EPL

EPL: Delap Joins Nottingham Forest in £50m Transfer Deal

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  Liam Delap has officially joined Nottingham Forest in a club-record £50 million transfer from Chelsea, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal with the City Ground outfit. The 23-year-old striker joins Forest after just one season at Stamford Bridge, where he scored only one Premier League goal. Delap is hoping the move will revive his career and help him rediscover the form he showed during his breakthrough Premier League season with Ipswich in 2024-25. He scored 12 league goals for Ipswich that campaign, despite playing for a side that won just four games and was relegated. His performances attracted Chelsea, who signed him for around £30m. A year later, Chelsea have reportedly made a £20m profit by selling him to Forest for £50m. Delap’s physical strength, pace and ability to carry the ball were among the qualities that made him so effective at Ipswich. He recorded 26 shot-ending carries that season — the most by any Premier League striker. Now at Forest, Delap will work under manager Oliver Glasner, who he believes can help him take the next step in his development. As reported by BBC Sport on Thursday, reacting to the transfer, Delap was quoted as saying, “This is a massive club with a big history. “I spoke to the manager and I like his way. I think he can be the one to really help me develop and make that next step.” Forest will hope Delap can reproduce the form that made him one of the Premier League’s most promising young strikers and justify the club-record investment.

EPL: Man United Near £60m-Plus Deal for Brighton Midfielder Baleba

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  Manchester United are reportedly nearing an agreement to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as the club steps up efforts to bolster its midfield ahead of the new season. United attempted to sign the Cameroon international last summer but were put off by Brighton’s valuation, which was in excess of £100 million. However, Baleba’s price has reduced significantly and, after failing in their pursuit of Matheus Fernandes earlier this summer, United have decided to revisit the midfielder. As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, the Red Devils have submitted an initial £60 million offer, which remains below Brighton’s valuation, but negotiations are continuing. United have already strengthened their midfield this summer with the arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48 million and Youri Tielemans, who joined from Aston Villa for £35 million in July. Mason Mount impressed alongside Santos during United’s first three pre-season games but has since been struggling with a foot problem suffered against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August. Baleba, meanwhile, is expected to be sidelined for another two to three weeks after suffering an ankle injury during a pre-season training camp in Austria. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler’s squad are due to fly to Norway on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Conference League play-off first-leg match against Tromso. Baleba made 35 appearances for Brighton last season, receiving seven yellow cards while operating primarily as a defensive midfielder. The move makes sense for United, who tried to sign Baleba 12 months ago and are therefore fully aware of his qualities. The Cameroon international is the type of box-to-box midfielder United lack despite the arrivals of Santos and Tielemans. Baleba also wants to make the move, while the eventual fee is expected to be significantly lower than the £100 million Brighton demanded previously. However, the reduction in his valuation is partly due to the underwhelming form he showed last season. Baleba made 31 Premier League starts and three substitute appearances in 2024-25, compared with 23 starts and eight substitute appearances in 2025-26. The figures highlight a decline in his form and importance to Hurzeler during a campaign in which Brighton secured European football for only the second time in their history. There was speculation that Baleba’s head had been turned by United’s interest, but Brighton sources last season said they did not believe that was the case. With the transfer deadline approaching, United have now made their move. Manager Michael Carrick will hope the club can secure the 2024-25 version of Baleba as they look to add further strength and energy to their midfield.

EPL: Fulham hold talks with Arbeloa over Manager’s Job

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  Fulham have reportedly opened talks with Álvaro Arbeloa as the club begins the process of appointing a new manager following Marco Silva’s exit. Silva left Craven Cottage after five years in charge to take over at Benfica, ending a successful spell that saw Fulham establish themselves as a stable Premier League side and finish 11th last season. As reported by BBC Sport on Saturday, Arbeloa, 43, has emerged as a strong contender for the role, although sources suggest that talks are not yet at an advanced stage. The former Spain international is admired within Fulham’s recruitment structure for his coaching development within Real Madrid’s system, where he progressed through the youth ranks before stepping into a senior interim role last season. At the Santiago Bernabéu, Arbeloa worked across various coaching levels and briefly took charge of the first team on an interim basis, having previously been part of the club’s youth setup. His elevation came during a period of transition that also saw changes involving senior coaching figures, including José Mourinho and Xabi Alonso, both of whom have been linked with managerial movements across Europe. Arbeloa’s playing career also includes spells in the Premier League with Liverpool F.C. and West Ham United F.C., which is seen as a potential advantage as Fulham consider candidates familiar with English football. Fulham have also explored other options, including former Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, but his availability was complicated by contractual issues before he subsequently stepped away to take a break from management. For now, Arbeloa remains one of several candidates under consideration as Fulham weigh up their next appointment following a solid mid-table finish and the ambition to continue progressing in the Premier League.

EPL: Maresca Deal Faces Setback as Chelsea Seek Compensation from Man City

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  Talks between Chelsea and Manchester City regarding the possible appointment of Enzo Maresca as a replacement for Pep Guardiola have hit a deadlock due to disagreements over compensation. Guardiola confirmed on May 22 that he would step down from his role at City after a highly successful decade in charge, prompting the club to identify Maresca as their leading candidate to take over at the Etihad Stadium. However, discussions between the two clubs have become increasingly complicated, with Chelsea insisting they are entitled to a compensation fee for Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge only months ago while still under contract until 2029. As reported by BBC Sport on Monday, Chelsea maintain that the circumstances of his departure mean a financial settlement is required before any move can be completed, and have been exploring their legal position while talks continue. A Chelsea source said the club’s stance remains firm, noting that Maresca’s contract status means “there is an obligation for compensation to be agreed before any appointment can proceed.” City are understood to be keen to finalise an agreement quickly as they prepare for a new managerial era following Guardiola’s exit announcement, but negotiations have been slowed by the disagreement over valuation and timing. Maresca, who previously worked as an assistant to Guardiola during City’s Treble-winning 2022–23 season, is said to be open to returning to the club where he also spent time in the coaching setup before moving into senior management. The Italian coach later managed Leicester City, guiding them to promotion to the Premier League before his spell at Chelsea, where he won the Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League. While both clubs remain in dialogue, the timeline for any potential appointment remains unclear, with the compensation issue now the key factor delaying progress.

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  Pep Guardiola has disclosed that fatigue and a desire for a new challenge played a major role in his decision to depart Manchester City after spending a historic 10 years in charge of the club. Guardiola confirmed that Sunday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa will be his final match as City manager, bringing an end to one of the most successful eras in the club’s history. During his decade at the Etihad Stadium, the Spaniard guided City to 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first UEFA Champions League triumph. Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola said he believes the team now needs “new energy” to continue progressing. “I think the club needs a new manager, new energy with these incredible players that we have right now, and you start to write another chapter,” he said. The 55-year-old admitted that the relentless demands of modern football had taken a toll on him after nearly two decades of constant management. “I feel I will not have the energy that is required, every three days, the expectations to fight for the titles, with being in front of the players,” Guardiola explained. Although he will remain linked with the City Football Group in a global ambassadorial role, Guardiola said he plans to step away from coaching for a period. “I will not train for a while,” he stated. Guardiola reflected on the intensity of his managerial career, which began at Barcelona before continuing at Bayern Munich and Manchester City. “It’s not 10 years. I’ve been, except for a year in New York, I’ve been 17, 18 years, every three days, three days, three days,” he said. “I need to breathe a little bit and relax. I’ll be a while, that is my feeling right now.” Guardiola leaves Manchester City widely regarded as the most successful manager in the club’s history after transforming the side into a dominant force in English and European football.  

EPL, FA Trophies Win won’t Define Man City’s Season, says Guardiola

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  Pep Guardiola insisted Manchester City have had a successful season whether or not they win the Premier League title or Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea. Guardiola’s side will put their attempt to catch Premier League leaders Arsenal on hold as they head to Wembley for a fourth successive FA Cup final appearance. City start every season with the Premier League and Champions League as their main targets, but they are on the verge of falling short in both. Knocked out of the Champions League last-16 by Real Madrid in March, City will be five points behind Arsenal if the Gunners beat relegated Burnley at home on Monday. Guardiola’s men can close the gap back to two points with a victory at Bournemouth in their penultimate match of the season on Tuesday. But Arsenal would then still be able to guarantee their first English title since 2004 by winning at Crystal Palace on May 24. Having already won the League Cup by beating Arsenal, City have a chance for a domestic double this weekend. However, Guardiola is adamant the campaign has been positive, no matter what happens at Wembley or in the title race. “It depends on the trophies you lift. Sometimes you lift trophies and the season has been successful,” said Guardiola, who would only offer “we’ll see” when asked if Rodri would be fit to start in midfield. “Sometimes, you lift and the truth is the season has been really, really bad. “I said a few weeks ago this season has been good. Really, really good.” – ‘Do better’ – After starting with Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku on the bench for Wednesday’s win against Crystal Palace, Guardiola isdon’t likely to field a full-strength team against Chelsea instead of prioritising the title fight. “It is the final of the FA Cup. The message is there are two prestigious clubs at Wembley in the FA Cup final. Our fans make an incredible effort to come down to London. It is not cheap,” he said. “We try to perform as much as possible to win. It is always the game-plan.” City have lost the last two FA Cup finals against Crystal Palace and Manchester United, who they had beaten in the 2023 showpiece. “There’s excitement, of course. I hope we can do better than the last two times,” Guardiola said. “Wembley is still a special place. Everything is so nice. The pitch is extraordinary. We are desperate to perform well.” Ahead of his 24th trip to Wembley with City, Guardiola joked that he is “so disappointed” heyou has not had a stand named after him at the home of English football. and “So many times I have been there, at least a lounge or a box orEPL, FA trophies win won’t define Man City’s season, says Guardiola something like that. Maybe I have to go 24 more times!” he said. Guardiola has one year left on his City contract and is yet to sign a new deal amid speculation that he could end his decade at the Etihad Stadium once the current campaign is over. Asked about reports that City’s fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura and goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor are set to leave the club, Guardiola said with a smirk: “I extended the contract with them three more years,” before adding: “Nope.”  

EPL: John Stones Announces Man City Departure After 10 Years

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  England defender ,John Stones has confirmed he will depart Manchester City at the end of the season, drawing the curtain on his 10-year stint with the club. The 31-year-old, whose contract expires this summer, joined City from Everton in 2016 for £47.5 million and went on to become a key figure during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Stones helped City secure multiple major honours, including six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, and five League Cups. As reported by BBC Sport on Tuesday, reflecting on his journey, Stones said he had achieved everything he set out to accomplish at the club. “It has been my home for the past 10 years, and it will be my home for the rest of my life. “I lived all my dreams out and lifted all the things that I came here to achieve,” he said. Stones was one of the early signings under manager Pep Guardiola and credited him for playing a major role in his development. He evolved into a versatile defender under Guardiola, even stepping into midfield roles during key matches, including City’s 2023 Champions League triumph. Despite his success, Stones’ later years at City were affected by injuries, limiting his appearances in recent seasons. He featured sparingly in the current campaign but remained an experienced presence within the squad. Stones’ departure marks another significant change in the City squad as the club continues to evolve. He leaves as one of the most decorated defenders in the club’s history, having played a crucial role in their domestic and European dominance. With his exit confirmed, attention will now turn to his next destination as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.

EPL: Chelsea Lead Premier League Agent Spending at £65.1m

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  Chelsea FC have once again topped the Premier League’s agent spending table, paying out £65.1m over the past year as overall fees across the division climbed to £460m. The figures, covering the period between February 2025 and February 2026, represent a 13% increase on the previous year and include payments made to agents for transfers, contracts and other football-related deals involving players, coaches and clubs. As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, Chelsea’s latest outlay marks the third consecutive year they have led the league in agent fees, bringing their total spending over the last three reporting periods to around £200m. The high expenditure comes during a period of significant financial movement at Stamford Bridge, with the club recently announcing a record pre-tax loss of £262m, the largest in Premier League history. The club has partly attributed those losses to an aggressive transfer strategy, which included offloading close to £300m worth of players in an effort to comply with UEFA financial regulations, while continuing to invest heavily in squad restructuring. Aston Villa FC ranked second, spending £38.4m on agents, an increase of £13.4m, the biggest rise among all top-flight clubs. Despite relatively modest transfer spending, Villa’s higher costs were driven by contract renegotiations and new player registrations under manager Unai Emery. In third place, Manchester City FC paid £37.4m, although their spending dropped significantly from £52.1m the previous year. Elsewhere, several clubs recorded notable increases. Arsenal FC saw their payments rise to £32.1m, while Liverpool FC spent £33.9m after a £13m increase. Wolverhampton Wanderers FC also posted a sharp rise, reaching £26m. Newly promoted Sunderland AFC experienced one of the biggest jumps, with agent fees increasing from £2.2m to £10.6m as they strengthened their squad following promotion via the play-offs. However, not all clubs increased their spending. Newcastle United FC reduced their payments by £4.1m to £20.3m, while Leeds United FC cut theirs by £4.9m to £14m despite returning to the top flight. Smaller decreases were also recorded by Manchester United FC, West Ham United FC, Brentford FC, Fulham FC and Nottingham Forest FC. Beyond the Premier League, agent spending also rose across the English football pyramid. In the Women’s Super League, fees increased by 75% to £3.8m, with Chelsea FC Women accounting for more than a quarter of the total at £1.1m.  

Arsenal Deserve EPL Title if they Win it – Brighton Manager

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  Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has expressed admiration for Arsenal, stressing that if the Gunners win the Premier League this season, they will fully deserve it. According to a post by Fabrizio Romano on X on Friday, the Brighton manager said, “I will be the first one to congratulate Arsenal when they win the Premier League, because if they win it, they will definitely deserve it.” The comments come after a period of intense debate surrounding his previous remarks, which he says were taken out of context. “There were things that made me emotional, I am a person that sticks to my principles… and it created a lot of noise,” he explained. He confirmed that he had reached out personally to Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta. “I’ve texted Arteta. I have huge respect for him, one of the top managers in the Premier League. I love to see them play, and I admire a lot of elements of what they are doing. My comments were nothing personal.” The statement underscores his respect for Arsenal’s style of play and the achievements of Arteta’s team, emphasising that past remarks should not be interpreted as criticism of the club or its manager.

EPL: Injury Rules out Man United’s Martínez of Everton clash

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  Man United defender Lisandro Martínez will miss the Premier League fixture against Everton on Monday evening due to calf discomfort. As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X, “Lisandro Martínez will miss tonight’s game vs Everton with calf discomfort. Medical tests show a minor issue, and he’s expected back in training this week, as The Athletic reports. United have 7 wins in 18 games without him, 5 in 9 when he started.” Medical examinations have confirmed the issue is minor, with no serious damage detected. The Argentine defender is expected to return to training later this week. The 28-year-old’s absence represents a setback for Manchester United, who have experienced mixed results without him in the lineup. United have won seven of 18 matches when Martínez has not featured, compared to five victories in nine games he has started. Although the problem is not thought to be long-term, Martínez will sit out the Everton clash as a precaution while the club manages his recovery.  

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