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Inigo Perez, who currently manages La Liga side Rayo Vallecano, is the latest name “under consideration” by Wolverhampton Wanderers to fill their current vacancy in the dugout.

After picking up just two points from an available 30 in their opening 10 Premier League games, Vitor Pereira was dismissed from his post as manager. Wolves have determined who will take interim charge of the club against Chelsea on Saturday, but will no doubt hope for a swift appointment as James Collins took press conference duties on Friday.

Unsurprisingly, a number of managers have been linked with Wolves and it will take a gargantuan effort to lift the Old Gold out of their current slump. Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards appears to be their preferred choice, although Boro are hesitant to let go of the head coach who, hired last summer, has made a strong start at the Riverside Stadium.

Reports from Spain, however, have indicated that Wolves were looking to options from abroad to replace Pereira.

Wolves keen on Perez of Rayo Vallecano

Radio Marca, as per Sport Witness, have stated that Inigo Perez has “received calls from Wolves” about becoming their next manager. A former midfielder, Perez spent a season as Rayo Vallecano’s assistant manager under Andoni Iraola, who is now doing brilliant things with Bournemouth.

Returning to the club in 2024 as manager, Perez guided Vallecano to Conference League football through their eighth-placed finish in La Liga last season. The club are unbeaten in Europe after three matches and with 11 league games played, are 10th in the table.

Perez has since acknowledged that he understands comparisons between Iraola, himself and the way their teams play, a brand of football that is clearly effective.

Interest in Perez is understandable, though Diario de Navarra, once again as per Sport Witness, have claimed that Perez “wants to stay at Rayo Vallecano until the end of this season.” As such, he has “rejected the offers” he has received from Wolves and other interested parties.

It feels imperative that Wolves, who are still without a league win this season, soon find a replacement for Pereira, given the predicament they find themselves in. Perez, however, will seemingly not be that man.

If Perez continues to impress as he has done during his reign so far, then he may soon follow Iraola to the Premier League. It would appear that, for now, Wolves will have to turn to an alternative target.

Ex Man Utd manager would be open to talks with Wolves

حسم نادي العربي القطري موقفه النهائي من العروض التي تلقاها خلال الفترة الماضية بشأن لاعبه عمر الفولي.

وكشف عبدالحميد الويس، رئيس جهاز كرة اليد بالنادي العربي، في تصريحات صحفية، أن إدارة النادي رفضت رسميًا العروض المقدمة من أندية الخليج السعودي، وكذلك الزمالك، والأهلي للتعاقد مع اللاعب، مشددًا على أن الفولي يُعد أحد الركائز الأساسية في مشروع الفريق للمواسم المقبلة.

وقال الويس: “العربي متمسك بعمر الفولي، ولن نسمح برحيله في الوقت الحالي، لما يمثله من قيمة فنية كبيرة داخل الفريق، نقدر رغبة الأندية التي تفاوضت لضمه، لكن مصلحة النادي واستقراره الفني تأتي في المقام الأول”.

طالع أيضًا | خاص | الاتحاد الإفريقي يُعاقب يد الزمالك بالإيقاف عن المشاركة القارية وتغريمه ماليًا

وأوضح المسؤول أن عقد اللاعب مع العربي يمتد حتى صيف 2028، مشيرًا إلى أن الفولي يخوض حاليًا تجربة إعارة مع نادي الزمالك المصري حتى 31 ديسمبر 2025، على أن يعود بعدها لاستكمال مشواره مع الفريق القطري.

واختتم الويس تصريحاته بالتأكيد على احترام إدارة العربي الكامل لجميع الأندية التي أبدت اهتمامها بالتعاقد مع اللاعب، مشيرًا إلى أن النادي يرحب بالعلاقات الرياضية الطيبة، لكنه في الوقت ذاته يحرص على الحفاظ على استقرار الفريق وعناصره الأساسية.

England spinner has struggled for game-time at home county, with Leach and Vaughan ahead of him

Matt Roller02-Jun-2025England spinner Shoaib Bashir looks set to leave Somerset at the end of the summer in a bid to play more regular first-team cricket outside of his international commitments.Bashir has become England’s first-choice spinner in the last 18 months, playing each of their last 15 Tests, and was player of the match in their recent win over Zimbabwe. But he has struggled for gametime at Somerset, who have preferred the left-arm spin of Jack Leach and the all-round ability of Archie Vaughan in their County Championship side.Last year, Bashir played four Championship matches and a single 50-over match for Somerset and went out on loan to Worcestershire ahead of the Test summer. This season, he made a similar short-term move to Glamorgan, where he took two expensive wickets in three Championship fixtures, and he has not been involved in Somerset’s T20 Blast plans.Bashir signed a two-year extension with Somerset in 2023 and ESPNcricinfo has learned that there have been no discussions around a new deal. Bashir has praised Leach’s impact on him as a mentor at Somerset but conceded last week that his situation is “unique”, saying: “It’s hard to fit two of us [in the side], at the start of the year especially.”Sunday marked the opening of county cricket’s effective transfer window, with players in the final year of their current contracts now free to talk to other clubs ahead of next year. While no approach has yet been made, Surrey – where Bashir played his age-group cricket – could be a potential suitor, as could Warwickshire and Worcestershire.Bashir is centrally contracted by the ECB and if his deal is extended as expected, then a prospective new county would not immediately pay him a salary. He would instead sign a ‘shadow’ contract, outlining terms of payment in the event that he loses his central contract, a standard mechanism for England players.Graeme Swann, whose own career took off after he left Northamptonshire for Nottinghamshire, has previously encouraged Bashir to leave Somerset to accelerate his development as a bowler.Swann, who has coached Bashir in the England Lions set-up, told talkSPORT last year: “Long-term, if the ECB can just say, ‘Look, this is bonkers. He’s the best spinner in England. If you’re not going to play him, then you have to let him go and play for someone else.'”Meanwhile, Surrey have lined up Adam Zampa as a potential replacement signing in the T20 Blast. Zampa has previously played for Oval Invincibles in the Hundred – though will not return this year due to Australia commitments – and could act as cover for Mitchell Santner when he captains New Zealand in a T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe in July.Elsewhere, Todd Murphy has lined up a short-term stint in the County Championship. Murphy, who has played seven Tests for Australia but has slipped behind Matthew Kuhnemann as Nathan Lyon’s understudy, was a late withdrawal from Australia A’s squad to tour Sri Lanka and will play four matches for an undisclosed county in June and July.

With the summer transfer window now closed, Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank now knows the players he will be reliant upon for the next stage of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Dane has been handed a little over £100m to splash on new additions, in an attempt to bolster various areas of his first-team squad during his maiden campaign in the role.

Mohammed Kudus was the most expensive addition made by the hierarchy, costing around £55m from Premier League rivals West Ham United – with the player already making an immediate impact in North London.

The Ghanaian international has registered two assists in his first three league outings for the Lilywhites, helping Frank’s side sit fourth going into the international break.

However, the 25-year-old could be aided in his attempts at the club in the coming months, especially after the late business conducted by the hierarchy in the market.

Xavi Simons’ move to join Spurs this summer

Throughout the summer transfer window, Spurs made signing a new attacking midfielder a priority – especially after the long-term injury suffered by James Maddison.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze were the two main targets, but the Lilywhites failed to complete deals for the pair – with the latter joining arch rivals, Arsenal.

However, the club managed to complete a £52m deal for the signature of Xavi Simons from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig – securing the player’s services until the summer of 2030 with a two-year option to extend.

Such a move has undoubtedly generated excitement among the fan base and understandably so, given his tally of 11 goals and eight assists in Germany’s top-flight last campaign.

At just 22 years of age, the Dutchman has bags of time to try and build on the impressive start to his career, potentially being Frank’s key man in such a role for the foreseeable future.

The Spurs player who’s worth more than Simons

Despite Spurs’ measly 17th-placed finish in the Premier League, the club’s frontline managed to impress throughout 2024/25 – racking up 64 goals in their 38 outings.

Such a record saw the Lilywhites average 1.7 goals scored per 90, with their tally of goals the seventh highest of all sides within England’s top-flight throughout last campaign.

Winger Brennan Johnson finished the season as their top scorer, netting 11 times in the league, even scoring the winner in the Europa League final against fellow English side Manchester United.

After the recent summer window, the addition of Kudus and Simons has added further depth and quality to the attacking department – helping the likes of Dejan Kulusevski reach the next level.

The Swedish international joined the club originally on loan for an 18-month spell in 2022-2023, racking up 57 appearances in all competitions – before subsequently completing a permanent transfer.

The hierarchy forked out a fee in the region of £29m for the 25-year-old’s signature – a fee that now appears to be a bargain given his form over the last couple of years.

He’s racked up 89 appearances across the last two seasons in all competitions – with last year being his best to date, notching 10 goals and 11 assists under Ange Postecoglou’s reign.

Kulusevski, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by Rio Ferdinand, managed a run of five games in a row in which he scored – which has certainly bolstered his price tag in recent months.

As a result of his performances in North London, the Swedish star is now valued at £58.6m by FootballTransfers – a figure that is £6.6m higher than the fee paid for Simons.

Both players have showcased their talents over recent months, potentially having a huge part to play in any of the success endured during the Frank era in North London.

If the duo can operate alongside one another, it’s a prospect for the fanbase to be excited about, with their versatility and consistent quality potentially able to help the side build on their recent European triumph.

Sold for £6.7m: Spurs must regret selling star who's outscoring Kolo Muani

After Tottenham signed Randal Kolo Muani on deadline day for a €5m loan fee, should Spurs regret selling a striker who has outscored the Frenchman?

1

By
Ben Gray

Sep 2, 2025

“I have never, ever heard a negative word coming out of his mouth,” Nehal Wadhera says about head coach Ricky Ponting

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Apr-20253:36

Bishop: Shreyas the captain has always made teams better

Eighth over. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have it all lined up. Yuzvendra Chahal strikes. Against the run of play. Ajinkya Rahane is lbw after a 55-run stand – in a 112 chase – and… a switch flicks. Chahal keeps getting wickets, and Shreyas Iyer keeps adding fielders around the bat.Last throw of the dice? Sniffing something others hadn’t? To Ian Bishop, it could be both or neither of those things, but Shreyas has “made teams better” wherever he has gone. On the night in Mullanpur, it meant a 16-run win for Punjab Kings (PBKS), their fourth win in IPL 2025.In that situation, with more than half the small target knocked off and many, many balls left, “I have seen captains sit back and probably say, ‘let’s take this as deep as we can’,” Bishop said on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show. “I think Shreyas is a good captain. Wherever Shreyas has gone, and I keep saying it, since he took over from Gautam Gambhir halfway through at Delhi Capitals [then Daredevils] in 2018, he’s made teams better.”Related

RCB return home aiming to avoid a hat-trick of defeats

Chahal back in his element, in the game, in typical style

Stats – PBKS pull off lowest successful defence in IPL history

Ponting: That might be the best win I've ever had as coach in IPL

To Ambati Rayudu, it was a case of things falling in place for PBKS, but Shreyas did something “the best of captains” might not have.”I have known the best of captains who wouldn’t have taken this score [111] seriously. Trust me,” Rayudu said. “But this guy did. [Coach Ricky] Ponting does. Ponting would never give up. That’s a great combination that they have going. But only if they don’t change the players as often as they do. And keep it constant. I think they’ll get a lot of success in the IPL.”He [Shreyas] has that composure as a person and as a captain, and that is why I feel… sir [Bishop] here has said he is a good captain, and that’s because he has that composure.”Back in IPL 2018, the season Bishop referred to, Ponting was the Delhi coach and Gambhir the captain. Gambhir was in poor form with the bat, and Delhi had won only one of their first six matches of the season when he stepped down, and Shreyas took over. They still finished bottom of the table, but with five wins from their eight remaining games. Shreyas then led Delhi to a third-place finish in IPL 2019 and the final the following year. His next captaincy stint came with KKR, and he led them to the title in 2024.Now with PBKS, Shreyas has led the team to four wins in six games and is also their top run-getter. Are PBKS looking set to make the playoffs at this stage then?6:18

Pressure or complacency – why did KKR collapse?

“They are more eager, they are more hungry. They are on their way,” Rayudu said, while Bishop pointed out that, compared to some of the teams, PBKS were only playing their sixth game on Tuesday, and “had they gone the other way and lost this, it wouldn’t have been detrimental, but they have given themselves a bonus”.It’s not only about Shreyas, though. Ponting has played his part in the backroom, and said the KKR result “might just be about the best win that I’ve ever had [as a coach]”. Nehal Wadhera, the PBKS middle-order batter, provided a glimpse of the “positivity” in the camp with Ponting and Shreyas working in tandem.”I have never, ever heard a negative word coming out of his mouth,” Wadhera said of Ponting at the post-match press conference. “When your coach is such a character, the way he inspires everyone, and even when we got back [after the batting innings], he just said, ‘okay, today our bowlers need to get the job done, I need some really fiery spells today’; automatically when players listen to such things from the coach, the confidence boosts up. It really showed on the field. It’s all because of his pep talks.”Also Shreyas Iyer. They way he charges up everyone… he’s one of the finest captains I have ever played under and he’s really great at what he does, with the bat and the way he captains, and the way he is leading the team is really great.”

Board accused of selecting best outcomes in dealing with the aftermath of investigations into allegations of racism

Osman Samiuddin14-Mar-2025

Cricket Scotland’s (CS) race row is threatening to erupt again after the board was accused of being elusive and cherry-picking best outcomes in dealing with the aftermath of investigations into allegations of racism and racist behaviour.Majid Haq, the former cricketer and central figure in the row, his lawyer, and Running Out Racism, an anti-racism advocacy group that has been involved through the process, made the accusations after the emergence of a report which said that Haq had suffered racial discrimination and had been victimised for going public with allegations. Cricket Scotland has responded strongly to claims that it has not adopted an anti-racist stance in the aftermath, or that it failed to address issues raised by those investigations.Last year, Cricket Scotland had seemingly closed the chapter on the investigations sparked by a damning report in 2022 which found the board to be institutionally racist. That report had been set in motion by allegations of victimisation and racism by Haq and another former player, Qasim Sheikh.The report led to over 50 cases being investigated by an independent team comprising two legal firms and a race equality charity. Ultimately none of the cases resulted in sanctions against those accused, although the investigators made clear at the time that findings of guilt or innocence were not within the remit of their work. That no disciplinary action was taken in the cases, they said, illustrated the difficulties involved in such investigations, such as a lack of governance and process, the historic nature of some complaints, or incidents that were outside Cricket Scotland’s jurisdiction.Instead, they made 245 recommendations, or learnings, which Cricket Scotland has committed to – and is in the process of – implementing.Related

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Cricket Scotland chief exec: 'I'm determined to find a way through this for everyone'

John Blain threatens legal action as Cricket Scotland race row descends into acrimony

Scotland racism investigators deny 'exonerations' were within their remit

Cricket Scotland revealed to be institutionally racist in damning independent report

But it has now emerged that the two legal firms had compiled reports based on their joint investigations which, according to Running Out Racism, includes “contradictory views between members of the investigation team”. The reports centre on the period when Haq was sent home from the 2015 World Cup for tweeting “Always tougher when in a minority #race #colour” after being dropped for a game. He never played another game for Scotland, despite being their leading wicket-takerAccording to Haq’s lawyer Aamer Anwar, one report makes it clear that Haq “was discriminated against and victimised for raising complaints of racism, and that victimisation continues today.” The report finds prima facie evidence that the decision to send him home, as well as several outcomes as a result of that decision, had elements of racial bias and discrimination. The other report is believed to hold a different opinion.The reports were meant only for internal consumption within the board and had not been shared in full with Haq, despite requests. Running Out Racism said they had been provided a full copy by an “anonymous source” and said it was clear why Cricket Scotland had been “so elusive in providing further details.””Whilst we accept that the reports themselves were prepared for Cricket Scotland, they were prepared independently, and Cricket Scotland have chosen to summarise the aspects they wish to share, and leave out the conclusions that they don’t like. These conclusions expose their lack of action when faced with clear evidence of issues.”Haq said the board had tried to hide the report’s conclusion from him. “[It] validates what I already knew – that I’ve been racially discriminated against and that I continue to be victimised as a result of speaking out. And yet Cricket Scotland have tried to hide that from me and brush me off with statements like ‘we could have handled your departure from the World Cup better’.”Cricket Scotland have hidden behind jurisdiction time & time again. Whilst I’m relieved to finally read my report and see the truth, I think everything should be disclosed & let the public decide who is culpable in all this. It’s clear that a lot of information has been swept under the carpet.”Cricket Scotland have stressed that the report was an opinion and one of multiple ones. They expressed their disappointment at the breach in confidentiality in it going outside the board.”We understand a small number of individuals continue to feel publicly aggrieved by the outcomes of the process,” the board said in a statement. “To suggest this means Cricket Scotland is not taking an anti-racist stance is simply wrong.”It is deeply disappointing that an investigative process which relied on the trust of individuals involved and a confidential report that followed is being utilised to further personal agendas.”The report is an opinion that was constructed around this matter, and not a declaration of fact. Other opinions as well as detailed legal analysis were provided for the Cricket Scotland Board to consider how it would act.”

Barcelona have been dealt a brutal blow with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal set to miss at least three matches through injury, sparking a war of words between manager Hansi Flick and the Spanish FA. The 18-year-old winger, already one of Europe’s most dazzling prospects, is sidelined by a stubborn groin problem that has been aggravated during international duty.

Flick's fury over Spain's handling

The saga erupted after Spain fielded Yamal in back-to-back fixtures against Bulgaria and Turkey despite him reporting discomfort before linking up with the squad. Flick didn’t mince his words, accusing La Roja’s coaching staff of negligence for risking the teenager’s long-term health.

"Lamine already went to the national team in pain. He took painkillers and played with the national team in pain," Flick stated. "He had problems, and played 79 and 73 minutes. That's not looking after the players. The Spanish national team has the best players in the world, but we should be looking after the professionals. Also the young players."

AdvertisementGOALYamal's recovery timeline

According toYamal will definitely sit out Barca’s Champions League curtain-raiser against Newcastle on Thursday, while La Liga clashes with Getafe and Oviedo are also expected to come too soon. The most optimistic outlook is a cameo against Real Sociedad, but the club’s medical staff insist the true target is Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on October 1, a game where Barcelona need their young talisman fully fit.

Barca not willing to take any shortcut

Medical sources around Camp Nou confirm that Yamal’s issue is centred on his pubic bone, an injury picked up against Levante and worsened in the bruising contest at Rayo Vallecano. The condition requires careful management and patience – push too hard, and relapse is almost guaranteed.

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AFPYamal has taken to physiotherapy

Yamal is currently undergoing daily physiotherapy sessions, tailored strengthening exercises, and specific treatment designed to speed up recovery. But the club are adamant: there will be zero risks. Away from the treatment table, Barcelona officials are now taking steps to smooth relations with the Spanish federation. Sporting director Deco is set to sit down with RFEF technical chief Aitor Karanka to establish clearer lines of communication around player fitness. The idea is to implement joint monitoring protocols and more transparency so clubs aren’t blindsided when players return in worse condition than when they left. With Yamal seen as a generational jewel, the last thing Barca want is another tug-of-war with the national side.

Whilst Jose Mourinho earned the right to turn his self-proclaimed “Special One” nickname into an undeniable title during his time at Stamford Bridge, there’s no denying that he had some of Chelsea’s best-ever players at his disposal to achieve that success.

At the peak of Roman Abramovich’s West London empire, it was the Blues who were spending big as the likes of Manchester City continued to only fantasise about league titles. As such, even during Mourinho’s second spell when the Citizens had more than discovered spending habits of their own, Chelsea and their Portuguese manager still came away with a Premier League title to their name.

It was during that second stint from 2013 to 2015 that a certain Eden Hazard took English football by storm. The Belgian’s tricky feet remain some of the best that English football has arguably seen and the guidance of Mourinho only saw him reach new levels.

The Special One had nothing but special things to say about his star man during that time too. He even went as far as to say that Hazard was better than Cristiano Ronaldo in 2015, telling reporters: “Last season, yes [Hazard was better],” Mourinho said. “In spite of the fact that Ronaldo was fantastic. He was fantastic. He scored an incredible number of goals.

“I am not saying he is not fantastic. I am just saying that, in my personal view, every football player in the world should understand that a team has to be in front and no titles.”

Hazard under Mourinho

Stats

Appearances

125

Goals

36

Assists

26

With 62 goal involvements in 125 appearances under Mourinho, the praise that Hazard received should come as no surprise. But as impressed as the former Chelsea boss often was by the winger, he opted to pick another Stamford Bridge legend as the club’s best-ever signing.

Mourinho: Drogba is the "best" ever Chelsea signing

Before the days of Hazard running rings around Premier League defences, the Chelsea crown was Didier Drogba’s to wear and Mourinho quickly sent a timely reminder about that in 2015.

When speaking about the best signings and players in Chelsea’s history, the then-manager wasted no time before name-dropping the legendary striker.

Having scored a total of 88 Premier League goals before taking his place as one of the best that has led any frontline in English football, it’s fair to say that Mourinho may well be right about his verdict on Drogba’s time at Chelsea.

Arne Slot has lifted the lid on Liverpool's failed attempts to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi while admitting "it happens to our players as well". The Reds' dramatic deadline-day move sensationally fell apart in the final moments of the transfer window, despite the England star completing a medical and agreeing terms at Anfield.

WHAT HAPPENED?

A fee of around $47 million (£35 million) had been struck between the two clubs, with paperwork even submitted to the Premier League. Guehi, who is out of contract next summer, had prepared to commit to a five-year deal with the Reds. But Palace, unable to secure a replacement in time, pulled the plug at the eleventh hour, leaving Liverpool empty-handed.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALWHAT SLOT SAID

Speaking for the first time about the failed swoop, Slot said: "A lot happened on the final day. I am most pleased that we got the deal for Alexander Isak over the line. Everyone at the club worked so hard to get it done. It would be a bit ridiculous to deny that we were close to signing Guehi. That is so out in the open. But these things happen. It probably happened to our players where they were close to signing for other clubs and then things change in the last moment. 

"We would have liked to sign him, of course. If we feel we can strengthen the team, we never hesitate to do so, and that is what we tried to do. It is a pity for us and the player but he is in a good place at Palace, where he won the FA Cup and Community Shield. Let’s see what the future brings for him and us."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite the setback, Slot insisted Liverpool are not short of centre-back options. Giovanni Leoni, signed earlier in the window, is still awaiting his debut, while the established trio of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez remain reliable choices.

He added: "Against Arsenal, Ibou and Virgil were outstanding and then Joe Gomez came in and was outstanding, too. Giovanni Leoni had his first call up, Ryan and Wataru can play there so it isn’t like we don’t have options there."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Away from transfer drama, attention turns to Turf Moor this weekend, where newly-promoted Burnley await. Liverpool have made the perfect start to their Premier League campaign, winning all three of their opening fixtures, and Slot is eager to maintain momentum.

Manchester City have now made contact over a deal for a Barcelona star, who is regarded as “the best in the world in his position”, journalist Fabrice Hawkins has revealed.

Man City looking to sign defender amid Akanji uncertainty

Pep Guardiola’s rebuild is well underway, and there could still be a few more departures to make way for new arrivals, with Manuel Akanji now being targeted by Galatasaray, following criticism from supporters for some of his performances last season.

City expert Steven McInerney believes it could be best for all parties if Akanji is moved on this summer, alongside a number of other players, saying: “I’m fine with it. I definitely feel the more (players) that move on right now it’s a good thing. I’m not one for pushing people out the door, but I think Akanji was probably at the scene of the crime far too many times last season.

“He’s obviously a good player, but I think he’s another that has had the post-treble malaise. It’s definitely a thing at City where you can see some players have reached the top of the mountain and the only way is down a little bit.”

Man City ready to submit £51m bid to sign top target to replace Ederson

Man City are now working on a deal to sign their top target this summer.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 22, 2025

Consequently, Guardiola may need to bring in a new centre-back this summer, while it has been clear for quite some time that the manager is keen on a new right-back, with Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries and Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento on the shortlist.

As such, it could be a clever move to sign a versatile defender capable of playing in both of the aforementioned positions, and Man City have now made contact over a deal for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, according to an update from Hawkins on X.

Kounde is currently in negotiations over a new contract, with the La Liga club viewing the defender as “the best in the world in his position”, but the Blues are now hoping to lure him to the Etihad Stadium.

Kounde could be statement signing for Man City

The Barcelona star is very assured in possession of the ball, which could make him a good fit in a Guardiola system, while he has also received extremely high praise from teammate and major Ballon d’Or contender Lamine Yamal.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Passes attempted

71.73 (96th percentile)

Pass completion %

86.7% (90th percentile)

Progressive passes

5.14 (84th percentile)

Indeed, Yamal described the Frenchman as the “best right-back in the world”, but the £226k-a-week defender has predominantly featured at centre-back throughout his career to date, showcasing his versatility.

With Kyle Walker moving to Burnley, and Akanji’s future up in the air, the 26-year-old could be the ideal addition to Guardiola’s defence, given his ability to play at both right-back and centre-back.

However, it could be very difficult to lure Kounde away from Barcelona, considering he is currently in negotiations over extending his stay at the Camp Nou.