Man City’s Rodri crowned World Cup Golden Ball winner
Arsenal consider a move for ex-City defender John Stones alongside interest in Julian Alvarez amid Saliba concerns.
Rico Lewis could see more minutes under Enzo Maresca, fitting an inverted full-back or midfield role if City do not sign a right-back and amid doubts over Nico Gonzalez, Mateo Kovacic and Tijjani Reijnders.
Tottenham negotiate for Savinho, who is keen, but City will only approve if a replacement is secured. The winger had limited minutes and output after joining for £21m following his Girona loan.
City’s move for PSG centre-back Hermann Malonga has collapsed despite a five-year agreement. The 18-year-old, scouted as ‘very high potential’, was set for a development pathway then possible loan.
City plan renewed talks with Rodri after the World Cup amid little progress on a new deal, with Real Madrid interest in the Ballon d’Or holder adding urgency for Enzo Maresca’s plans.
Man City keeper James Trafford will decide his future after England’s World Cup exit. Newcastle remain keen, but wages and a £40m fee are hurdles, with Villa, Chelsea, Spurs and Leeds also monitoring.
City sell Reigan Heskey to FC Köln in a deal up to £8m, inserting buy-back and sell-on clauses. The EDS winger scored 13 and assisted 16 last season, including the FA Youth Cup final winner vs United.
Rodri anchors Spain as they beat Argentina 1-0, Torres scoring on 106. The City midfielder completed 101/106 passes, stifled Messi and claimed the Golden Ball to add to his 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Ex-Man City boss Pep Guardiola has held talks with Italy, with Paolo Maldini meeting him in Barcelona about leading them to Euro 2028. Guardiola is undecided after vowing to take a break post-City.
Man City’s Rodri wins the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball after captaining Spain to a 1-0 win over Argentina. Returning from a 2024 ACL rupture, he says the team are ‘a bit shocked right now’.
After Spain’s World Cup win and Rodri’s Golden Ball, debate grows on his Ballon d’Or chances, with Luis de la Fuente calling him the best player in the world.
