Gennaro Gattuso is proud of his Lazio side after their 2-2 draw with Milan, claiming that "seeing the team not give up pleases me," as he comments that the empty Stadio Olimpico makes it "feel like the COVID period" as Biancocelesti fans continue to protest against owner Claudio Lotito.
The Aquile thought that they were on track for the perfect start to the Serie A season, as they were leading 2-0 at half-time through Matteo Cancellieri and Tijjani Noslin goals.
Speaking to DAZN, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Gennaro Gattuso was left frustrated but not despondent by the collapse. It would've been four wins out of four, but Diego Moreira came off the bench and scored twice in 120 seconds to get Milan back on track.
"In the second half, they came out with their quality," Gattuso said. "Playing the way we want to play for 90 minutes is hard, we dropped deep at the start of the second half and we struggled. That is also understandable because we conceded two goals I would describe as wonder strikes. We were also good not to get hammered, the feeling was that we could have conceded another two."
Lazio have never in their history started with four consecutive Serie A victories, and that record won't happen this season either, as Milan came back for the 2-2 result. Gattuso, though, took encouragement from how his players reacted to letting a two-goal lead slip.

#four #track #start

Lazio wasted a two-goal lead against Milan, who rallied back in the second half to rescue a draw at the Stadio Olimpico.
Matteo Cancellieri opened the scoring early on, while Tijjani Noslin ensured the Biancocelesti headed to the interval with a deserved two-goal lead. However, the momentum changed after the break, and Diego Moreira's introduction proved decisive. The Belgian scored twice between the 65th and 67th minutes to restore parity.
So, here are our player ratings for Lazio, who temporarily sit at the top of the Serie A table after picking up a solitary point against Milan.
Christos Mandas – 6
A mixed bag from the Greek, who made solid saves to deny Samuel Chukwueze and Christian Pulisic in particular, but allowed Moreira's shot to go between his legs on Milan's first goal. His poor distribution repeatedly cost Lazio possession, at times in dangerous areas.

#olimpico #cancellieri

Diego Moreira admits he needed a little more time to adapt to Serie A and Milan after scoring twice against Lazio, but Mario Gila confessed their 'first half was honestly disastrous.'
This was a truly chaotic encounter at the Stadio Olimpico, as Lazio had been leading comfortably 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Matteo Cancellieri and Tijjani Noslin.
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 12: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio competes for the ball with Ruben Loftus-Cheek of AC Milan during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on September 12, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The Rossoneri made a triple substitution for the second half, and it paid off, as Diego Moreira scored twice in 120 seconds to level the result.
Christian Pulisic also impressed on his season debut after a microfracture at the World Cup, with his fellow USMNT player Yunus Musah also making an impact.

#diego

[Getty Images]
Manchester City spent a Premier League record £458m in the summer transfer window to complete a rapid rebuild of the squad.
The midfield trio of Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi have been brought in to the tune of more than £300m, replacing the departed Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez.
Iliman Ndiaye, Allan and Geronimo Rulli were the other first-team players brought in by the club during this transfer window.
But they have also managed to recoup over £300m by selling the likes of Savio and James Trafford.

#window #premier

New Manchester City signing Ayyoub Bouaddi says it is a "dream" to join "the best club in the world".
The 18-year-old Morocco midfielder has moved from Lille in a £85.6m deal and signed a five-year deal with City.
Enzo Maresca's side moved to sign Bouaddi after selling central midfielders Rodri to Barcelona in a £65m deal, Tijjani Reinders to Al-Qadsiah for £52m and agreeing to let Nico Gonzalez join Newcastle in a deal worth up to £52m.
"This is a very special day for me and my family," Bouaddi said on the move.
"Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world. It's a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.

#city #best

Manchester City have signed teenage Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a five-year deal the French club said Wednesday was worth 100 million euros (£86 million, $117 million).
City moved for Bouaddi after selling Spain's World Cup winning captain Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah, with Nico Gonzalez also poised to leave the Etihad.
The 18-year-old rising star was one of the stand-out players at the recent World Cup, helping Morocco reach the quarter-finals before they were beaten by France.
Bouaddi will join England's Elliot Anderson in City's revamped midfield.
"This is a very special day for me and my family," Bouaddi said in a statement on the City website.

#morocco #year

It is by means a secret that Enzo Maresca wants to add Enzo Fernandez to his Manchester City squad. Maresca knows the Argentinian international intimately from their time together at Chelsea. Maresca worked hand in hand with Enzo Fernandez. A month after Fernandez posted a racist chant on social media, Maresca made Enzo Fernandez his Chelsea captain. Clearly, Maresca has a high opinion of the controversial midfielder as a player and as a leader.
A fresh report has backed up Fabrizio Romano's report that Manchester City are set to make their move to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea imminently. That news in itself isn't a surprise. However, it does feel like time to revisit what Maresca thought of Enzo Fernandez while he was Chelsea manager as it could indicate why he is desperate to bring the combative midfielder to the Etihad.
Mike McGrath has reported for The Telegraph that Manchester City are set to bid to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea imminently. McGrath further reports that Chelsea will want at least £120 million to part ways with the Argentinian international. McGrath adds that City have long seen Enzo Fernandez as a player who could slot into their midfield rebuild.
Manchester City have signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer to bolster their midfield. Ayyoub Bouaddi is set to see his move to City from Lille made official sooner rather than later. The signing of Bouaddi will further strengthen City's engine room. However City's midfield refit isn't yet complete. So far, Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders and Bernardo Silva have all left City and Nico Gonzalez is also likely to sign for Newcastle United in the coming days.
Enzo Maresca holds Enzo Fernandez in high regard as a midfielder and as a leader. The fact that Maresca selected the combative and gifted midfielder to be Chelsea's captain attests to this. Making such a decision after the racism controversy that Enzo Fernandez was involved does also seem telling.

#mcgrath #midfield

Nico Gonzalez is getting closer to joining Newcastle as the north-east club are growing more likely to sign a replacement for Bruno Guimaraes.
While Newcastle are yet to agree a fee with Manchester City for the Spaniard, there is a growing expectation they will.
Gonzalez is set to join City's midfield exodus this summer after Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri have already left the Etihad Stadium.
The former Barcelona player joined City from Porto in January 2025 for £49m and has gone on to make 59 appearances, scoring four goals.
But he was left an unused substitute for Sunday's 2-1 win over Bournemouth, when centre-back Marc Guehi instead played in midfield.

#gonzalez #newcastle #growing #bruno

After earning a cameo in the Coppa Italia defeat to Mantova, Davide Frattesi is expected to make his full Lazio debut against Bologna.
The Biancocelesti travelled to Emilia-Romagna for their first match of the Serie A campaign. The contest will take place on Monday, 18:30 local time. Gennaro Gattuso's squad has been boosted by the returns of Alessio Romagnoli, Gustav Isaksen, and Nuno Tavares, while Danilo Cataldi, Samuel Gigot, Patric, and new signing Josip Sutalo are unavailable.
According to the most reliable sources in the Italian media, Frattesi will earn his first start, dropping Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to the bench. The Nigerian was arguably the best of a poor bunch against Mantova, but he will be the one to make way, as Gattuso is unlikely to chop Kenneth Taylor at this early stage of the season, despite his unconvincing summer displays.
Nicolo Rovella is the only natural option for the Regista role, while the backline should remain intact, with Adam Marusic, Danilho Doekhi, Oliver Provstgaard, and Alfonso Pedraza starting in front of Christos Mandas.
According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, Matteo Cancellieri will keep his place in the attacking trident alongside Boulaye Dia and Mattia Zaccagni. On the other hand, Sky Sport Italia believes Tijjani Noslin will replace the Italian winger on the right flank.

#mantova #according #italian

As of right now, Manchester City are short of midfield options ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season getting under way this weekend. Looking at Enzo Maresca's squad, there is Elliot Anderson, Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, Nico O'Reilly, Phil Foden, Nico Gonzalez and Rayan Cherki who will form City's midfield against Bournemouth. Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders left earlier this week, and Bernardo Silva departed when his contract expired at the end of the 2025-26 season. It has now been revealed that Nico Gonzalez has been informed that he can leave Manchester City. If that report is correct, yet another midfield option could leave Enzo Maresca's squad.
Craig Hope of the Daily Mail has reported that Nico Gonzalez has been informed that he can leave Manchester City this summer. Furthermore, it is reported that Newcastle United maintains a strong interest in signing the Spanish midfielder and he is becoming open to the move. Lastly, it is also reported that some of Nico Gonzalez's City teammates are trying to convince him to shun Newcastle's interest and stay at City.
If Craig Hope's report is on the money, Nico Gonzalez is heading for an exit from Manchester City. He'd be another midfielder that City would have to replace. It is seemingly City's plan to replace any player who leaves from this point onwards.
It does seem harsh that Nico Gonzalez has been told he can leave the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. The Spanish midfielder is the only number six in Enzo Maresca's squad. Also, Nico Gonzalez showed during the first half of last season that he can play a role for this City team. He held down the fort superbly well while Rodri was out last season playing in Rodri's role. So there is evidence that Nico is good enough to play in an Enzo Maresca side.
It is hard to see why Pep Guardiola cast Nico Gonzalez aside during the second half of last season. Enzo Maresca seems to prefer Mateo Kovacic in midfield rather than Nico. Maybe Nico isn't thought to be physically strong enough to compete consistently in Manchester City's midfield. Perhaps the issue is that Nico's work in possession isn't up to standard. I'm not sure what the issue but clearly there is something that the majority are missing.

#city #manchester #midfield #season

Manchester City has been busy selling players this week, which has been a cause of frustration for most of the City universe. Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders have departed the club. Savinho is on the verge of completing his move to Tottenham. Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez seem highly likely to depart the club before the transfer window closes. The uncertainty surrounding the state of the Manchester City squad has been a cause for concern for many. However, Enzo Maresca isn't concerned about the current state of affairs as he reiterated that the City hierarchy knows what they have to do before the transfer window closes.
When Enzo Maresca faced the media earlier today ahead of Manchester City's opening Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, the Manchester City manager insisted that he wasn't concerned by how the summer transfer window has unfolded. Maresca said that there is a plan in place which will see City bolster their squad. Maresca said that Manchester City know what they have to do before the transfer window closes. He explained: "No, I'm not worried or concerned. Since day one we've known exactly what we need and we are working together with the Sporting Director and the club. It's 11 days to go and many things can happen."
"We don't have minimum or maximum number. Depends a little bit. I said after the last game if we win or lose games we are not going to change our perspective to change our idea of how many we need. We know exactly what we need and how many we need and then we will see."
The final stages of the summer transfer window will be busy for Manchester City. Given the amount of departures and expected departures, City will need to replace those players with quality reinforcements. It has been a week of angst in some sections as the plan that City have isn't immediately clear. Listening to Enzo Maresca speak, the Manchester City is calm about the situation. There is little doubt that City have a plan in place, although the timeline may be stretched out due to factors out of Manchester City's control.
The World Cup and the subsequent holidays that the players had after it has stretched City's timeline to sign players. Ideally, City would have wanted all their incoming signings completed by now. That hasn't occurred. Instead, City face the possibility of paying a premium for their transfer targets. However, that is the price that will have to be paid for Manchester City's strategy.

#transfer #window

This week has been dominated by players either leaving Manchester City or edging closer to an exit from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders have left City this week. Savinho is on the verge of completing his 'dream' move to Tottenham. There is also the real possibility that Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez could also depart City before the transfer window closes. Om top of that, Enzo Maresca's side was well beaten by **** nal 3-0 in the FA Community Shield last Sunday. All of these factors combined have seemingly dampened the excitement of a new season beginning.
However, this Sunday the Enzo Maresca era officially gets underway against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. City will begin a new Premier League season at home. That is an exciting moment in itself. Despite the fact that players have left Manchester City this week and will do before the transfer window closes, Enzo Maresca has enough to work with to ensure that the early stages of the 2026-27 season can begin on a positive note.
Last season saw Pep Guardiola put the building blocks in place for the next era at Manchester City. Building team spirit and teaching the players City hope will continue Guardiola's legacy how to win trophies was the final act of Pep Guardiola as the Manchester City manager. Those lessons will now look to be carried over by Enzo Maresca.
The Enzo Maresca era didn't get off to the best start last weekend. Maresca's first official match in charge ended in a chastening 3-0 defeat to **** nal in the FA Community Shield. Whether or not the Community Shield is an official match or a glorified friendly is a matter of personal opinion. What isn't in dispute is the manner of City's defeat and the departures of key players or impending departures of others have taken focus off a new Premier League season starting this weekend.
Putting all of that aside, Manchester City take on Bournemouth this Sunday at the Etihad Stadium. In terms of what starting eleven Enzo Maresca could select, he has plenty of quality options to choose from. A possible starting eleven of Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol, Anderson, O'Reilly, Foden, Cherki, **** yo, and Erling Haaland is packed with quality. That seems to have been forgotten throughout this week.

#city #enzo #manchester #sunday

Manchester City have set their sights on a deal for AS Roma's Manu Kone following the confirmation of Tijjani Reijnders's exit yesterday.
Reijnders joined Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Qadsiah after only one season at the Etihad.
Having also facilitated the departure of talisman Rodri to Barcelona in recent days, Enzo Maresca is now sweating over how his side will be lining up for the season ahead with such crucial names gone.
Along with the two midfielders this week, long-serving Blues Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and John Stones all bid farewell to City at the end of 2025/2026 – not to mention the fact that Pep Guardiola also pulled the curtains on his tenure.
His successor, formerly of Chelsea and Leicester City, faces an uphill battle to maintain the standard Guardiola had set over the last nine years.

#saudi

Hardly anything went right for Manchester City yesterday as they were comfortably beaten 3-0 by ***** nal in the FA Community Shield. Goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard saw Enzo Maresca's side well beaten at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Looking at the match and how it transpired, there is one area of the pitch that City must strengthen before the transfer window closes. That is the midfield. It looks like Manchester City are about to step up the process of fortifying their engine room. It is exactly what must be done to help give Enzo Maresca the midfielders he needs to fully implement his system.
Enzo Maresca started Elliot Anderson, Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden in midfield yesterday against ***** nal. Anderson made his City debut, Mateo Kovacic played in a role that he isn't ideally suited to and Phil Foden started as the number ten. Manchester City weren't necessarily swamped in midfield by Mikel Arteta's side. What stood out was how disjointed Enzo Maresca's side were and how easy they were to play through in the opening half-hour of the game.
Elliot Anderson was by no means poor in his City debut. He did put himself about in the hour he was on the pitch. Anderson also needs time to grow into life as a Manchester City player. Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden had moments but overall the necessary quality wasn't there in the engine room for Manchester City. The midfield trio that Maresca opted to start with played like a lineup that had never played together before, and they were. But there is a desperate need for City to add the quality they need to fortify their midfield.
Rodri won't be a part of the solution to Manchester City's midfield issue. Fabrizio Romano reported yesterday that he is on the verge of completing a move to Barcelona. Rodri's departure, alongside that of Tijjani Reijnders opens up ***** e in Manchester City's midfield. It must be filled with quality players. Now, City must shop from the top shelf to bolster their midfield. They have done this when they signed Elliot Anderson. Now they need more quality in midfield to add the options that Enzo Maresca needs.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca was asked about Manchester City's prospects of completing a move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Maresca reminded everyone that Bouaddi remains a Lille player, but he added that the sooner that City complete any new signings the better. He explained: "He's still a Lille player, but any new signings, any new players, for sure the sooner they arrive it's better because we're going to start the Premier League in one week. And if they start to work with us as soon as possible, it's better because they can also understand the way we want to play."

#city

Manchester City are actively exploring a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti confirming that contact is taking place as Pep Guardiola's side continue reshaping their midfield. According to Telegraph, Bouaddi has emerged as a serious target during a summer that could redefine the balance of City's engine room.
Ancelotti has made Lille's position clear, admitting, "Manchester City are in talks to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi," while also stressing that the French club would prefer the move not to happen in this window. That stance is understandable. Bouaddi is only 18, yet his stock has risen rapidly after a sequence of mature displays, including an eye-catching performance against Brazil in Morocco's opening World Cup fixture.
City's interest reflects wider movement in the centre of the pitch. Rodri is understood to want a switch to Barcelona, while Tijjani Rijnders has already departed for Saudi Arabian side Al Qadisah. Those developments have increased the urgency around recruitment, and Bouaddi appears to fit the profile of a long-term elite option with immediate upside.
Lille, however, are under little pressure to sell and would be highly resistant to losing one of their brightest ******* ets. The valuation under discussion is substantial, with any agreement expected to require at least £85m, which the original reporting states as €100m. For a player of Bouaddi's age, that is a major commitment, but it also underlines how highly he is rated across Europe.
Photo IMAGO

#manchester

There was a particularly distinguished passenger on a distinctly unglamorous airline. Rodri was on the Ryanair flight to Liverpool and part of the surprise for some was that, via Merseyside, he was returning to Manchester at all. The subject of bids from Barcelona, Rodri's future may lie in his native Spain rather than at Manchester City.
It is so far unknown if he incurred Ryanair's infamous fines for bringing the World Cup's Golden Ball in hand luggage or whether he stowed it under a seat. Enzo Maresca saw the man who lifted the most prestigious trophy of all briefly and gave him a big hug, he said. They would talk later. City's new manager coached Rodri when his goal clinched the Champions League and thus the treble in 2023. Whether he will ever manage him remains to be seen; minor back surgery would always have ruled Rodri out of Sunday's Community Shield against **** nal.
Man City are open to letting Rodri return to Spain but only if it helps fund his replacement (PA)
But with Barcelona expected to return with a third offer, Maresca may have to contemplate forging an entirely new midfield. His inheritance from Pep Guardiola was an enviable one in many respects, but if he is the continuity candidate, there will be change at the centre of the pitch. Rodri has a year left on his deal but seems to have decided to go. Bernardo Silva left when his contract expired; Guardiola's own departure made it a still more natural endpoint for one of his closest allies. Tijjani Reijnders is heading for the exit, too, off to Al Qadsiah for £51m, and if the Dutchman lost his place as Guardiola preferred an axis of Rodri and Silva, it was nevertheless the case that only six players made more appearances for City last season.
Guardiola famously said that, if he could pick 11 midfielders, he would. There were times when he had a surfeit of options: in 2019-20, for instance, he had not merely Rodri and Bernardo Silva but also David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho.

#silva #Barcelona

Whilst Bianconeri coach Luciano Spalletti is desperate to seize a new central midfielder to bring equilibrium to the core of the pitch, Juventus have now set their sights emerging candidate Matias Galazara of River Plate.
TuttoJuve reports that other than Franck Kessie and Tijjani Reijnders, the Turin based club have been monitoring the 22-year-old Paraguayan midfielder throughout the Fifa 2026 World Cup and are reportedly keeping their tabs open in regards to a potential swoop.
As it stands, the Italian tactician is eager to acquire a midfielder that is capable of organizing the attack, dictating the rhythm in possession and constructing the play whilst moving vertically. Hence, the Old Lady believe that the promising River Plate star fits the criteria and believe that a fee of €6m would be enough to persuade the Argentine outfits in permitting Galazara to depart the club in favour of joining the Italian giants.
Julian Faustini Ι GIFN

#midfielder

Nottingham Forest appear to be moving with a certain clarity now, the sort that suggests a squad is being shaped to meet the demands of Oliver Glasner rather than merely patched together for another season. According to TeamTalk, Forest are exploring a notable double move, one aimed at the centre of defence and the centre of midfield, with Jhon Lucumi and Tijjani Reijnders both under consideration.
The report states that Forest "have shown clear interest in defender Jhon Lucimi" and that the club "have already sounded out the conditions required to complete a deal for the Bologna star". Whether that develops into a formal push, it reflects a sensible instinct. Lucumi is described as "a solid addition who could bring greater defensive solidity and competition for places at the back", and that profile feels aligned with a side seeking greater certainty without sacrificing aggression.
Photo IMAGO
More eye-catching, perhaps, is the mention of Reijnders. TeamTalk says the Manchester City midfielder "has emerged as a realistic target to replace Elliot Anderson". It is an intriguing description of Forest's ambition. Reijnders offers rhythm and progression, a player whose "vision, energy and ability to dictate play make him an attractive option for Forest's engine room". In a league increasingly settled by who can control transitions, that sort of midfielder carries rare value.
There is, naturally, a complication. "Man City are open to a sale of Reijnders if an offer of around £60million arrives," the report says, though "there is a strong feeling that the player would prefer to remain at a club competing in European competition." That tension is familiar to clubs operating just beneath the established elite. Recruitment becomes part persuasion, part projection.

#sort #club

Enzo Maresca has not ruled out Man City duo Tijjani Reijnders and Savinho departing the club.
Reijnders is believed to be of interest to Nottingham Forest, while Savinho has been a long-term target for Tottenham.
"He's a player that is here with us," City boss Maresca said when asked about Reijnders after City's 3-1 win over a K-League All Stars team, in which the Dutch midfielder scored.
"The players that are with us until the day that they aren't with us, it's my duty to do the best for them. I'm happy with his performance and he's working good since he came back from his holiday. At the moment I'm very happy with him."
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#maresca #savinho #enzo

Manchester City have confirmed their starting lineup ahead fo today's friendly against the K-League All-Stars at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea. Enzo Maresca lost on penalties to Inter Milan in their first friendly of their preseason tour of Asia. The match finished 1-1 and City showed a lot at the Kai Tak Stadium, especially in the second half. They will be looking to build on that performance today in Seoul.
Unfortunately, Ryan McAidoo has been ruled out of today's match due to a shoulder injury. Enzo Maresca informed the media yesterday that McAidoo's injury isn't serious or a cause for concern. Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, and Omar Marmoush are all available for today's match against the K-League All-Stars. The trio missed Manchester City's first preseason friendly when they linked up with Enzo Maresca's squad after their World Cup commitments.
Enzo Maresca has selected a strong starting eleven for today's friendly against the K-League All-Stars. The Manchester City starting lineup is almost as strong as Enzo Maresca can select from the players he had available. There were two changes made to the starting eleven from the Inter Milan match with Ruben Dias and Rayan Ait-Nouri replacing Stephen Mfuni and Savinho.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias (C), Josko Gvardiol, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic, Tijjani Reijnders, Antoine ****** yo, Phil Foden, Divin Mubama.
Bettinelli, Wint, Chabot, Marmoush, Nico, Reis, Savinho, Nunes, Echeverri, Monga, Braithwaite, Mukasa, Alleyne, Sangare, F. Samba, Heskey, Henderson-Hall, Mfuni, Parker.

#enzo #maresca #stars

Nottingham Forest are exploring a sensational move for Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, according to the Daily Mail.
Forest boss Oliver Glasner is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League season in hopes they avoid another relegation battle.
The Netherlands international has emerged as a £55 million target for Forest, who are keen to add more quality and experience to their midfield options.
Reijnders is reportedly open to the possibility of leaving the Etihad, with the prospect of securing a more prominent first-team role pushing him.
The 28-year-old only joined City last summer in a £46.5m deal from AC Milan, but his debut campaign did not go according to plan.

#reijnders #manchester

Nottingham Forest eye Tijjani Reijnders, Tottenham want Savinho and Nicolas Jackson, Real Madrid resume Vinicius Jr contract talks and Chelsea close in on Pep Chavarria.
Manchester City's Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, 28, has emerged as a £55m target for Nottingham Forest. (Mail)
United States striker Folarin Balogun, 25, has been offered to Tottenham via intermediaries, with the former ***** nal forward's future at Monaco uncertain. (Sun)
Spurs are in contact with Manchester City about Brazil winger Savinho, 22, while they are also interested in Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, 27, and Eintracht Frankfurt's French attacking midfielder Jean-Matteo Bahoya, 21. (Athletic - subscription required)
If Savinho decides to join Tottenham, Manchester City will turn to Chelsea and Portugal winger Pedro Neto and have already made contact with the 26-year-old's camp over a possible move. (Fabrizio Romano)

#nottingham #tijjani

Nottingham Forest have identified Man City's Tijjani Reijnders as a transfer target this summer
Reijnders is open to a move away from the Etihad Stadium, per the report
Man City's valuation of the Netherlands international stands at around £60M
Nottingham Forest have emerged as a suitor for Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, with the 28-year-old open to a departure from the Etihad Stadium this summer, as per a new report.
Reijnders joined Manchester City from AC Milan in June 2025 in a deal worth approximately £35 million, arriving with a strong pedigree from two seasons in Serie A where he had established himself as one of the most productive midfielders in Italian football.

#reijnders #etihad

Manchester City have embarked on a rebuild of their midfield this summer. So far, Elliot Anderson has joined the club from Nottingham Forest. Anderson figures to be a prominent player for Enzo Maresca's side. Watching Manchester City's midfield perform in the first half of their first preseason friendly against Inter Milan, you could see what role Anderson will play in Manchester City's midfield. However, Manchester City's midfield rebuild isn't yet complete. It was easy to see why City are so keen to further bolster their midfield based on how the first half unfolded in their 1-1 draw and subsequent penalty shootout defeat to Inter Milan.
Enzo Maresca started Tijjani Reijnders, Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden in midfield against Inter Milan at the Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday. None of those three players are what you would term a number six or a defensive midfielder. Foden played an advanced role in midfield and helped Manchester City's four-man high press. Reijnders and Kovacic were tasked with shielding City's backline.
This duo had mixed results in this role. On occasions, especially in the game's first half-hour, Inter did have success playing through Manchester City's high press and they also succeeded in bypassing Manchester City's midfield. Kovacic and Reijnders are not suited to the role they were tasked with fulfilling against Inter. It isn't their strong suits. Reijnders is suited to getting forward from midfield and Kovacic is a number eight who does his best work with a player like Rodri behind him.
The answer as to why Manchester City want to bolster their midfield was evident in the first half against Inter Milan. You could picture Elliot Anderson and Rodri playing the roles that Reijnders and Kovacic were asked to play, provided of course that Rodri doesn't leave City this summer. Also, the Ayyoub Bouaddi links make sense as he could also fill the same role. This was clear to see in the opening 45 minutes at the Kai Tak Stadium.
At halftime of Saturday's friendly, Enzo Maresca brought on Nico Gonzalez and moved Rico Lewis from right-back into midfield. Inter Milan also made a series of substitutions at halftime of the friendly in Hong Kong which did alter the match. However, it was impossible to ignore how much better City looked with Nico Gonzalez playing his familiar holding role in midfield. He had Rico Lewis for support with Rayan Ait-Nouri inverting from left-back and at times Vitor Reis stepped into midfield. This system gave City the control they need and also showed why City are so eager to rebuild their midfield this summer.

#kovacic #role #anderson

Matteo Cancellieri has become a conundrum for Lazio, especially with his move to Celtic becoming increasingly unlikely.
The Biancocelesti started the summer with several players running on expiring contracts. However, they have already cashed in on Ivan Provedel and Mario Gila, while Alessio Romagnoli and Luca Pellegrini could follow suit. On the contrary, Danilo Cataldi could soon sign an extension.
As for Cancellieri, he has been placed on the transfer list, as his management believes it is the right time to part ways with the winger who joined the club in 2022 but has yet to fulfil his early career promise.
In recent weeks, Celtic emerged as the reported frontrunners in the race for the Roman, while West Ham United were said to be behind the reigning Scottish champions. But according to Il Messaggero (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Cancellieri's move to Glasgow has become more and more 'complicated ', leaving the Aquile in a tough spot.
As the source explains, Lazio still prefer to cash in on the player, even though Gustav Isaksen's current absence could give Gennaro Gattuso second thoughts. The Lazio boss expects to have the Danish winger at his disposal in the coming weeks, as he continues to recover from a groin surgery, while the versatile Tijjani Noslin is being tested on the right wing.

#become

As Manchester City ramp up their preparations for the 2026-27 season in Asia, it remains to be seen what changes Enzo Maresca will implement that differ from Pep Guardiola. The principles of possession football will remain at City despite Maresca replacing Guardiola in the dugout. What was worth keeping an eye out during Manchester City's first preseason friendly against Inter Milan was whether any of Enzo Maresca's tactical adjustments could be seen. Come the final whistle of Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Inter Milan and subsequent penalty shootout defeat, the answer was clear. Yes, the tactical tweaks by Maresca were evident, especially in the second half at the Kai Tak Stadium.
Manchester City made a bright start in the first half against Inter Milan. Antoine ****** yo was wreaked havoc on the left wing. It was ****** yo who created Manchester City's first goal when he surged down the left to the byline to play the ball back for Divin Mubama to open the scoring in the 14th minute.
While City took the early lead, Inter Milan did look dangerous on the break at the Kai Tak Stadium. Enzo Maresca's side employed a high four-man press which did disrupt Inter's buildup play. However, when Inter did play through the press they did have ****** e to drive at Manchester City's defence. Tijjani Reijnders and Mateo Kovacic were tasked with playing in midfield to shield City's backline. It isn't a role that either player is particularly suited to which was impossible to ignore. Speaking after the match, Maresca said: "We struggled a bit in the first-half and we know the reason why, but we were much better in the second-half. We will get better and better."
You do wonder if Maresca's comments were about how Manchester City's midfield was bypassed in the opening half-hour of yesterday's match.
Also, Rico Lewis and Stephen Mfuni were caught out by Inter Milan's overlapping wing-backs and by the flighted ball from midfield to either flank. Enzo Maresca wants one, or both, of his full-backs to invert into midfield and this was exploited by Inter Milan in the opening 45 minutes.

#Inter #maresca #half

AZ striker Troy Parrott is reportedly being tracked by several European clubs, as well as Eredivisie champions PSV.
After a brilliant personal season in Alkmaar, the Irish international scored 31 goals and registered 10 ****** ists in all competitions last term – not to mention 16 goals in 28 Eredivisie games, and 10 goals in 15 Europa Conference League outings.
As per journalist Ben Jacobs, Parrott is being watched by Real Betis in La Liga and Como in Serie A. PSV are also said to have inquired about Parrott, but the amount AZ is demanding appears to be higher than the Philips Stadion residents will pay.
Jacobs has also mentioned Ajax, but Tolu Arokodare's signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers has taken them out of the running. The 24-year-old Parrott is under contract in Alkmaar until 2029, and AZ hopes to receive a large fee.
The club had hoped for a record fee in January. The current record is held by Tijjani Reijnders, who moved to AC Milan for nearly 25 million euros.

#record

Ayyoub Bouaddi’s decision on his future is in the offing as Manchester City “push hard” to secure the Lille midfielder’s signature, as per new reports.
The Moroccan has been a sensation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and played a starring role in his nation’s impressive run to the quarter-final stage, which saw them bow out at the hands of favourites France.
His performances have garnered attention from clubs across Europe during this summer’s window, with City’s director of football Hugo Viana a huge admirer of the 18-year-old, who has already appeared 63 times for LOSC Lille in France’s top-tier.
Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi poised for major position change at Manchester City
Manchester City‘s interest in Bouaddi comes as we await formalities to be completed on Elliot Anderson‘s £116 million move from Nottingham Forest after he returns from World Cup action with semi-finalists England – and with murmurs of moves for Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders, a new look midfield may be favourable for new City boss Enzo Maresca.

While Enzo Maresca and Pep Guardiola share similar footballing philosophies, life will be different at Manchester City with Maresca as the manager. One such difference between the pair is the size of the squad that each manager wants to operate with. Pep Guardiola preferred to work with a smaller squad to maintain performance and team harmony. Sam Lee has reported for The Athletic that Maresca would prefer to work with a bigger squad than Guardiola.
With that in mind, could Enzo Maresca’s demands hand several players a lifeline to resurrect their Manchester City careers? Perhaps it could depending on what role and position Maresca wants them to play.
Looking at the Manchester City squad, there are four players who could earn a lifeline of sorts from Enzo Maresca. Those four are Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, Rico Lewis, and James Trafford. There is a case for each to play a more prominent role under Maresca.
In the case of Nico Gonzalez, there is a vacancy in midfield with Bernardo Silva having left the club. Yes, City have signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. They also remain in the market for another midfielder. Also, Rodri is set to have a delayed start to next season. That could be Nico’s lifeline if City do not sign another midfielder. The other factor is that Nico Gonzalez will get the pre season to impress Maresca unless he secures a summer transfer.
Tijjani Reijnders and Rico Lewis could also potentially fight for a role in Manchester City’s midfield. Reijnders may be a player that Maresca could use. Reijnders’ ability to score goals from midfield could be an attribute that Maresca values. However, the Dutch international would have to fight Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki for minutes you would ****** ume. Rico Lewis has always looked to be a midfielder rather than a right-back. Could he play in midfield under Maresca? Perhaps he could but his size in the physical Premier League counts against him.

It has always appeared that the first order of business in the summer transfer window for Manchester City was completing a deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The England international has long seemed to be the ideal fit for City's midfield due to his combination of elite technical ability and his superb work out of possession, particularly his ability to win duels. Manchester City have been in protracted negotiations with Nottingham Forest over a deal to sign Elliot Anderson. Finally, a deal has been agreed as per multiple reports and City will finally land their primary transfer target to strengthen their midfield.
It has now been reported by multiple reporters that Manchester City have agreed to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a transfer fee of £116 million. David Ornstein has reported for The Athletic that City will pay a club record transfer fee to sign the England international. Furthermore, Ornstein reports that there are no add-ons or bonuses included in the deal. It is also reported by Ornstein that Elliot Anderson is set to undergo his medical on Friday after his move to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders.
Fabrizio Romano has given Elliot Anderson's imminent move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City his trademark 'here we go' line. Romano backs up Ornstein's claim that City will pay Nottingham Forest £116 million to sign the combative and powerful midfielder. Furthermore, Romano reports that Anderson asked Nottingham Forest to leave the club yesterday and that the deal between the two clubs has now been agreed.
Lastly, Jack Gaughan and Craig Hope have reported for the Daily Mail that Elliot Anderson wil become the most expensive English footballer of all time when he completes his £116 million move to City. Furthermore, the Daily Mail reports that City will pay Nottingham Forest a one-off payment for the England international. Also, City sources have stressed to the Daily Mail that City will sign Anderson for less than Liverpool's British record transfer fee of £125 million that they paid to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle.
Arguably the biggest priority this summer for Manchester City was to strengthen their midfield. Bernardo Silva has left the club and the jury remains out on whether Nico Gonzalez or Tijjani Reijnders will make the grade as City midfielders. By completing the signing of Elliot Anderson, City have begun the process of rejuvenating their midfield.