearances for the Foxes, is the third-youngest player to feature in a Premier League match, behind Arsenal duo Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri.
The club has now said: "Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement for the transfer of Elliot Anderson.
"Anderson, 23, is currently competing at the FIFA World Cup with England and has completed a medical in Kansas. The formalities of the move will be finalised upon his return to England.
"In the meantime, everyone at Manchester City wishes Elliot and the England squad the very best of luck in their World Cup campaign and we look forward to welcoming him to Manchester in due course."
Your World Cup scouting: Moroccan midfielders and French forwardspublished at 09:05 BST 2 July
09:05 BST 2 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Manchester City.
Here are some of your comments:
Samuel: I think most fans would say Ayyoub Bouaddi. A lot of people didn't know him before the World Cup, but now they definitely do. He's composed, silky and elegant, at only 18 years old. I think after City hopefully complete the Anderson signing, we should attempt to sign Bouaddi as the high potential player that could replace Rodri if he does not renew his contract. Unfortunately, sell a player like Reijnders who hasn't really adapted to the Premier League like a lot of City fans would have hoped.
Agastya: Would love Achraf Hakimi. Brilliant at defending, great at overlapping and giving crosses. The best right back in the world. It would of course be difficult to get him from PSG, but if we do, what a signing that would be!
Kevin: Bouddadi from Morocco would be brilliant as a defensive midfield replacement for Rodri next year when he goes to Madrid.
Steve: The player I think would be a great fit for City is Michael Olise. It's looking like Savinho will be moved on this summer, so who better to replace him? With Olise and Doku attacking from the flanks, and Haaland in the centre, what a potent strike force that would be. Also, like Semenyo he can attack from the midfield, so there's no reason why they could not play together, and interchange during a game, and the onus would not always be on Haaland to score.
Isaac: I think Elijah Just would be an exciting back-up winger for City. Yes, we already have many wingers, but with the probable sale of Savinho, Just would be a technically gifted option.
Andrew: Mohamed Hany of Egypt looked a very capable right back in both matches he has played.
Haaland heroics continue - how many international goals can he score?published at 09:29 BST 1 July
09:29 BST 1 July
Emma Smith BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Erling Haaland has scored in each of his last 13 competitive internationals for Norway, scoring 25 goals in this run.
Erling Haaland stood on the pitch in Dallas, a goofy grin across his face and a Viking helmet atop his head at a jaunty angle. He was drinking it all in.
Norway had just beaten Ivory Coast 2-1, their first knockout victory in World Cup history. It was celebrated by players and fans joining together in their now iconic Viking Row celebration - conducted by Martin Odegaard on the drum.
Haaland has now scored 60 goals in 53 senior internationals - averaging a goal every 72 minutes - but the first 55 had not come in a major tournament with Norway having previously failed to qualify for any during his lifetime.
But, at the 2026 World Cup, Haaland has delivered on the big stage with five goals in three appearances - only Lionel Messi has more in North America - and based on his huge smile on the pitch in Dallas and his light-hearted social media misadventures off it, it is a stage on which he is thriving.
"Norway are a very good team, and purely because of that man," said former England captain turned BBC pundit Wayne Rooney. "Because of his goals, he has proven that he belongs at this World Cup level.
"He is just devastating. He wasn't in the game much, but he came up with the winning goal."
Haaland has now scored in each of his past 13 competitive appearances for Norway, claiming 25 goals in that run.
As one Norway fan told BBC Sport in Dallas: "He means everything to us. He's so decisive in moments like this.
"He's one of the main reasons we qualified in the first place and the reason why we won today. He's the most important player by far. He's the greatest player Norway has ever had and probably ever will have."
No current male international footballer can come close to Haaland's strike-rate, which begs the question: how many goals can he score for Norway?
Gossip: City join race for Bouaddipublished at 08:20 BST 1 July
08:20 BST 1 July
Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have joined Arsenal by expressing interest in Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, but Lille want at least £70m for the 18-year-old and to keep him on loan next season. (Mail), external
Gundogan impressed by Maresca's 'human side'published at 17:05 BST 30 June
17:05 BST 30 June
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Former captain Ilkay Gundogan says new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has "amazing qualities" and praised the Italian's "human side".
Gundogan was City skipper during the Treble-winning season in 2023, when Maresca was assistant to Pep Guardiola.
On Monday, former Chelsea boss Maresca signed a three-year deal at Etihad Stadium to succeed Guardiola.
"As a coach, I think he has amazing qualities," said Gundogan. "Maybe they are not obviously different than when he was an assistant - this is something I can't really judge - but you know that he is smart and he knows exactly what he does.
"As a human being, he is unbelievable. In this football world, I have not met many other people like him.
"I think he will be incredible. Similar to Pep, he has the intelligence to do the right decisions and to do the right tactical things, but then also on the human side, to get everyone on board.
"I am sure that probably 99% of the people inside the club will also be very happy."
Maresca compensation controversy excites Lakepublished at 16:32 BST 30 June
16:32 BST 30 June
Media caption,
Former Manchester City captain Paul Lake says he is excited by the desire new boss Enzo Maresca has shown to be at the helm of the club.
Details of Maresca's Chelsea exit have emerged following City announcing the former Blues boss as their new head coach showing that Maresca pushed for it knowing Pep Guardiola could be leaving the Etihad.
Chelsea's statement at the time suggested the decision was mutual, and that both Maresca and the board were in agreement that "a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track".
However, Maresca has now confirmed that he handed in his resignation at Stamford Bridge and acknowledged that it "opened a path" for him to join City.
Lake told BBC Radio Manchester: "That excites me, and I would suggest it excites most City fans that someone is prepared to make those efforts to come and work for us and with us - because he knows what a huge opportunity it is and the potential that he'll have when he comes to try to fill Pep's shoes."
You can hear more from Lake about Maresca's appointment above or on BBC Sounds here
Man City interested in signing Morocco star Bouaddipublished at 13:02 BST 30 June
13:02 BST 30 June
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City are among the clubs interested in signing Lille's Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup, helping Morocco reach the last 16, where they will face co-hosts Canada.
City have already agreed a club record deal to sign Elliot Anderson for £116m from Nottingham Forest and could further bolster their midfield with the addition of Bouaddi.
It is understood the youngster features on the list of targets which also includes Newcastle's Sandro Tonali.
How will Man City set up under Maresca?published at 11:46 BST 30 June
11:46 BST 30 June
Umir Irfan Football tactics correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
It is hard to imagine Enzo Maresca setting up in a system that isn't a 3-2-2-3 shape in possession.
This was the shape on the ball for Manchester City during the Treble season, when Maresca assisted Pep Guardiola, and was the case for Chelsea under Maresca too.
Where it might differ is in how this 3-2-2-3 shape is arrived at, and which players are asked to do which role.
Back four and back five formations out of possession can become a 3-2-2-3 on the ball depending on the players Maresca has, but it is likely his City side will defend with a back four in a 4-4-2.
Rather than thinking of Maresca's system in positions - for example, left-back and right back – it makes more sense to think of it in roles.
When the Italian was in charge at Stamford Bridge, Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto both moved from their full-back positions into the attacking midfield positions of his on-ball shape – 3-2-(2)-3.
Alternatively, Reece James inverted from right-back into holding midfield in possession – 3-(2)-2-3.
And lastly, at City during the Treble-winning season, John Stones stepped up from centre-back out of possession into holding midfield in possession as a result of his ball-playing ability. The two full-backs and other centre-back instead formed the back three.
Therefore, Maresca is likely to arrive at this 3-box-3 shape, but how he does so will depend on his players.
Maresca's three key priorities after 10 years of Guardiolapublished at 09:15 BST 30 June
09:15 BST 30 June
Emily Brobyn Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
The worst-kept secret in football has finally been confirmed. The bravest man in the business, Enzo Maresca, has been appointed as Manchester City's new manager.
The Italian's honours list may be more modest than Pep Guardiola's, but he does have history already at City, winning the Premier League 2 and being part of Pep's backroom staff during the Treble season.
City have fought long and hard for Maresca, and paid Chelsea compensation, so they are convinced he is the man to continue the wave of success at the club. But what do Maresca's three key priorities after 10 years of Guardiola need to be?
1: Prepare the squad
We already know Elliot Anderson will be the first signing under Maresca, but assessing the current squad is a key priority for him.
As well as addressing positions that need reinforcements, it's also important to identify players who may be sold too. Rico Lewis, Savinho, Mateo Kovacic and Nathan Ake have all been linked with moves away - the latter being out of contract at the end of next season.
Other elements of preparing the squad would be selecting a new club captain, after Bernardo Silva's departure. Guardiola usually left this decision to the players from the leadership team, but will Maresca?
It's usually tradition for an academy graduate to be promoted to the first-team squad each season - another big choice to add to the Italian's list.
2: Contract extensions
This can be just as important as a new signing - and Rodri's the big one here.
His contract is up at the end of the season and talks are said to have stalled with the Ballon d'Or winner.
Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku are all players that have also been linked with extending their time at the club, so will these all be confirmed over the summer?
3: Decide who will be his number-one goalkeeper
This may sound crazy given Gianluigi Donnarumma is at the club, but there was a lot of clamour for James Trafford (including from the player himself) to play more minutes last season.
Trafford has been linked with a move to Newcastle United this summer, so Maresca has a vital decision to make when it comes to either keeping him and prioritising him, or letting him go.
City have been used to fighting on all four fronts every season and going deep into each competition, so making sure Maresca has the tools and squad depth at his disposal to deliver this will definitely be key.
Guardiola gave the squad a big overhaul before he left - it's now up to Maresca to tweak and put his own stamp on the club before the Community Shield season curtain-raiser against Arsenal on 16 August.
Why Maresca was Man City's chosen onepublished at 08:29 BST 30 June
08:29 BST 30 June
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Enzo Maresca is part Italian, part Spanish in his approach to coaching and life.
His Spanish influence stems from his family, and his exposure to Pep Guardiola's Barcelona while he was at Sevilla and Malaga during the peak years of his playing career.
Facing a Barcelona side regarded by some as the greatest club team of all time opened Maresca's eyes to a new way of playing, and helped spark the trend for technical, possession-based teams dominating at the highest level.
In Spain, Maresca also met his trusted assistant, Willy Caballero, and his children were born there. Spanish is now the main language spoken at home within his large family.
It was also his "football father", former Manchester City and West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini, who identified during Maresca's playing days that he had the qualities to become a coach.
This grounding helps explain the similarities between Maresca and Guardiola.
The pair are known to be in regular contact and Maresca wouldn't have been chosen without Guardiola's knowledge, according to those close to them.
It's also understood that outgoing sporting director Txiki Begiristain recommended him as Guardiola's heir when handing over his responsibilities to Hugo Viana upon leaving the club last summer.
Maresca was an influential figure during his single season under Guardiola, with the Spaniard often leaning on the former Chelsea boss for tactical innovations.
It was during that campaign that Guardiola rebranded defender John Stones as a central midfielder, with him playing a starring role in the Treble-clinching Champions League final win against Inter Milan.
Maresca, who was head coach of City's Elite Development Squad in the 2020-21 season, left a lasting impression on the academy.
Gareth Taylor, who now leads Liverpool's women's team and spent time with Maresca at City, told BBC Sport: "Enzo brought something a little bit different.
"He certainly had more freedom in the way he set up his teams, because previously most coaches in that environment were strictly told to follow a specific game model.
"It was as if no-one had that conversation with Enzo, but it was positive because you have to evolve - you cannot stand still tactically. At City, as long as you could back up your rationale, it would be listened to and potentially adopted."
The appointment of Enzo Maresca as boss at Manchester City could lead to a major rebuild, with full-back Rico Lewis, 21, centre-backs Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias, midfielder Nico Gonzalez and winger Savinho all potentially up for sale. (Mail), external
'No bedding-in period... he has been given the tools' - Maresca expectationspublished at 18:03 BST 29 June
18:03 BST 29 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on what would constitute success for Enzo Maresca in his first season as Manchester City manager as he follows in the footsteps of the legendary Pep Guardiola, and how you feel about the appointment.
Here are some of your comments:
Harry: Success in Maresca's first season would be Champions League qualification. With our squad, he should do much better than that, but we're realistic. We need to see a clear identity and I'd also love if we could have a promising Champions League campaign. Most importantly, he needs to show us fans that he appreciates the opportunity. Don't take it for granted.
David: I have my doubts about the new manager. l hope it bodes well but I would have preferred to have Vincent Kompany.
Jill: I am not sure about this appointment at all. I am already in mourning about the loss of Pep and now have to accept this. Enzo just does not have the aura that I think is needed to be a great manager. Sorry if everyone is upset with me... would have preferred Kompany.
Youssef: Obviously not as good as Pep - but, as Pep says, Maresca is really underrated. Happy to get someone who knows the club, especially someone who was assistant manager in the Treble year. Success for me would be winning the Champions League.
Farnhill: If he has a season like Pep's final one, that will be a success. But a top-three finish and a decent run in the cup competitions would be classed as OK.
Malcolm: Winning the Premier League would get him instant respect from City fans. There is no bedding-in period. He has been given the tools to do the job.
Martin: I do not think any manager we know of can emulate Pep that easily. If he makes the top three that will be good. He has the team.
Dayvon: I think a starting point would be to get top five in the Premier League and do well in the Champions League.
What will Maresca's City squad look like?published at 17:16 BST 29 June
17:16 BST 29 June
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
New manager Enzo Maresca has called the Manchester City job a "huge challenge" with the unenviable task of taking over from Pep Guardiola.
The legendary Spaniard won 20 trophies during his decade at the club, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
"At the same moment it's a nice challenge," said Maresca. "It's exciting because the target is to continue or carry on the last decade.
"Probably the reason why I am here is also because the idea from the club is to maintain the same style of football, the same idea. We're going to try to do the most important thing in football which to win and achieve important things."
Maresca takes over a City side that won both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season.
But the dressing room has lost the influence of captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones, who have left City upon the expiry of their contracts.
The club record £116m signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest should be announced this week, but will there be more incomings?
"It's a young squad, but it's a very good squad," said Maresca. "Also, we have the right mix between young players and more experienced players, which helps the young ones a lot to grow and improve.
"The squad is already good, for sure. We need to do some things, but we are working with [director of football] Hugo [Viana] and we will see."
Chelsea's Malo Gusto has been linked with a reunion with Maresca, so it remains to be seen whether that moves comes to fruition.
Midfielder Rodri is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Etihad Stadium so one of Maresca's priorities will be to try to tie the Spain captain down to a new deal.
The Italian also has a decision to make for his number one as he likes his goalkeeper to be good with his feet - will compatriot Gianluigi Donnarumma keep hold of the shirt or will James Trafford be given a chance to establish himself as a first-team regular?
