Vesper

NEW: Sources confirm Chelsea star now set to leave, trio of Premier League clubs on alert EXCLUSIVE - this saga is nearing its conclusion... https://thedailybriefing.io/p/nicolas-jackson-transfer-update Chelsea will have a big decision to make on one of their forgotten players, following a loan move this season which hasn’t worked out. Speaking to well-connected sources close to the agents industry, I’m told that Nicolas Jackson is not in Bayern Munich’s long-term plans after a lack of impact at the Allianz Arena this season. Bayern took Jackson on loan from Chelsea, but now seem to have decided against signing him permanently, meaning the Blues misfit will have to head back to Stamford Bridge, albeit probably not for very long. Nicolas Jackson attracting transfer interest as Bayern stay in doubt Jackson’s time at Chelsea has also surely come to an end, and it looks like the club have already done their work replacing him by bringing in Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this summer, while Emanuel Emegha is already set to join next term. This will be an opportunity for Chelsea to make a sale, and my sources suggest there’ll be plenty of options for them to offload the Senegal international. “Jackson is highly unlikely to stay at Bayern,” one source said. “His loan deal included a 65 million euro mandatory buy option, but it was tied to specific performance milestones which are now almost certainly not going to be met.” Another told me: “In the Premier League, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Everton are closely monitoring Jackson’s situation. Atletico Madrid and Napoli could be two other options to watch out for, and Chelsea will certainly be looking for a buyer.” (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images) What went wrong for Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea and Bayern? Jackson looked like an exciting talent when he first joined Chelsea from Villarreal in the summer of 2023, but he hasn’t developed as many would’ve hoped. Now 24 years of age, Jackson is no longer a youngster, so will need to start performing more consistently if he is to make it at a truly top-level club. Jackson scored 17 goals in his first season at Chelsea, followed by 13 in his second campaign, but he has just five goals in 18 games so far for Bayern. An injury to Delap at the start of this season led to Chelsea quickly trying to cancel Jackson’s loan to Bayern, but the player pushed for the move to still go through, and in the end he got his wish and Marc Guiu was recalled from his loan at Sunderland instead. It’s now anticipated that Jackson will be open to leaving Chelsea for a new challenge next summer. my add Those stats quoted above for this season are misleading, as he has 5 goals and 1 assist in only 542 minutes of play that is a really good rate of return per minute we would kill to have one of our CFs score at that rate That works out to a rate of 30 goals and 6 assists in 3,252 minutes plus he scored 2 more goals for Senegal in 104 total minutes of play (versus Brasil and Kenya) compare that to Isak 2 goals, 1 assist for Pool in 766 minutes and no goals, no assists for Sweden this season in 226 minutes

IF we sell Josh I am going to lose my fucking mind. My biggest issue with Maresca is his continuously not picking him as one of our two starting CBs, especially with the player picked over him is either either Badi or ESPECIALLY TOSIN, ffs. Acheampong is still only 19yo and has MASSIVE upside, potentially (from what I can see) world class potential. IF Colwill (and we had ALL best hope that he does) fully recovers from his knee injury, then I can see Levi and Josh as a superb CB pair for ages. They are the ONLY two CBs we have atm who you can say that about NOW, even on a potential basis, unless Aarón Anselmino or new boy Amadou Sarr explodes. Trevoh is what Trevoh is, a solid squad CB, but will never be WC (and he turns 27yo this summer, so he doesnt have years and years to get there). Same for Fofana, who is very likely never again going to reach the near WC heights he was moving towards before he destroyed his leg with Leicester. Disasi is shit and is soon gone (knock on wood). Tosin is even worse than Disasi IMHO (somehow he has gotten there, ffs) and needs to GO. Badi, well he is above the last two, but is still not at all good enough. Unfortunately, unless we buy a great left footed CB (ie the pipe dreams Bastoni or Murillo, or Buongiorno, or stepping down a wee bit, the crazy expensive Branthwaite, the super hard pull Schlotterbeck, or the semi dice-rolls Lukeba, Inácio or the oft-injured Botman), we are going to be stuck with him for likely a year more (especially as our only other lefty CB is the long-term injured Colwill). Honest Ahanor looks to be a superb young (turns 18yo in February) CB, BUT he is just that: a super young player with bags of potential but not a 'plug him in and he is lock to be a 45 game starter for Chels' type (for now), plus, like Lukeba, he is on the small side (both are 1.84m, although Ahanor could, in theory still grow a bit).

lololol fucking Fichajes ass clowns on nuclear powered steroids Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan in the coming months. Tottenham plot move for 26-year-old Chelsea target after Paratici’s green light https://www.caughtoffside.com/2025/12/19/tottenham-plot-move-alessandro-bastoni-Chelsea-target/ They will face competition from London rivals Chelsea, as per Fichajes, and it will be interesting to see where the Italian defender ends up. The 26-year-old has been outstanding for Inter Milan, and he is certainly one of the best defenders in European football right now. The player is at the peak of his career, and he could improve both teams. Tottenham and Chelsea have looked vulnerable at the back this season, and they need to improve in that area of the pitch. The 26-year-old is not just a quality defender, but he is also excellent with the ball at his feet, and he will add control and composure to the side. The player has proven himself in Italy, and he could be open to taking a new challenge. The move to the Premier League could be an exciting opportunity for him.

Enzo Maresca says he will ‘absolutely’ be at Chelsea next season https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6902477/2025/12/19/enzo-maresca-Chelsea-future/ Enzo Maresca has promised Chelsea fans he will be at the club next season and says there is still a lot he wants to achieve at Stamford Bridge. The Athletic revealed on Thursday that Maresca is high among the candidates Manchester City are considering in case Pep Guardiola exits the club next summer. Maresca’s Chelsea future was already under scrutiny when, following the 2-0 win against Everton on Saturday, he said that the previous 48 hours had been the worst of his tenure. Chelsea fans showed their backing for him by chanting his name at the team’s Carabao Cup win at Cardiff City in midweek. When asked during Friday’s press conference if he can guarantee he will be at Chelsea next season, Maresca replied: “Yes, absolutely. I have a contract until 2029 (the club has the option to extend until 2030). “It (Manchester City interest) doesn’t affect me at all because that is 100 per cent speculation. And in this moment, there is no time for these kinds of things. “My focus is just about this club and I’m very proud to be here. But again, it’s speculation. One week ago, I was (linked with a job) in Italy with Juventus. So I don’t pay attention because I know that it’s not true. If we continue to talk about that, that means that I’m paying attention to that. “Now, it’s important to understand the reason why this news was there. But it’s not my job, I don’t care at all. I think the players, they are focused on a Newcastle game (tomorrow) that is a very important game and very difficult.” What You Should Read Next Chelsea are calm about Enzo Maresca’s situation amid City interest – they must move on from the drama Enzo Maresca is high on City's list of possible candidates if Pep Guardiola leaves at the end of the season Maresca has made a positive impact since being appointed Chelsea head coach in June 2024. Last season, the club finished fourth in the Premier League, and won the Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. Chelsea go to Newcastle United on Saturday sitting in fourth, as well as being in the Carabao Cup semi-finals and should at least secure a Champions League play-off place from the league phase. Their FA Cup campaign begins with a third-round tie at Charlton Athletic next month. Pressed on whether he feels there is still a lot more he wants to achieve as Chelsea head coach, he said: “Absolutely, yes. Again, the other day, we achieved the third semi-final in 18 months. Last year, again, I think was good also in terms of trophies, finishing fourth in the Premier League, bringing this club, playing in the Champions League. And now the target is to try to improve what we did last season.” Chelsea, meanwhile, have been boosted by the news that striker Liam Delap is on course to return from a shoulder injury sooner than expected. The forward suffered damage to the AC joint against Bournemouth earlier this month but could make his return against Aston Villa on December 27, just three weeks after suffering the blow. Winger Estevao Willian is also set to be back for that match, having missed Cardiff with a minor muscular problem. Did Maresca convince when addressing his Chelsea future? This was a much more forthright response from Maresca to all the noise that has been around his position over the past week. Maresca has cast quite a tense and sombre character in front of the media over the last few days, but the Italian did a much better job of trying to change the narrative this morning. Walking in smiling and answering some initial light-hearted questions about his Christmas plans, Maresca repeated on more than one occasion that he is contracted to the club until at least 2029 and dismissed talk over his future as “speculation”. Any supporters concerned about losing Maresca to a domestic rival might be a bit more reassured by his promise to still be in charge in 2026-27. It will help quieten the noise surrounding him for now. As The Athletic reported earlier on Friday, everyone at the club wants to focus on what matters most — the team getting results and performances in all four competitions for the remainder of the season. Chelsea always wanted to review everything about the club at the end of Maresca’s second season in charge and that remains the case. But in light of his Everton outburst, which came after Chelsea’s first win in five matches, Maresca will inevitably have more tough questions to answer the next time his team have a bad patch of form. By Simon Johnson Chelsea Correspondent

Chelsea are calm about Enzo Maresca’s situation amid City interest – they must move on from the drama https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6901681/2025/12/19/enzo-maresca-Chelsea-man-city-interest/ Chelsea have to put the drama surrounding head coach Enzo Maresca over the past week behind them as quickly as possible. That is certainly the intention, but it might be easier said than done now that there has been another twist added to the plot. The exclusive story broken by The Athletic’s David Ornstein on Thursday about Maresca being on a wishlist of targets at Manchester City — amid a growing impression that this is Pep Guardiola’s last season in charge at Etihad Stadium — means Maresca and the club are under even more scrutiny. There was already a lot of intrigue over Maresca’s situation at Stamford Bridge following the rather self-inflicted wounds he caused by that post-match press conference after the 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday. As The Athletic explained, the Italian’s complaint that he had experienced the worst 48 hours of his time at Stamford Bridge due to a lack of support for him and his team came as a surprise to people at the club. The Athletic has spoken to several sources in the construction of this article, who all spoke under the condition of anonymity to protect relationships. One of those sources said there had been no falling-out or disagreement leading up to Maresca’s outburst. Granted, he remained vague over who he was referring to, yet the theory that there are problems behind the scenes did not dissipate with Maresca’s unconvincing answers and behaviour in the press conferences either side of the Carabao Cup win over Cardiff City in midweek. Eyes will be even more on him for every game and media interview, starting with Chelsea’s very difficult Premier League game against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday. They have lost at that ground on their last four visits. Understandably, everyone wants to know how Chelsea have reacted to Maresca being potentially targeted by Manchester City at the end of the season. Sources insist there is a sense of calm and business as usual. Basically, the plan has not changed. The desire is to focus on getting good results and performances for the rest of the season so Chelsea can finish in the top four of the Premier League and do well in the three cup competitions (Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup). The intention to hold a review into everything at Chelsea, including Maresca, at the end of his second season in charge — so around late May or early June — remains. Chelsea are accustomed to clubs wanting their players and staff, whether it is something genuine or just speculation. For example, they were aware of reports in Italy two months ago that Juventus were interested in Maresca following the sacking of Igor Tudor. The club reacted the same then as they are now, by just getting on with things as normal. The club are in a strong position anyway. Firstly, because of their policy on contracts. Just like the majority of the players, Maresca was given a long-term deal on joining from Leicester City. His agreement runs until 2029, with an option in place for Chelsea to extend it by another 12 months. It will not be easy for anyone to prise him away. Secondly, Chelsea have aimed to build a structure where they are not reliant on just one person. This even applies to the playing side. Sources point to the fact that Chelsea are still on track in terms of achieving their targets for the campaign despite being without their best defender, Levi Colwill, since the start of the season, after a knee injury. Their most gifted player, Cole Palmer, has made just seven appearances so far due to injury. Sources say that Chelsea have been happy with the job Maresca has been doing and backed him during bad runs of form last season and this, committing to the two-year review plan. They also say they have done their due diligence and looked into compiling a list of potential successors for Maresca, but stress it is what every club tries to do over their staff and players. Maresca acknowledging the away end at CardiffDan Istitene/Getty Images This should not be read into too much, given the recent events. It is standard practice and was already in place before Maresca’s outburst last weekend. No professional organisation wants to start from scratch in the event someone leaves, whatever the reason for that is. You simply have to prepare for all possibilities. Chelsea sources say communication between Maresca and the hierarchy has continued and that the working relationship remains unchanged. Understandably, it is going to be a lot harder for those on the outside to believe that, given the extent of Maresca’s original comments and the manner in which they can be perceived. Even if Maresca comes out now to say he is happy at Chelsea and 100 per cent committed to them — the former midfielder has already said words to this effect earlier in the week — the seed has been planted by him that it might not be the case. Chelsea must avoid the commotion caused by that, as well as the potential threat of City’s interest, from having a destabilising impact on their season. Everyone should bear in mind that this is the first time Maresca has managed a club into a second year. Before that, he had coached at Parma for just 14 matches and had one full campaign at Leicester City. He deserves some benefit of the doubt that he did not expect to cause such a stir — the way he acknowledged the away support at Cardiff and pumped his fist against the Chelsea badge on his jacket sent a more positive message. The best medicine to nip this all in the bud, certainly until the review takes place, is simple. Maintain a consistent run of good results, and the inquisition from the outside will be negated somewhat. Well, for the time being at least. By Simon Johnson Chelsea Correspondent

How similar is Enzo Maresca’s football to Pep Guardiola’s? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6897163/2025/12/19/maresca-guardiola-tactical-comparison/ Being compared with Pep Guardiola is nothing new for Enzo Maresca. The 45-year-old’s managerial career at Parma, Leicester City and Chelsea has seen him repeatedly swat away suggestions that he is a diluted version of his friend and former colleague, but now those comparisons will go into another stratosphere. The Italian is high among candidates Manchester City are considering in case Pep Guardiola exits next summer, as The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Thursday. What You Should Read Next Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca high on Manchester City’s list in event of Pep Guardiola exit City are advancing contingency planning as there is a growing anticipation of this being the Catalan manager's last season. Some City fans might initially scoff at Maresca’s credentials to step into the shoes of their club’s greatest-ever manager — one of the most influential tactical minds of all-time. However, strip away any bias and consider the checklist that City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, will want to tick off if and when he looks for Guardiola’s replacement. A coach whose style aligns with the one that brought them the most success at the club? Check. A coach who has experience of the rigours of the Premier League? Check. A coach who has worked alongside Guardiola himself? Check. You can even tick the immeasurable “understands the club” box, with Maresca having won the Premier League 2 title as manager of City’s elite development squad in 2020-21, before becoming Guardiola’s assistant manager during the 2022-23 season — the year that City won a historic treble. Maresca had a good managerial grounding at Man City before taking the Chelsea jobAdrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images Guardiola’s tendency to praise opposition managers can occasionally appear facetious, but his recent comments on Maresca were as big a ringing endorsement to a successor as you are likely to get. “One of the best managers in the world, Enzo Maresca, I know him quite well, but the job he has done at Chelsea does not get enough credit,” Guardiola said earlier this month. “Winning the Club World Cup, Conference League, and qualification for the Champions League in a league that is so tough with a young team. It is exceptional.” What You Should Read Next How much like Pep Guardiola is Enzo Maresca? Chelsea's new head coach Maresca worked closely with Guardiola at Manchester City - so how similar are they? There are justified arguments that Maresca deserves more praise for the job he has done at Chelsea since arriving in the summer of 2024. In attack, only Liverpool and Manchester City have a better expected goals (xG) rate than Chelsea’s 1.8 per 90 since the start of last season. Defensively, there is almost nothing between Chelsea’s 1.3 xG conceded per 90 compared with City’s 1.2 per 90 in that time. As Guardiola has acknowledged, posting those numbers with the youngest average squad age — weighted by minutes played — in each of the last two seasons shows elite coaching must have been a key part of Chelsea’s success. The phrase “Diet Pep” or “Pep Lite” has been previously used as a criticism of Maresca’s style, but in the context of the latest news, it must surely be seen as an encouraging comparison for City fans. Tactically, those comparisons have plenty of substance. Guardiola and Maresca are meticulous in their approach to building a coherent possession-based system, and have achieved success from positional principles — or juego de posicion — that see their players occupy certain zones of the pitch to break down an opponent’s structure. One core similarity is the carefully constructed build-up the two share, which will often see a full-back come inside to form a 3-2-5 shape with a situational double pivot when working the ball through the thirds. This can be seen in Chelsea’s recent home game against Everton, with right-back Malo Gusto joining Reece James in midfield. Maresca has frequently switched which full-back inverts, but it requires players who are highly technical or, as Maresca refers to them, those who can “play in the traffic”. While this build-up approach helps to create numerical advantages in the centre of the pitch to progress upfield, it is worth remembering that such a setup is ultimately defensive. “One of the reasons why we bring the full back inside is to avoid transitions and to defend better in the moment that we lose the ball,” Maresca told The Coaches’ Voice in 2023. A strong rest defence, for those who enjoy the technical term. What You Should Read Next How Chelsea play: Building from the goalkeeper, a box-shaped midfield and lots of short corners The Athletic looks at the tactical setup of Enzo Maresca's side ahead of the 2025-26 season Guardiola has become more unpredictable in his build-up shape this season, but the core ideas are still comparable. Looking at City’s latest Champions League game with Real Madrid, the 3-2 build-up shape is found in different ways — either by a midfielder dropping in (Phil Foden) or via a supporting full-back (Nico O’Reilly). The principles are designed to be fluid and versatile for both managers, but zoom out and examine the wider structure of Chelsea and Manchester City’s most common starting formation last season, and the patterns across the pitch pop out. Control in the centre, networks in wide areas, and a territorial dominance that squeezes the opposition into their own defensive third. The similarity is compelling. Qualitatively, Guardiola has changed City’s shape this season with more rotations between traditional wide full-backs and narrow wingers coming inside. Here, the idea is to flood the centre of the pitch and make space in wide areas, but the fundamental principles are largely unchanged. It is those same uncompromising principles in Maresca that will be attractive to City’s key decision-makers. His reciprocal admiration of Guardiola is unwavering, with the Catalan underpinning the way that he looks at the game. “I decided to be a manager because of Pep’s team, Barcelona, years ago,” Maresca said in a press conference last month. “Now, if clubs or teams decide (to play) with different styles, I’ve said many times that any club, any team can decide in the way they want to play. I chose mine years ago, and this will be the way I like to watch my team play football, and also in the future.” There is room for flexibility within it, but a patient, considered style is ultimately still at the heart of what both managers want to achieve. As shown below, no team this season has more passes per sequence or a slower progression upfield (direct speed) than Chelsea and Manchester City. Tempo is a keyword that both are proud to be associated with. A team that can control the rhythm and speed of the game is often the dominant side of the two, and Maresca’s desire to replicate Guardiola is further borne out in the numbers. Since Maresca arrived, Chelsea have arguably looked better when they picked up the tempo and attacked directly with runners ahead of the ball. Still, the graphic below highlights just how keen Maresca was to stamp his authority over his new side last season, reducing the share of sequences played at a fast tempo compared with the previous two campaigns at Stamford Bridge. Notably, it brought that possession style closer to Guardiola’s once more. With the Premier League seeing a renaissance of direct, vertical play, Guardiola’s principles have been questioned more than ever in recent months. City have embraced the chaos a little more this season, crafting new structures that focus more on verticality than ever before. With that in mind, does Maresca have the same willingness and tactical nous to adapt? The Italian has certainly experimented with his players in his 18 months at Chelsea, regularly playing James as a midfielder and frequently asking right-back Gusto to occupy No 10 roles during attacking phases, but there have been system tweaks alongside this. During the summer’s victorious Club World Cup campaign, a shift from 4-2-3-1 to a 4-2-2-2 against Flamengo ended in defeat, but Maresca was open in highlighting his experimentation. A move to 4-3-3 against Fluminense was also effective in and out of possession to set up the final against Paris Saint-Germain, where Maresca also won the tactical battle against Luis Enrique. “Pep is not a manager that is always doing the same; he is always changing, and with us it will be exactly the same,” Maresca said shortly after joining Chelsea. Having more players in the central channel of the pitch has allowed Guardiola to slowly arrest a key vulnerability that plagued City in defensive transition last season. Having more bodies close to the ball in possession gives you less ground to cover when you are out of possession, but Maresca’s defensive approach has rarely had compactness at its core. As shown in their recent Champions League clash with Atalanta, Chelsea will often press high in a man-to-man fashion, with the central striker split between the goalkeeper and the centre-back. Note centre-back Benoit Badiashile’s high positioning to vacate his spot from Chelsea’s defensive line. The same approach can also be seen against Arsenal, but note how this can fall back into more hybrid pressing — where certain players stay man-for-man while others stay in a zonal structure. In the example below, Marc Cucurella jumps inside to track Bukayo Saka, while Pedro Neto follows Jurrien Timber to cover the left flank. This was a blueprint laid out in Chelsea’s Club World Cup victory over PSG, with a fluidity to their defensive structure that was the perfect antidote to their rotational attack. When it works, it works well, but it is an approach that can leave Maresca’s side open defensively if the timing is off. Instilling a similar out-of-possession structure at City will be a challenge worth looking out for. What You Should Read Next Chelsea’s positional fluidity stifled PSG, providing Maresca with a blueprint for next season The head coach's masterful game plan left the European champions floundering — something that does not happen very often Guardiola’s potential departure from City draws parallels with Jurgen Klopp’s exit from Liverpool. The club’s recruitment team were required to find a head coach whose principles would build on the existing rather than rip up the playbook and start from scratch. In finding Arne Slot, the transition was seamless enough to lead Liverpool to the title in his maiden season. For City, there are few head coaches with a stylistic fit that is more closely analogous to that of their current manager. Vincent Kompany, Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso have all worked under or alongside Guardiola, with little surprise that they are now leading three of Europe’s most elite sides. While he is still learning on the job, Maresca falls into that same category of coaches. By Mark Carey Football Writer

I wager it's a loan with us paying half his salary and no obligation to buy 🤪

Aleksey Batrakov 20yo Russian AMF/Winger who is ttracking to around 30 goals, 12 assists PSG looking to buy him for around £20m to £25m

and GKer

‘There’s 2 candidates’ – Debate over whether to sign Tottenham or Chelsea player next month https://sportwitness.co.uk/theres-2-candidates-debate-over-whether-to-sign-tottenham-or-Chelsea-player-next-month/ Beşiktaş are debating over Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen and Tottenham Hotspur’s Antonin Kinsky as they look for a new goalkeeper. That’s according to Sporx. They report that ‘there’s two candidates’ for the goalkeeper position and it’s the Chelsea and Tottenham men. They explain that the focus is currently on the Chelsea number two. They want to loan Jörgensen for a year and a half with an option to buy. That doesn’t tally with the Blues’ plans for him. They instead plan to keep Jörgensen until the end of the season and then sell him for over €20m. If they were to sanction a loan deal, it would only be a short one. And it would need to include a mandatory purchase option as well. Thus, Beşiktaş are looking at alternatives. And that’s led them to Tottenham and Kinsky. They’ve asked for clarification on the 22-year-old’s situation. Reports have suggested that the Czech goalkeeper, who hasn’t had much gametime at Tottenham this season, could be loaned to another club to continue his development. Beşiktaş would seemingly be keen if that is the case and have contacted Spurs about the youngster.

Real Madrid battle Chelsea and Man City for Nigeria’s most valuable youngster https://soccernet.ng/2025/12/madrid-Chelsea-man-city-nigeria-atalanta.html Real Madrid have emerged as the latest European heavyweights monitoring Nigeria’s highly rated teenage defender Honest Ahanor, intensifying an already crowded transfer race led by Chelsea and Manchester City, Soccernet.ng reports. The 17-year-old Atalanta starlet has quickly become one of the most closely watched young defenders in Europe after an outstanding breakthrough season in Bergamo. His brilliant performances in Italy and Europe have prompted sustained interest from several Premier League clubs and some of the continent’s biggest names, according to a report by TeamTalk. Chelsea are understood to be leading the chase, having tracked Ahanor since his formative years at Genoa, but Madrid’s growing interest is expected to reshape the strategic thinking around the youngster’s future. Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle are also actively monitoring his progress, while Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have sent scouts to Italy this season. Brighton and Nottingham Forest were the two Premier League clubs earlier linked with a move for Ahanor. Ahanor only joined Atalanta in the summer in a deal worth around €20m, yet his rapid adaptation to senior football has made a prolonged stay far from guaranteed. Nigeria's Ahanor: Europe’s elite circle as Atalanta weigh a major decision Left-sided and tactically versatile, Ahanor is comfortable operating at centre-back, full-back and in midfield. He has already made half a dozen starts for Atalanta, displaying a maturity well beyond his years and earning praise from opposition analysts and recruitment staff alike. Chelsea and Manchester City have reportedly been ‘virtually ever-present' at Atalanta matches in recent weeks, reflecting the seriousness of their interest. Atalanta remain in a strong negotiating position. Ahanor is contracted until 2028, and the Serie A side could look to more than triple their initial investment should bids approach the €60m mark, a figure that would test even the most disciplined recruitment departments. Ahanor, Nigeria’s most valuable teenager, is believed to be settled and happy in Bergamo. However, the Super Eagles-eligible defender will be eligible to move to England at the end of the season when he turns 18 in February, opening the door for Premier League clubs to act decisively. Chelsea and Manchester City both boast strong records of investing early in elite-level prospects, while Real Madrid’s interest signals that Ahanor is now viewed as a potential long-term cornerstone rather than merely a developmental gamble. Ahanor: Why City and Madrid see a tactical fit Manchester City’s interest is thought to be linked to long-term defensive planning. With uncertainty surrounding the futures of John Stones and Nathan Aké, and the club already assessing options for the coming seasons, Ahanor’s ability to operate across multiple roles aligns closely with Pep Guardiola’s tactical demands. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have increasingly targeted young, adaptable defenders capable of developing within their system, a strategy that has reshaped their squad in recent years. For now, Atalanta hold the cards. But with Europe’s biggest clubs circling and scouts flocking to Bergamo, Honest Ahanor’s rise looks set to become one of the defining transfer stories to watch over the coming months.

Chelsea in advanced negotiations to sign 16 year old Marseille player Saïd Remadnia – Blues meet agent https://sportwitness.co.uk/Chelsea-in-advanced-negotiations-to-sign-marseille-player-blues-meet-agent/ Chelsea are working on a deal for Marseille youngster Saïd Remadnia, according to Africa Foot. The 16-year-old initially made his way into Marseille’s U17 squad in 2024 before getting promoted to U19s in July. He made 11 appearances for the latter, scoring three goals and contributing an assist. Africa Foot says his quick rise shows the Ligue 1 side’s confidence in his potential and this is said to be mainly because of form and maturity. They even label the winger ‘Marseille’s rising star’, and Chelsea are keen on securing his services. The attacker’s profile and age fits into the Premier League side’s recruitment strategy. Blues officials recently met Remadnia’s agent to explain Chelsea’s medium and long-term plan project. Afirca Foot state Enzo Maresca’s side have ‘significantly accelerated’ their interest in the young attacker. It’s further claimed that advanced negotiations are ongoing between the Blues and the Algeria U17 international’s representatives. The outcome of these negotiations is unclear. Remadnia will turn 18 years of age in March 2027. This means he won’t be able to move to the UK until that summer, should Chelsea complete his signing. There’s obviously yhe possibility of signing the youngster and placing him elsewhere. His international future also has to be clarified. Remadnia was born in France to Algerian and Tunisian parents, making him eligible to represent three countries.

David Ornstein is now hearing something he’s never heard before amid Enzo Maresca’s Man City links https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/news/david-ornstein-is-now-hearing-something-hes-never-heard-before-amid-enzo-marescas-man-city-links/ As the speculation around Enzo Maresca’s future at Chelsea continues, David Ornstein has made an interesting claim about what’s coming out of Man City. The media circus is in full swing at Chelsea following the bombshell exclusive from Ornstein claiming Maresca is being looked at to replace Pep Guardiola at City. It comes after a turbulent week that called into question the relationship between the head coach and the decision-makers in Chelsea’s boardroom. Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Newcastle, Maresca shut down the City rumours and reaffirmed his commitment to a future at Stamford Bridge. But with no possibility of developments until the summer, anyway, any other response would have been a shock. And now, another Ornstein reveal adds further doubt to the Italian’s future. David Ornstein very confident about one thing happening at Man City Naturally, the links between Maresca and City only came about because of the situation with one of the Premier League’s great managers. Guardiola has been at the Etihad for nine seasons, dominating the division over that span and cementing City as a perennial contender for titles. Uncertainty around his future has been a recurring theme in recent seasons, but Ornstein hasn’t quite seen it get this serious. As he told The Athletic: ““I’ve been aware of Manchester City having some interest in Maresca for some time, so it’s not fresh, but you check with as many people as you can, trusted sources on the veracity of that and of course the Guardiola element to this story as well, because if he is continuing until 2027, then it’s largely a moot point. “And despite us having been in this position before with Guardiola and people thinking he was going to go last time — by the way, let’s be clear on that, this is not entirely new as a notion — but I personally have never had it so resounding from so many people that it’s going to be the end of this season. And they are well placed.” Ornstein is as reliable a source as you’ll find, though everyone can be wrong. If his ‘well-placed’ information is correct, Maresca’s personal ties to the Etihad could become a problem for Chelsea. Plenty of time for change in Maresca’s thoughts The Chelsea boss is a straight talker, but even the most honest of managers won’t be completely upfront when it comes to discussions behind the scenes. Chelsea have yet to comment on the Maresca links, either. You would hope he really does intend on staying at Stamford Bridge, but there’s a long way to go until summer. If more clashes with the ownership occur, or if Chelsea’s form takes a dive in the second half of the season, his opinion might well change. It’s a story to monitor as we approach the summer, and one that Chelsea will need to keep a close eye on themselves. One thing this story has done is shift the power dynamic of the relationship more in Maresca’s favour.

Enzo Maresca delivers Chelsea team news ahead of Newcastle https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/enzo-maresca-delivers-Chelsea-team-news-ahead-of-newcastle Enzo Maresca has confirmed we have no fresh injury concerns to contend with ahead of tomorrow's clash with Newcastle United, and also provided a positive update on Liam Delap and Estevao Willian. We head to Tyneside for a Saturday lunchtime meeting with Eddie Howe’s Magpies, looking for three more points in the Premier League following our victory over Everton last time out in the league. We also progressed to the last-four of the Carabao Cup in midweek, following success against Cardiff City. Our head coach rotated his squad for that League Cup encounter and the Italian confirmed at his pre-match press conference that those players that were left out against the Bluebirds – including Cole Palmer – are all fine to feature this weekend. Maresca also provided an update on Delap and Estevao, with the pair closing in on a return to action – although that won’t be at St James’ Park tomorrow. ‘We are good,’ Maresca said of his squad’s fitness levels ahead of the trip to the North-East. We probably have Liam Delap and Estevao Willian back for the game against Aston Villa [on 27 December), which is good news. But Romeo (Lavia) is still out, Dario Essugo is still out and Levi (Colwill) is still out. ‘‘With Liam, we said since he suffered the injury (shoulder) that we didn’t know exactly for how long he would be out, but he is progressing very well.’ After a long trip to Wales in midweek, the Blues face another sizeable away venture when we head to the north east of the country to face Newcastle. The Magpies currently sit in 12th position in the Premier League table, although just six points behind the Blues in fourth, and Maresca is under no illusions that a side containing players such as Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton will offer a stern test this weekend. ‘For me, playing at Newcastle is always difficult. Night or day, they are a very good team,’ Maresca stated of our opponents. ‘Their manager is fantastic and has done a superb job for many years. They have a very strong side, especially in midfield. ‘Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, [Lewis] Miley also, they are all fantastic players, all international players and they complete each other. ‘They are physically strong and very good on the ball. It's difficult for any team to face them.’

Liverpool transfer target Antoine Semenyo is ready to join Man United next year https://www.caughtoffside.com/2025/12/18/blow-for-liverpool-target-keen-man-united/ Antoine Semenyo is emerging as one of the most sought-after names ahead of the January transfer window, with the Bournemouth forward reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United. According to journalist Miguel Delaney, the 25-year-old Ghana international has made Man United his preferred destination amid mounting interest from several Premier League clubs. Semenyo’s rise at Bournemouth has been one of the stories of the season. Since establishing himself as a key figure at the Vitality Stadium, he has impressed with his goal scoring quality and his pace in the wide attacking positions. The attacker scored his most recent goal in the Premier League against Man United at Old Trafford in a match which ended as a 4-4 draw. With seven goals in the league this season, Semenyo has become a player who has impressed the top clubs in the Premier League, including Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal. Antoine Semenyo is keen on Man United move However, the player is keen on a move to Old Trafford to become a part of the attack that boasts players like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, all the players signed last summer by United. Comfortable operating on either wing or through the middle, Semenyo has become a central component of Bournemouth’s attacking threat, attracting sustained attention from clubs at the top end of the table. United are believed to be particularly confident about their chances, especially given the player’s reported desire to make the move to Old Trafford. A key factor in the saga is Semenyo’s contract situation. The forward has a £65 million release clause that becomes active from 1 January, allowing interested clubs to bypass lengthy negotiations with Bournemouth. While that figure represents a significant outlay, it is viewed within the market as a fair valuation for a proven Premier League attacker entering his prime years. Bournemouth, for their part, are aware that once the clause is triggered, they will have little control over the outcome. Semenyo would be the ideal signing for Red Devils From United’s perspective, Semenyo fits several of the club’s current recruitment priorities. Under Ruben Amorim, United are looking to inject more athleticism, intensity, and directness into their attack. His ability to press aggressively, carry the ball at speed, and contribute defensively makes him an attractive option for a system that demands high energy from wide players. Man United would be prepared to move quickly if rival clubs formalise their interest in January. While no official bid has yet been submitted, there is growing belief within the club that they can position themselves strongly should a bidding war emerge. Semenyo’s willingness to join United could prove decisive in a crowded race.

Transfer Rumour of the Day: Alessandro Bastoni to Chelsea? A wild one https://siphillipstalkschelsea.substack.com/p/transfer-rumour-of-the-day-alessandro Chelsea are being linked with a move for Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni, in what has made our transfer rumour of the day article. Granted, I don’t do these every day, and sometimes I don’t even do them every week. But even still, we’ll call them what we call them! I imagine that any Chelsea move for Bastoni would be a popular one, but what is being reported here? Chelsea are apparently keen on a 2026 deal for Alessandro Bastoni, and so is Tottenham Hotspur co-sporting director Fabio Paratici, according to an Italian report. Bastoni is one of the best defenders in the world and is a key player for Inter Milan and the Italy national team. The 26-year-old has won Serie A twice with Inter and was named the best defender in Serie A for the 2024/25 campaign, just as he was bestowed with the accolade in the 2023/24 season. FC Inter News has reported that Bastoni is the centre-back that Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca would love to bring to Stamford Bridge. The Inter Milan-centric news outlet has claimed that Maresca is ‘crazy about him’, and so is Paratici, who would love Tottenham to sign the Italian star. The report, though, has noted that Bastoni has already ‘rejected the advances of Chelsea and Tottenham’, with the defender having turned down the chance to join Al Hilal or Al Qadsiah in the summer of 2025 as well. Not only is Bastoni not willing to join Chelsea (or Tottenham), but the defender is also planning to hold talks with Inter in the coming months. FC Inter News has noted that ‘initial discussions regarding an extension of his current contract, which expires in June 2028, are likely to begin in the coming months with his agent, Tullio Tinti’. Bastoni is ‘deeply attached’ to Inter, having been on the books of the Nerazzurri since 2017 and ‘wants’ to stay at the club for the long run. So, that’s that then I guess! Just a distant dream! Interesting though, that Chelsea have tried for him, IF this story is true of course. I have no idea on what this source is like. But anyway, it was fun whilst it lasted! 😂

Why Chelsea’s hopes of a stadium at Earls Court may not yet be over https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6896581/2025/12/18/Chelsea-stadium-earls-court-planning/ Chelsea still believe there is a chance of them building a new stadium at Earls Court, even though an alternative plan for the land has been approved by both councils involved. The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) is now close to receiving full planning permission for a mixed-use development on the same land that had been mooted as a potential site for a new stadium for Chelsea. However, club sources, on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly, have indicated that they are still considering all options for the future of their stadium — including a new ground at Earls Court. The Athletic explains what the decision means for Chelsea’s future stadium plans. What has happened? Kensington and Chelsea Council granted planning permission for a mixed-use development on the site of the old Earls Court Exhibition Centre at a meeting on Tuesday evening. That followed Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s approval in November; both councils needed to agree as the site crosses borough boundaries. The application will now go to the Mayor of London, who has 14 days to decide whether to allow the local councils’ decision to stand, direct refusal, or take over the application and become the local planning authority. That 14-day clock starts from when the Mayor’s office receives the councils’ official submission, which could theoretically be weeks after Tuesday’s meeting. Both councils voting for the ECDC’s plan does not guarantee that it will go ahead, but it is a significant step forward. Jamie Ritblat, founder and executive chairman of property developers Delancey (one of the founders of the ECDC), called the approval “a hugely important milestone”. “We look forward to continuing to engage with both our local Boroughs, with the Mayor of London’s office and the Government to ensure that these significant benefits can quickly come forward,” Ritblat said in a statement on the ECDC’s website on Wednesday. An aerial view of Stamford Bridge in 2000, showing Earls Court Exhibition Centre in the backgroundEnglish Heritage/Getty Images What does this have to do with Chelsea? Chelsea were considering the possibility of building a new stadium on the land. The club’s desire to have a stadium befitting an elite European club is longstanding. Stamford Bridge, which holds around 40,000 people, is currently the 11th-largest stadium in the Premier League. It cannot host events like concerts or tournament matches in the same way other grounds in London can. The view is that an upgraded stadium is needed to help the club compete financially, and that a bigger ground can help cope with the large demand for tickets from the fanbase. The future of Chelsea’s stadium is not a new debate. Under previous owner Roman Abramovich, the club submitted an offer for the Battersea Power Station site in 2012, in which they proposed to build a 60,000-capacity ground, but a Malaysian consortium purchased the site instead. In 2017, Chelsea secured planning permission for a 60,000-seat stadium on the site of Stamford Bridge, but the project was put on hold in 2018 after Abramovich was not issued a new UK visa. Any new plans to redevelop Stamford Bridge would need new planning permission. Since the Todd Boehly-Clearlake consortium took control of Chelsea in 2022, they have been determined to push Chelsea’s stadium plans forward, but it has not progressed too much so far. There is a debate between building a new stadium on the existing Stamford Bridge site or moving to a new site — hence why nearby Earls Court is under consideration. Building on a different site, such as Earls Court, would allow Chelsea to continue playing at Stamford Bridge during construction, and the larger plot of land would allow potential for further development around it. However, Chelsea do not own the land at Earls Court. A move away from Stamford Bridge would also need approval from Chelsea Pitch Owners, the supporter group that owns the freehold to the land Stamford Bridge stands on. What is going to happen at Earls Court? Could it still host a stadium? The proposal by the ECDC is for a mixed-use development at the site of the old Earls Court Exhibition Centre. This will include new homes, retail and hospitality, and workplaces. The ECDC say the project will deliver 4,000 homes and 12,000 jobs. They hope to move forward with the development as quickly as possible and expect works to begin in late 2026. Their plans do not include a stadium. However, Chelsea sources speaking to The Athletic on condition of anonymity say the club have not ruled out building a stadium at Earls Court. The view is that this planning permission does not necessarily translate to the ECDC project going ahead. The Earls Court Redevelopment site, as seen in November 2023Betty Laura Zapata/Getty Images One source indicated that a stadium could be added to the ECDC’s development plans, as it would only take up around one-third of the land. Those with knowledge of the planning process have told The Athletic that adding a stadium would be a big enough change that a new planning application would need to be made and go through the process from the beginning. However, a proposal including a world-class stadium would likely have little problem getting approval relatively quickly, as it would involve massive private-sector investment and create benefits for the community. What does the decision mean for Chelsea, and what are their other options? Chelsea’s perspective is that the councils’ approval does not represent a definitive decision on what happens to the land, so all options are still under consideration — including a stadium at Earls Court. The councils granting planning permission has not changed their thinking. An alternative to a stadium at Earls Court would be rebuilding on the current site of Stamford Bridge. Chelsea expanded the land they own at Stamford Bridge in 2024 by completing the acquisition of another 1.9 acres adjacent to the site. However, a rebuild brings its own challenges. Redeveloping the ground stand-by-stand is not considered feasible, so the entire stadium would have to be demolished and rebuilt. That would mean playing home games elsewhere, with Wembley Stadium one option. One source indicated this could last for more than five years because of the challenges of construction. The fact that Stamford Bridge is located in a residential area also makes a rebuilding project complex. Any new plans to redevelop Stamford Bridge would also need to go through the planning permission process, and would require approval from the Mayor. By Cerys Jones and Simon Johnson

If this is Pep Guardiola’s goodbye to English football, his legacy is unique https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6898463/2025/12/18/pep-guardiola-manchester-city-legacy/ Pep Guardiola was only six months into life as Manchester City coach when he declared, on the second day of 2017, that “the process of my goodbye has already started”. Members of the club’s hierarchy spoke in similar terms in those days. They didn’t imagine he was there for the long haul. They were just determined to enjoy it for the length of his initial three-year contract. Anything beyond that would be a bonus. As much to his own surprise as anyone else’s, Guardiola has stayed for almost a decade. He has led City to six Premier League titles and has won the FA Cup twice and the League Cup four times, as well as adding the Champions League, the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup in that glorious year of 2023. But now, as revealed by The Athletic today, there is a growing belief among well-placed sources that this will be his last season in Manchester. City’s supporters will hope he can be persuaded to stay, recalling that his departure was widely predicted before he extended his contract in November 2020, November 2022, and November 2024, but the mood music sounds different this time. A final decision will not be made until closer to the end of the campaign, but City are advancing contingency plans to prepare for that scenario. Whenever the curtain falls, the legacy Guardiola leaves behind will be enormous. It is not just about the trophies he has won with City. It is also his influence as the leading proponent of a possession-based playing style that was felt by many to be incompatible with English football values when he arrived in 2016. It is now so deeply ingrained in modern coaching circles that it can be traced all the way from the Premier League to the National League to the sodden pitches of Sunday League. What You Should Read Next The Guardiola effect – how Pep has changed English football beyond the Premier League Guardiola has won four titles in five seasons - and the impact he has made beyond the Premier League has never been clearer... Nobody, in today’s football, does it better. He has had a huge transfer budget at his disposal, along with players of the quality of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Sergio Aguero, and now Rodri, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, but this has not just been an exercise in chequebook management. Guardiola has built brilliant teams and made them even greater than the sum of their expensive parts, while Chelsea and Manchester United, with comparable transfer budgets, have done nothing of the sort. To win six Premier League titles in seven seasons, between 2017-18 and 2023-24, is a level of domination without precedent in English football. So, too, is the number of games they have won and goals they have scored in those title-winning seasons. Just as he did in Spain during his four years in charge at Barcelona, he has redefined expectations about what excellence looks like in the Premier League, both when looking at the record books and when analysing the brilliance of his team’s play. The past 18 months have brought an interruption to the domination, with City finishing third in the Premier League last season following an alarming slump this time last year, and the new campaign has not been without its hiccups. But having moved on experienced players such as Ederson, Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan and De Bruyne in the summer, Guardiola has moved towards a new crop of younger players and appears to be managing the transition well. Why would he decide to leave now? It is unclear. But perhaps, as with Jurgen Klopp in his final years at Liverpool, he briefly felt invigorated enough to sign a new contract (in Guardiola’s case, a new two-and-a-half-year deal this time last year), only to find himself drawn back towards his initial instinct. In both cases, there was a loyalty element, too, a desire to press ahead with the start of a rebuild. Committing to seeing that cycle through to some kind of conclusion is a different matter entirely. Pep Guardiola has won it all at Manchester CityMichael Steele/Getty Images It is a mark of Guardiola’s unexpected longevity in Manchester that at one time, early in his tenure, the club’s former midfielder Patrick Vieira, who was coaching City Football Group’s Major League Soccer franchise New York City, was regarded internally as a prime candidate to succeed him. So was Mikel Arteta, who was his assistant in Manchester before leaving to take the Arsenal job in December 2019. Former City captain Vincent Kompany, now in charge of Bayern Munich, was felt to be emerging as a potential Guardiola successor as he led Burnley to promotion to the Premier League in impressive style in 2023. Right now, there are strong indications that the City hierarchy will place Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca high among their list of candidates should Guardiola step aside. That is an intriguing prospect, not least because Maresca has spent most of his 18 months in charge of Chelsea battling to convince the outside world that he merits the faith the club has shown in him. There is no doubt he is a talented, intelligent coach, but those flourishes of real promise at Chelsea have been interspersed by periods of crisis or at least self-doubt for a relatively inexperienced coach and an inexperienced group of players. He has looked more authoritative in his second season at Stamford Bridge than in his first, emboldened by winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup, but there are still frequent questions about the way he sets up his team, whether he is capable of delivering collective improvement on the scale Chelsea need, and whether he has the composure to ease the tensions that can blow up around a team rather than inflame them, as has been the case with his public comments over the past week. Maresca is instantly identifiable as a follower of the Guardiola doctrine (even if Guardiola himself would prefer to suggest that his inspiration comes from Marcelo Bielsa, now in charge of the Uruguay national team). Maresca has frequently described Guardiola as a “genius”, having worked under him first when coaching City’s under-21 team and then as an assistant at first-team level; Guardiola, for his part, recently described Maresca as “one of the best managers in the world” in a press conference. So many of today’s leading coaches have been influenced by Guardiola — in many cases directly. The coaches of Chelsea (Maresca) and Arsenal (Arteta) worked alongside him at City, as did Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique at Barcelona. The coaches of Bayern Munich (Kompany) and Real Madrid (Xabi Alonso) played under him and learned from him at City and Bayern Munich. Cesc Fabregas, whose reputation as a coach is growing at Italian club Como, played under Guardiola at Barcelona. So did Barcelona assistant coach Thiago Alcantara. Liverpool coach Arne Slot is another devotee, having told Dutch magazine Voetbal International in 2023 that Guardiola’s approach “gives me the ultimate pleasure in football”. What You Should Read Next Xavi, Arteta, Kompany – all Pep Guardiola’s disciples, and all top of the league The coaching influence of the Manchester City manager is obvious in the table-toppers from the Premier League, Championship and La Liga This level of influence at the very highest level of the game is not normal. Coaches as successful as Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho inspire great respect and admiration among their peers, as did Sir Alex Ferguson and others in the past, but Guardiola’s influence — both direct and indirect — is unparalleled in the modern game. The positive aspect of that, for City, is that identifying coaches who follow a similar football philosophy should not be as difficult as it once would have been. The trouble is that any coach modelling himself on Guardiola runs the risk of being seen as Guardiola Lite. Perhaps the most underrated aspect of Guardiola’s management is the insatiable appetite he has fostered in his teams. Just as Ferguson was underestimated as a tactician, so are Guardiola’s powers of man-management too easily glossed over. But the intensity with which he works — day after day, week after week, season after season — is obvious, as are the demands he puts on his players to ensure that the team’s standards do not slip. Winning six league titles in seven seasons, when competing with teams of the quality of Klopp’s Liverpool and, more recently, Arteta’s Arsenal, speaks volumes. There is a large elephant in the room: this glorious Manchester City era has unfolded against a backdrop of serious allegations about the club’s financial conduct. With a resolution to the Premier League’s investigation into alleged breaches of final regulations expected soon — though we have been saying that for 12 months — there will be an assumption in some quarters that any decision on Guardiola’s future might be pinned to the outcome. But The Athletic has been given no indication that this is the case. It is nonetheless astonishing that we are still waiting for the Premier League’s independent commission to announce the findings of an investigation into allegations that were first published by German newspaper Der Spiegel in late 2018. City deny any wrongdoing, but, depending on the outcome, the club’s outstanding achievements over the past 15 seasons might come to be seen in a very different light. What You Should Read Next Why an asterisk by Manchester City’s achievements could suit everyone Here's how ongoing scepticism about Manchester City's achievements probably works for everyone, even City fans But these are — and have always been — questions for City’s owners and executive team, not for Guardiola or for the many players who have been drawn to the club over the past decade and more. City’s huge commercial growth in the years under investigation enabled them to attract Guardiola and all those top-class players in the first place, but his record in Barcelona, Munich and Manchester leaves the impression that if he had not joined City, he would have had comparable success elsewhere. It is obvious to say he will leave a void at City when he departs. It is equally obvious to say his departure could create an opportunity for rival clubs to exploit. City have won six of the past eight Premier League titles and, after an uncertain start to the campaign, have now moved within two points of Arsenal at the top. There must have been times in recent seasons when Arteta (and Klopp previously) has found himself counting down the days on Guardiola’s contract at City, only for him to sign a new one. Manchester City fans unveil a banner asking Pep Guardiola to stay in 2024Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images But that last two-year contract extension, which Guardiola signed late last year, always had the look of a “steadying the ship” gesture — designed to help City through a difficult period both on and off the pitch, coinciding with a bleak run of results, the transition from one sporting director (Txiki Begiristain) to another (Hugo Viana) — rather than a resounding statement of long-term intent. Even at the time, the theory was proposed that this season might be his last. Guardiola looked exhausted this time last year, showing signs of the pressure that was taking a toll in what proved to be his most arduous season in Manchester. He has looked much more relaxed so far this season, but again, perhaps there is a parallel with Klopp two years ago. There are dark, lonely times in management, so when someone can see light at the end of the tunnel at last, that can sometimes have a liberating effect. City’s supporters will hope he can be persuaded to give it one more year. They will dust down that banner in his native Catalan telling him “volem que et quedis” (we want you to stay) and they will wonder whether, if the second half of the season is to turn into a farewell tour, it will encompass victory in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley in March, the FA Cup final in May 16, another Premier League title win (with Aston Villa their opponents at the Etihad Stadium on the final day, just like in 2022), or indeed the Champions League final in Budapest on May 30. But now, after nine and a half years, the process of Guardiola’s goodbye seems to be starting, so the task of finding his successor must be confronted with added urgency. Whoever is chosen, whoever accepts the challenge, Guardiola will be the ultimate hard act to follow. By Oliver Kay Football Writer

What is pubalgia, the chronic groin condition afflicting Lamine Yamal, Cole Palmer, Franco Mastantuono, and Nico Williams? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6866405/2025/12/09/what-is-pubalgia-the-chronic-groin-condition-afflicting-yamal-palmer-and-williams/ Pop quiz, hotshot: What two things do Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono, Athletic Club’s Nico Williams and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer all have in common? All are wingers and, in recent months, all four have been diagnosed with an injury called ‘pubalgia’, a chronic groin injury causing pain in the lower abdomen and groin, and which has previously affected Lionel Messi. The injuries have been disruptive to both the players and their clubs’ campaigns. Palmer has made just six appearances for Chelsea this season, completing 90 minutes only twice, and is being rested for the Champions League game against Atalanta tonight as the club aim to manage his workload. Williams, meanwhile, has missed seven games for Athletic Club. Yamal has only been ruled out of five matches but Barcelona and Spain have clashed over the handling of his condition. The Catalans had accused the national team of not “taking care” of the player when he aggravated his groin while on international duty in September, while Spain expressed “surprise and displeasure” at Yamal being withdrawn from their squad by Barcelona for their November fixtures. Here, The Athletic digs deeper into pubalgia, what causes it, why certain players are affected more than others and what can be done about it. What is pubalgia? Pubalgia is actually an umbrella term that can include a number of different issues in the same area, says former Manchester United physiotherapist David Binningsley. “It’s a generic term that encompasses pain around the groin referred from structures such as tendon, joint, fascia and nerve pathology,” says Binningsley. “The groin includes the adductor muscles, which flow into the muscles of the abdomen and they’re all linked across the pubic symphysis (a joint located at the front of the pelvis where the left and right pubic bones are joined). The general term for any pain around that area will be classed as pubalgia.” That means that all four of the players mentioned above could actually be suffering from different injuries, such as an adductor tear, abdominal strain or a hernia-related problem. Cole Palmer has spent much of this season on the sidelines Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images Are wingers more susceptible to these injuries? It is probably not a coincidence that Yamal, Mastantuono, Williams and Palmer all operate in wide positions, according to Geoff Scott, a high-performance specialist who worked in the Premier League for 20 years, most recently as head of medicine and sports science at Tottenham Hotspur. “Wingers and wide players are particularly vulnerable to groin problems because their game demands repeated high-speed running, rapid changes of direction, and explosive acceleration and decelerations,” he says. “These movements place a significant load on the adductor complex, especially when sprint volumes increase sharply.” Binningsley also points to the unilateral nature of the position, stressing that the wider players will be using one foot a lot of the time. “In terms of the high accelerations and decelerations, you will probably find that a winger is favouring one side compared to a player who is more central,” he says. He highlights a recent research paper which concluded that when players execute a maximal deceleration from a sprint, almost 14 times their bodyweight goes through the hip joint. It’s an injury that players can develop on both sides, explains Binningsley, usually concurrently because they will rehab the problem on one side and overlook the other. “I’ve got an interesting case at the minute,” says Binningsley, who has set up his own clinic since leaving United. “He’s had groin pain on one side and you come in and measure him and he’s 35 per cent down (in strength) on that side. I said, ‘What have you done?’ He went, ‘Well, I’ve just rehabbed the other side,’ but he’s focused on functional movement strengthening, not isolated muscle rehab.” Is age also a factor? Yamal and Mastantuono are 18, while Williams and Palmer are both 23, and Scott says that age can play a role in susceptibility to injuries around the groin. “We see this even more frequently in younger players making the transition into first-team football: the sudden jump in training intensity, match tempo, and high-speed running can create dramatic changes in load that the groin simply isn’t conditioned for yet,” he says. “Without careful management of these situations, the risk of adductor injuries can rise considerably.” Dr Sean Cumming is a professor in paediatric exercise science at the University of Bath and internationally recognised as a leading expert on growth and maturation in sports. He explains that there are certain parts of the skeleton that, in an average male, are not fully developed until the age of 21 or 22. “These are areas called the apophyses,” says Cumming. “These are little bony sites where the tendon attaches from the muscle through to the bone, and those sites are on the hip and pelvis.” Franco Mastantuono joined Real Madrid in the summer Angel Martinez/Getty Images Cumming stresses the importance of not overloading these players, as does Binningsley, who points to the “growing demands of the game.” Palmer and Mastantuono played in FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup over the summer; they are also, along with Yamal and Williams, full internationals with all the travel and playing demands that involve. “This is the concern that everyone in football has got: that guys are getting 10 days off maximum before they’re back in for pre-season,” Binningsley says. Once the season has started, there is little opportunity for respite for those who are playing internationally, too. “The players who are not internationals can get around 10 days off each international break, which helps them to settle injuries down,” Binningsley adds. “Then you’ve got the ones who have been selected (for their country) who have the game demands of playing in Europe and playing Premier League or La Liga every week.” Game density is the most-used term among most backroom teams these days, looking at the number of games a player has had in a certain amount of time. “If you look at a seven-day load in terms of training and games, then you look at a 28-day chronic load, these guys are constantly at the top in terms of minutes, metres per minute, distance covered, sprint distance,” says Binningsley. “And it’s all an overuse thing.” How are they treated and prevented? In terms of the approach to dealing with these injuries, Binningsley says it will be similar no matter what the exact issue. He explains that most are tendon-based problems which will be best treated with isometric exercises (a form of static strength training where muscles are contracted and held in place without changing their length or the angle of the joint — these can include squeezing a small ball between the knees for increasing durations), shockwave therapy (a treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to treat the injured area) and radio frequency treatment which involves using high-frequency waves to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Platelet-rich plasma injections, whereby a sample of the patient’s own blood is taken, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors and injected into the injured body part to promote a healing response, have also been used — though the evidence on its efficacy is less convincing. “Whatever modality you treat it with, a tendon is going to take six to eight weeks to fully heal,” says Binningsley, although he adds that players can return from smaller tendon injuries after four or five weeks “because the rest of the tendon can take up the slack.” More serious tendon issues can leave a player on the sidelines for up to 12 weeks. Nico Williams is another who has suffered with groin problems Ozan Kose/AFP via Getty Images But what about prevention: could more be done to guard against these injuries occurring? For a physiotherapist, the answer to that is always going to be a resounding ‘yes,’ especially in an environment where the time available for strength work is minimal once a season is underway. “We say, ‘We’ll microdose this and we’ll microdose that,’ so you get a little hit of adductors or hamstrings post one game. Then a little bit after the next game to hit quads and abductors. But how many clubs are doing it?” asks Binningsley. “How many players do it? Are we standing over them, watching them do every single set and repetition? Probably not.” It doesn’t help much that the isometric exercises, which are most beneficial for strengthening the groin area, are not the most exciting. But in terms of injury prevention, the squeezes and holds are effective, and don’t leave players with any muscle soreness because there is no eccentric component to them. “They’re basically telling the muscle, ‘You need to work and this is going to have to switch on,’” says Binningsley. “It’s about neuromuscular facilitation; the brain knows and the body knows it’s going to have to work and this is what we’re activating it with. “It’s not the sexy side of training that you see on Instagram. But this is more beneficial for you.”

Palace drew 2 2 against a Finnish side at Selhurst so they now have to play in the play-off rounds instead of staight qualifying

3 1 FT Barco is a baller in MF

2 1 Strasbourg scored Godo (who had scored before, but VAR chalked it off)

Chilwell just missed a complete sitter that would have put Strasbourg up 2 1 and probably guaranteed they finish top of the entire 36 team Conference League table every person on this board would have likely scored, it was that easy of a finish

Maignan was a shitshow tonight in the Italian SuperCup Napoli beats AC Milan 2 nil in Saudi Arabia