Man City focus: Haaland’s World Cup form, Lewis off-field work
Norway and Man City striker Erling Haaland, on seven World Cup goals, is supported by partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen, an ex-footballer from Bryne who ‘sent me a message’ to start their relationship.
Rafaela Pimenta brokered The Odyssey sponsorship for Erling Haaland’s World Cup diary series. First two episodes backed the project, which hit 10M+ views as Haaland chases the Golden Boot.
World Cup standouts Elliot Anderson and Johan Manzambi have agreed fees and terms with Man City and Newcastle respectively, but both transfers await formal completion after their countries’ campaigns end.
City sign 17-year-old Leicester winger Jeremy Monga on a five-year contract to 2031 for a reported £10m plus add-ons. England U19, third-youngest Premier League player, joins after Pierce Charles and Elliot Anderson.
Loan returnees Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips complete a 36-minute bike in a 40-degree heat chamber as they prepare for talks with new City boss Enzo Maresca about their 2026-27 roles.
Man United agree a £48m plus £2m deal for Chelsea’s Andrey Santos despite enquiries from Man City, Villa, Newcastle and Spurs. City weighed a move during Maresca compensation talks but did not proceed.
England defender Niamh Charles joins Man City Women from Chelsea for £500k on a three-year deal, adding title-winning experience as Andrée Jeglertz strengthens alongside Beth Mead and Bunny Shaw’s new contract.
Malo Gusto is open to a Man City approach, with Maresca a ‘big fan’. Chelsea value the right-back at £75m to 2030, which could force City to consider alternatives amid Rico Lewis uncertainty.
Newcastle keep James Trafford as top goalkeeper target, but the Man City player will decide his future after the World Cup following a 17-appearance season behind Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City loan 19-year-old Sverre Nypan to Lommel for 2026-27 after a mixed Middlesbrough stint. The City Football Group move is seen as a step back, but offers regular top-flight Belgian minutes.
Barcelona plan a €130m bid for Julian Alvarez despite Atlético’s €500m clause stance. City and Spurs monitor Sporting winger Francisco Trincão, who prefers Europe amid €50m Al-Ahli links.
Finance expert Stefan Borson says a verdict on City’s FFP and PSR charges could still be months away, criticising delays as City sign £116m Elliot Anderson. Hearing ended in 2024, decision still pending.
City midfielder Rico Lewis discusses finding Christian faith and supporting homelessness projects through football, saying learning about Jesus ‘changed my life’.
England face Norway in Miami with focus on Erling Haaland’s seven-goal surge and his duel with Harry Kane. City’s Nico O’Reilly says stopping service to Haaland is key. England sweat on Rice and Guehi.
