Thursday, 23 July 2026
Football, only what matters. Your daily briefing without the noise.
Elliot Anderson's £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City is the summer's headline transfer, with the midfielder declaring City the "kings of Manchester" upon completing the deal. Jurgen Klopp is in talks to become Germany's head coach, while Italy's search for a coach has already involved approaches to both Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, as the federation reckons with a third consecutive World Cup absence. Rodri faces a spell on the sidelines after back surgery, and Arsenal must also plan without William Saliba for an extended period. Away from the headlines, LNZ Cherkasy — a Ukrainian club playing fourth-tier football as recently as 2021 — are set to contest European qualifiers for the first time, a remarkable rise made all the more striking given the war their country is enduring.
Elliot Anderson has completed a £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City. The midfielder marked the transfer by declaring City the 'kings of Manchester'.
Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal. The winger joins Villa for the remainder of the season as the club adds attacking reinforcement from the Premier League rivals.
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, with the player committing on a five-year contract. The deal is officially announced, bringing the Greek winger to the Emirates.
Italy contacted Carlo Ancelotti about their vacant head coach position before turning to Pep Guardiola. The Italian Football Federation has been searching for a new coach since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April, following Italy's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Italy missing a third consecutive World Cup is a deepening crisis for one of football's most storied nations, and the identity of their next coach carries significant weight for their rebuilding effort.
LNZ Cherkasy, a Ukrainian club that was playing fourth-tier football in 2021, will contest European qualifiers for the first time this week. The rise has come despite the ongoing war with Russia, with striker Mark Assinor describing it as a historic moment and only a starting point for the club. A club climbing from the fourth tier to European competition in four years, in a country at war, is a story with almost no modern equivalent.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri is set to undergo minor back surgery, putting his availability for the start of the Premier League season in question. The World Cup winner's fitness will be monitored ahead of the new campaign.
Jurgen Klopp is in discussions with the DFB about becoming Germany's head coach. The former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool manager would be tasked with returning the national side to prominence.
Loris Karius has spoken candidly about contemplating ending his career during its lowest point. The goalkeeper is now preparing for a return to the Bundesliga with Schalke, who have secured promotion back to Germany's top flight after a three-year absence.
Jermain Defoe has left Woking after four months and nine matches as manager of the National League side. The former England and Tottenham striker described the experience as 'eye-opening', marking the end of his brief first venture into management.
Arsenal have confirmed that William Saliba will miss football for an extended period after sustaining a back injury. The centre-back's absence is a significant blow to Arsenal's defensive options, though no specific return date has been given. Saliba has been central to Arsenal's defensive structure, and losing him for an extended spell leaves the club without one of Europe's best centre-backs at a critical stage of the season.