Guardiola calls City “boring” in Salford win, Newcastle away next in FA Cup
Reijnders urges City to keep chasing Arsenal after seven-game unbeaten run, FA Cup progress and Carabao Cup final set. Dias and Stones return, Doku and Savinho close, but Max Alleyne picks up injury.
With John Stones’ deal up at season’s end and renewal unlikely, Bayern lead interest, with Atletico and Milan also keen. City added Marc Guéhi and recalled Max Alleyne, hinting at a defensive reshuffle.
Bayern reopen lines to Florian Wirtz’s camp, mirroring their Leroy Sane pursuit from City, though the Liverpool playmaker is tied to 2030 and reportedly views Anfield as a long-term project.
City join Chelsea, Newcastle and Bayern in the race for Twente’s 18-year-old left-footed defender Ruud Nijstad, with Barca hesitant over a £8.5m fee and proposing a reserves-first plan.
City are laying groundwork for a £70m summer move for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, admired by Guardiola for his pressing and creativity, with Tottenham also in strong pursuit.
City set a £30m price for James Trafford. Donnarumma’s arrival made him No 2, and interest comes from Newcastle, Leeds and Aston Villa. Guardiola kept him for cup runs but a summer exit is expected.
City finished eighth in the league phase and could face Benfica or Real Madrid in the last 16, with the second leg at the Etihad potentially days before the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.
Rodri faces an FA charge for questioning officials’ neutrality after a 2-2 at Tottenham. Guardiola says City will ‘accept’ the FA decision as they focus on a busy run while chasing trophies.
After a 2-0 win over Salford, City draw Newcastle away in the FA Cup fifth round at St James’ Park, set for 7-8 March 2026, between league duty vs Nottingham Forest and a Champions League last-16 tie.
After ankle surgery, academy product Nico O’Reilly thrives as a versatile left-back, scoring for City and debuting for England. Guardiola hails his growth, hinting he solves long-term left-back issues.
Toby Alderweireld advises Ajax’s Mika Godts to emulate City winger Jeremy Doku’s decision-making to boost Belgium World Cup chances after a 12-goal, 10-assist season.
City beat Salford 2-0 to reach the FA Cup fifth round but Guardiola called the display ‘boring’. An Alfie Dorrington own goal and Marc Guéhi’s first City strike sealed it, with Erling Haaland rested.
