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Australia’s semi-final exit from Women’s World Cup 2025 ended a chapter of incredible success: they had lost just three of the 30 ODIs they had played since the previous edition in 2022. What will the next ODI cycle look like for the seven-times champions? And what next for the stalwart trio of Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry and Megan Schutt?Healy is 35, and confirmed at the presentation on Thursday that this was her last ODI World Cup. Schutt, 32, had indicated earlier that this would be her last 50-overs World Cup too, though she will take a final call after the T20 World Cup next year. Perry will turn 35 in three days, and hasn’t yet spoken about her international future.Related

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“This next four-year cycle leading into the next World Cup is going to be really exciting for our group and potentially see some really cool opportunities for some of the younger players to get greater opportunities in this side,” Healy, Australia’s captain, said after their semi-final defeat to India.”The opportunity for some of our players to play in a really high-pressure situation like that is going to do wonders for our group. This same thing happened in 2017. We reflected on that and thought we could have done things a little bit better under pressure and where we can be better at little certain aspects of our game moving forward. And I think we made that shift moving forward and we’ve seen it over the last cycle doing that one in 2022.”Thursday’s defeat was Australia’s first in an ODI World Cup match since 2017. That previous defeat had also been a semi-final loss to India; after that result, Australia tore up their template and started afresh, pushing Healy up the order to open, and adopting a batting strategy of relentless attack. That method brought them an ODI-record 26-match winning streak. Healy saw the latest setback as another chance for a reboot.4:58

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“This is just another re-ignition for our group to say, you know what, we can be better at little moments of the game,” Healy said. “For our group to experience that, to be put under pressure and see how we respond, is going to do great things for us moving forward. So that’s really cool.”I hope we see more one-day cricket on the calendar. I think that’s going to be really important in this cycle. We see a lot of teams in this World Cup that, obviously, we’re forced to play against in the Women’s Championship. But more bilateral series are going to be amazing for the global game in that regard and make sure that these World Cups are highly competitive.”And obviously the opportunity to see the next generation come through and play one day cricket the way that they are, the way that they can and really take the game on, which I think we’ve seen towards the back end of this World Cup. I think it’s really exciting times for the women’s game.”Given the quadrennial nature of the ODI World Cup, the end of an edition often feels like the end of an era, with a greater scope for long-term planning than in T20Is, where World Cups take place every two years. It’s clear that Australia’s journey in the next ODI cycle will be led by youngsters such as Phoebe Litchfield, Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Voll, with experienced hands in Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney, all of whom are either in their late 20s or early 30s, still playing key roles.Young players such as Phoebe Litchfield will be key to Australia’s regeneration through the next ODI World Cup cycle•Getty Images

“The state of the women’s game where it’s going is absolutely phenomenal,” Perry said in a press interaction after the semi-final. “This World Cup has been the toughest one yet, without a doubt and so competitive. The fact that in both the semi-finals, the team batting first posted over 300, and across this competition, it’s probably been more 300-plus scores than ever before.”We want to keep taking the game forward and that means that we’re not always going to be successful. At the same time, we play with a lot of enjoyment and application to what we’re trying to do. So it’s a pleasure to be a part of it. I feel very fortunate to see where things go.”Australia’s cricketing ecosystem is seasoned enough to keep producing players who look ready when they step up, with Litchfield, who scored a 93-ball 119 in the semi-final, a prime example. This ceaseless production line keeps head coach Shelley Nitschke calm about what the future holds.”We haven’t discussed about transition much, we had been just focussing on this World Cup obviously,” she said. “We’ve got some leaders in the last couple of years. We’re always moving and transitioning. I’m not sure if it’ll be a harder conversation or anything, but that’s forever a moving beast.”[Leadership] is something in due course we’ll sit down and have a discussion about. But I don’t think any decision will be made in the near future. We are always going to review and look to get better. We need to be better in the big moments.”Australia have already been the gold standard in women’s cricket. It is scary to imagine what their next chapter will look like.

Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd have been rested for the Nepal series, while Shimron Hetmyer had made himself unavailable

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Sep-2025

The West Indies team management is looking to expand the bowlers’ pool ahead of the T20 World Cup early next year in India and Sri Lanka.Their next T20I assignment is against Nepal at the end of this month for which the selectors have picked five uncapped players, including legspinner Zishan Motara, left-arm quick Ramon Simmonds and legspin-bowling allrounder Navin Bidaisee, apart from batters Ackeem Auguste and Karima Gore, who played international cricket for USA until 2021 but is yet to get his West Indies cap.They have also picked a support staff heavily stacked with former bowlers to accompany the 15-man squad to Sharjah, with Rayon Griffith as the head coach, Ottis Gibson as fast-bowling consultant, and Nikita Miller and Jerome Taylor as assistant coaches.Related

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Five uncapped players in Akeal Hosein-led WI T20I squad against Nepal

“The tour of Nepal is quite strategic for us,” CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe said in a press meet. “We have recognised that probably over the last few years, our bowling has been a little bit of the Achilles’ heel in our white-ball team. So we have tried to bolster the support for the bowling group.”After touring the UAE, West Indies will tour Bangladesh for six white-ball matches in October and then fly to New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs.Full-time head coach Daren Sammy explained that some of the first-choice players like Gudakesh Motie, the second-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing CPL, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd had been rested for the games in Nepal to manage their workloads. Except Shimron Hetmyer, who blew hot and blew cold this CPL and was unavailable for the tour.Ottis Gibson’s presence raises the profile of the West Indies support staff•Getty Images

“If you look at the workload of these guys, Rovman for sure, he has been battling a wrist injury that prevented him from playing in the Pakistan series,” Sammy said. “I mean, he pushed it through this CPL. He requested a time off for him to further look at it. Motie and Shepherd, because of their workload over the last few months, we gave them a time off for that. Sherfane was also [rested] because of his workload.”Hetmyer also requested that he was unavailable for that Nepal trip. So again, like I said, it’s not always a bed of roses. Some things we don’t see, but it’s always a challenge. I’ve said that when I call somebody and tell them, ‘you’ve been selected for some of the series’, and I have to ask to everyone, do you accept the selection to play for West Indies? It’s something that I must do because we don’t own the players. We could only select from what’s available to us. Hettie has been one of our promising, talented players from the Under-19 level. However, the scope of things that now… we could only select and hope guys accept this selection. But he’s always available for selection from our side.”Sammy further said that the selectors and coaches also looked at the performers from the inaugural Breakout League – a new T20 league launched earlier this year to spot talent from across the Caribbean – and the CPL to pick fresh players for the upcoming T20Is.Nathan Edward is a rare left-arm quick in West Indies cricket•ICC/Getty Images

“You look at the Breakout [League] and again, I will emphasise the need for continued avenues for us to showcase and unearth talent,” he said. “And the Breakout, maybe some people were against it because it was a T20 format, but if you see this year, the amount of players that came through – Bidaisee was one of them that came through and show his skillset in the Breakout. And, he reminds me of Samuel Badree, who probably could bowl in the powerplay, bowl in the middle, very consistent around that good-length area that brings challenges to batsmen.”And two areas that I’ve spoken about in our bowling department in T20s is the need for a wristspinner. And every single team I could remember in World Cup T20 cricket, has had a left-arm seamer. Just the angle they bring and the difficulty, especially in the back-end of an innings, or whether the ability to swing. I don’t think in the history of West Indies cricket we’ve actually even had two left-arm seamers playing together, much less three. And we also, from the Breakout, you see a young Nathan Edward, who’s been quite quality as well. So again, you put that and you’re hoping that one or two will graduate so quickly that they could be into the senior team.”We gave Jediah [Blades] the exposure, but the way Ramon Simmonds has been bowling in all phases of the game gives me, and I’m pretty sure the selection group, confidence. It makes us excited about the prospects, the promise he’s shown. And then to top that, having somebody like an Ottis Gibson working with them, it’s a win-win situation for us. And hopefully that experience that they will gain or learn from getting the skillsets and the technical aspects of fast bowling or seam bowling from Ottis on that short trip could be a step…”Matthew Forde was still not fit to be considered for selection after he dislocated his shoulder in August, which made him miss the ODIs against Pakistan. CWI is, however, hoping he will be “up and running again” by the Bangladesh series.

Durham 153 and 222 for 5 (Gay 99, Kishore 2-36) Surrey 182 for 5 (Lawrence 88, Clark 82, Raine 5-72) lead by 53 runsSurrey are still strong favourites to defeat Durham in this Rothesay County Championship match but they had to scrap for every advantage as Emilio Gay led the home team’s recovery on the second day at the Banks Homes Riverside.Rory Burns’ side were still very much in the ascendant after posting 322 at lunch, thereby giving them a lead of 169, with Dan Lawrence and Jordan Clark making 80s and Ben Raine taking 5 for 72.But Gay responded with 99 in Durham’s second innings and the home side finished on 222 for 5 and they will go into the third morning with a lead of 53 and five wickets to fall. For their part, Surrey will be encouraged by the vital dismissal of Colin Ackermann, who was caught at short leg by Ryan Patel off Lawrence with only four overs left in the day’s play.In the morning session Surrey extended their first-innings lead from a paltry 29 to a formidable 169 in only 28.1 overs for the loss of their last five wickets. Lawrence was the first to go in the eighth over of the day when he clipped Codi Yusuf to the precisely placed Ackermann at midwicket and departed for a fine 88.But the loss of a major batter did not disrupt Surrey’s attacking strategy. Clark and Cameron Steel put on 70 for the seventh wicket before Steel was lbw to Raine for 27, thus becoming the first of four wickets to fall in the half hour before lunch.Tom Lawes was bowled by Raine for eight, Sai Kishore was caught behind down the leg side off Parkinson for four and Clark was the last to go, caught at long-off by Bas de Leede for a 76-ball 82 that included eight fours and two sixes. That left Raine with his first five-wicket haul of the season but Surrey with what might yet be a match-winning advantage.Durham’s attempt to wipe out their visitors’ lead and build an advantage of their own got off to a poor start when Alex Lees was lbw to Clark for 20 in the sixth over. But Ben McKinney and Gay played positively and the former Northants batsman, who took 14 runs off a Tom Lawes over, reached a 42-ball fifty with seven fours and a six. The pair had put on 73 in a little over an hour when McKinney, who had found Kishore’s slow left arm difficult to play, holed out to Lawrence at long-on for 24.However, Gay and Colin Ackermann took their side to tea, by which time Durham were 143 for 2 and the deficit had been reduced to 26. Throughout the afternoon Gay had batted with exemplary fluency and there was no doubting Surrey joy when he flicked a full-length ball from Sam Curran straight to Kishore when he was one short of his century and Durham’s advantage was only four.Ollie Robinson and Ackermann then put on 36 for the fourth wicket before Robinson fell to Kishore for the second time in two days when he tried to work the spinner through the leg side but only lofted a catch off the leading edge to Lawrence, who ran back from mid-off to accept the gift. Ackermann and Clark then seemed to be taking Durham safely to the close but Lawrence’s late strike was a huge fillip to the side looking to win their fourth successive title.

Planning for a career after football is always wise, but that usually comes in the form of punditry or coaching. Gary Neville famously did one far more successfully than the other, whilst Mikel Arteta is now one of the best managers in the world.

Alfie Whiteman has done neither after leaving Tottenham Hotspur, however.

The 26-year-old has retired from football to pursue an entirely different dream. The goalkeeper was part of Ange Postecoglou’s Europa League-winning squad just last season, providing backup for Guglielmo Vicario and Antonin Kinsky, but failed to get a single minute on the pitch.

In fact, the goalkeeper’s last senior appearance came on loan at Swedish side Degerfors IF in the 2021/22 campaign. Playing 21 games in the Allsvenskan, Whiteman kept just two clean sheets and conceded 40 goals in a difficult spell.

Life as a goalkeeper and as a professional footballer, Whiteman admitted, was not the dream that he had imagined. The goalkeeper, who left Spurs as a free agent in the summer, recently told The Athletic: “I signed for Spurs at 10 years old. Then I left school at 16 and went straight into this full-time life of football.

“When I was around 17 or 18, living in digs, I just had this feeling inside of, ‘Is this it?’ Getting on the mini bus, going to training, doing the Sports Science BTEC (he also did an A Level in Economics) and going home to play video games. I realised, ‘Oh, I’m not happy here’ from quite a young age.

“The stereotype of a footballer is generally quite true. It’s the golf, washbag culture. I was that young footballer. I wanted the Gucci washbag and I drove the Mercedes. You all just become a reflection of each other. You’re a product of your environment. It’s the way football is in this country; it’s so shut off from anything else. You go to training and then you go home, that’s it.”

Unfulfilled and released from his boyhood club, Whiteman has since gone in pursuit of happiness in the film industry.

Whiteman swaps the football for the camera in stunning change

After earning £1.5m in wages at Spurs, Whiteman has retired from football at 26 years old to become a film director and photographer. The former goalkeeper now works for Somesuch – an award-winning production company – where he plans to take a much more fulfilling career path.

It’s been a long time coming too. During his time sitting on the Spurs bench, Whiteman was working as a runner for directors, photographers and producers in preparation for his dream role. Although the expectancy is for footballers to retire in their 30s, he didn’t wait until then to make the jump.

Although many goalkeepers can boast careers at the highest level, you’ll struggle to find a shot-stopper who’s got his hands on a European trophy and an Oscar, but that’s the dream for Whiteman.

Tottenham Hotspur player salaries 2025/26

A significant update has now emerged regarding Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United, with a Champions League side pushing hard to sign him.

Mainoo’s stock has fallen over the past 12 months or so, having burst onto the scene at Old Trafford, and he is struggling for playing time this season.

Ruben Amorim has recently spoken honestly about the Englishman’s future, admitting that he rates him but also needs to keep other players happy.

“No, like a lot of guys, he wants to play more. I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed – I did this week. Because I don’t want Kobbie Mainoo thinking that I was having any conversation with him just to hold on to him. I don’t want that feeling.

“I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done (the finished article). I think he can do so much better, he can improve a lot. I think for some guys it is enough (their talent), but for him it is not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo, and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys.”

Mainoo has been linked with a move away from United in the January transfer window, and now a fresh update has emerged regarding his future.

Napoli in advanced talks to sign Mainoo

According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Mainoo’s representatives are in “advanced discussions” with Napoli over a loan move from Manchester United in January.

It is also stated that Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester City also “continue to monitor” the £45,000-a-week ace, but “Napoli’s wage pledge and option clause have vaulted them to pole position.”

It has been sad to see Mainoo fail to kick on at United, having looked such a special talent, but it simply appears as though Amorim doesn’t think he is right for his system.

That’s not to say that the Red Devils manager doesn’t consider him a talented footballer, however, with the 40-year-old lauding him back in September.

“Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys. If I feel during the week that he’s the best player to play, he’s going to play and I proved that already to every player here. I believe a lot in him. I have the same thing [opinion] that you have and that is a top, top player, but he can be so much better, so I’m focused on that.”

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A loan move to Napoli means that Mainoo’s United career isn’t over, giving fans some hope that he has a future, but as things stand, it is hard to see him becoming a key figure with Amorim at the helm.

Carrington's "best talent" is a big Sesko upgrade in the making at Man Utd

Newcastle squandered a wonderful opportunity to all-but seal their place in the Champions League knockout rounds after a late equaliser from Bayer Leverkusen meant the points were shared in an entertaining 2-2 draw at the BayArena. Anthony Gordon levelled the match from the penalty spot for Eddie Howe's side and substitute Lewis Miley headed them in front, but a late strike from Alejandro Grimaldi landed a point for the hosts.

Newcastle found themselves behind in the 13th minute after Leverkusen captain Robert Andrich’s header hit Bruno Guimaraes' backside and deflected past stranded goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, and there was a real scare just a few moments later after Malick Thiaw hauled down Bayer captain Patrik Schick on the edge of the area. Dutch referee Serdar Gozubuyuk initially pointed to the spot, but VAR informed him it was just outside the box and Thiaw will consider himself fortunate to only receive a yellow card in what was poor first-half from Howe’s side. 

There was a huge shift of momentum in the second-half, as Newcastle hounded and pressed the hosts, which paid dividends when Nick Woltemade – playing his first game back on home soil following his summer move to St James’ Park – caused Bayer keeper Mark Flekken to panic and haul down the striker to concede a penalty, which Gordon swept home with aplomb. That strike means Gordon is just the second Newcastle player to score five or more goals in a single season in the Champions League, alongside Alan Shearer in 2002-03. 

Joelinton hobbled off in the 60th minute, to be replaced by Lewis Miley, who provided Newcastle’s second goal just 14 minutes after coming on after he bravely leapt high above the Leverkusen defence to nod home a fantastic cross from Gordon. Howe’s side pressed for a third and both Jacob Murphy and Gordon saw shots hit the post. The Magpies were left to rue those missed chances, though, as Leverkusen struck with two minutes remaining, a neat one-two on the edge of the box allowing Grimaldo to fire low past Ramsdale. 

The draw leaves Howe's side 12th in the table and hopeful of qualifying for the Champions League knockouts with PSV at home and Paris Saint-Germain away to come in the New Year.

GOAL rates Newcastle's players from the BayArena…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Aaron Ramsdale (8/10):

Was called into action regularly all evening and did well to block the vast majority of the shots which came his way. Nothing he could do about Leverkusen's goal, the deflection completely flat-footed him. Will be disappointed the second goal managed to squirm underneath his body. 

Lewis Hall (7/10):

An excellent evening, was kept on his toes all evening and threw his body on the line towards the end of the match. 

Malick Thiaw (6/10):

Very lucky not to be shown a red card and concede a penalty midway through the first half, but his grab on Schick was just outside the box. 

Dan Burn (7/10):

A towering presence at the back, covered the miles and was called on to put in a some lung-busting runs to cover his defence when exposed. 

Tino Livramento (7/10):

A decent evening, didn't put a foot wrong. Steady, if not inspiring performance. 

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Bruno Guimaraes (7/10):

Awarded the own goal which came in the 13th minute, but he knew nothing about it as the ball ricocheted off his backside and past Ramsdale. Was full of running all evening. 

Sandro Tonali (6/10):

A subdued evening for the Italian, whose slip on the edge of the opposition box almost led to a second for Leverkusen. Was generally a composed presence in midfield. 

Joelinton (6/10):

Like many of his team-mates, he endured a quiet first-half, but looked keen to get on the ball after the break. But picked up a knock and was taken off on the hour. 

AFPAttack

Anthony Gordon (9/10):

Fired home the penalty will real confidence, calm in a clutch moment for his side. Andso unlucky to give his side the lead, but saw his low drive in cannon off the post. 

Harvey Barnes (7/10):

A bundle of energy all evening and looked determined to provide the moment of quality Newcastle were searching for. Hooked off in the 78th minute. 

Nick Woltemade (8/10):

Endured a difficult first-half, but it was his pressing early in the second which earned Newcastle their penalty. Had chances to score himself, but it wasn't his night. 

AFPSubs & Manager

Lewis Miley (8/10):

Brought on in the 60th minute, to replace Joelinton and was excellent in his work, covering acres in midfield and providing cover for defence. Huge beam spread across his face after heading home a superb cross from Gordon. 

Jacob Murphy (6/10):

Enjoyed plenty of the ball when he came on to replace Barnes in the 78th minute. 

Jacob Ramsey (N/A):

Brought on to replace Gordon in the dying seconds of the match. 

Yoane Wissa (N/A):

Was brought on in time added on, not enough time to influence the match. 

Eddie Howe (7/10):

Will be pleased with the way his team improved in the second-half, but frustrated they didn't kill off the match when they had the opportunities. 

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has confirmed that renewing Neymar's contract is a major priority, days after the Brazil international admitted he was unsure where his future lies. The former Barcelona star returned to his boyhood team at the start of the year and helped them avoid what would have been an embarrassing relegation from Serie A, but his current deal is now set to expire.

• Neymar facing uncertain future at Santos

  Neymar has endured some difficult times since returning to boyhood club Santos, once again struggling with injuries after his spell in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal was dogged by similar issues. The Brazilian club were staring at the possibility of relegation from the country's top division, but their talismanic attacker stepped up to inspire a crucial 3-0 victory over Cruzeiro, playing through the pain of a new meniscus injury in his knee to ensure they will remain in Serie A.

  However, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star immediately cast doubt over his short-term future. When asked what's next for him, Neymar responded: "I do not know, really. I don’t know. I need some days now, I need to rest, disconnect then decide my future. For sure my priority always goes to Santos."

  Neymar finished the 2025 season with eight goals and one assist in 20 league games as he started to feature on a more consistent basis for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign, his last in France with Paris Saint-Germain.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Club president reveals latest on contract talks

  While Neymar is unsure where his future lies, those at the boardroom level seem set in their belief that he should extend his contract.

  Teixeira said: "Renewing Neymar's contract is a priority for Santos right now. Everything depends on the budget. We have a budget that is based on what we can spend. We are talking and negotiating in search of a common ground, adapting Neymar's current contract to 2026.

  "There is good intention on his part, on the part of NR [the company that manages the striker's career], and on the part of Santos. That's already a good start. We need this adjustment to lead to a positive financial outcome for both sides.

  "We are in talks regarding some contract renewals, especially Neymar's, and we are very confident. Neymar's project is also aimed at next year's World Cup, and we are in this dialogue to ensure he stays."

• Neymar's World Cup dream in the balance

  Neymar has previously featured in three World Cups for Brazil. He was their shining light in 2014, scoring four goals before suffering a tournament-ending injury. The Selecao were later eliminated by Germany in the semi-finals with a crushing 7-1 defeat. He then scored two goals apiece at the 2018 and 2022 showpieces, but Brazil were eliminated at the quarter-final stage in both competitions.

  Now 33 years of age, Neymar is undoubtedly past his best, with recent injuries robbing him of his renowned agility and pace. He will hope to be part of Brazil's squad for the 2026 tournament, especially given that the only piece of silverware he has won at international level remains the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, but he has not played for his country since 2023. National team manager Carlo Ancelotti also has plenty of other options in wide positions to choose from, including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Estevao, Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro and Raphinha just to name a handful.

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  What comes next for Neymar?

  For now, all eyes will be on Neymar's current injury situation, with the forward set to undergo minor surgery on his knee issue. It's been reported that the legendary Brazilian attacker will soon see a 'miracle doctor', a physiotherapist by the name of Eduardo Santos, in the hope of regaining full fitness in quick time before the World Cup rolls around.

  Ancelotti recently revealed he will refuse to call up players who aren't 100% fit and claimed he doesn't "owe anyone a debt" when it comes to his Brazil squad selection for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but did say Neymar would make the cut if he "deserves" it.

Manchester City are expected to be active in the market over the near future and could now beat rivals Manchester United to sign a teenage sensation who has excelled at the Under-17 World Cup.

Pep Guardiola will hope his side can strike up a bid to claim the Premier League title this season. However, they suffered a setback on the road to potential glory after falling to a defeat against Newcastle United on Saturday evening.

Harvey Barnes’ double cancelled out Ruben Dias’ equaliser at St James’ Park, albeit the Citizens were off colour in front of goal and were made to rue their missed chances, something Guardiola pointed out when speaking after the match.

He said: “Newcastle is a top side, top players, top manager, so unfortunately tonight we could not make the momentum that we had. It was an entertaining game, we both had chances, and then there was a momentum shift, and ultimately we couldn’t win.”

Ultimately, there is plenty of football still to be played and twists will occur before the Premier League title race starts to take a clear course. Still, Manchester City are now sitting adrift of Arsenal and Chelsea, which is something that needs to give over the next few weeks.

Man City’s upcoming fixtures – all competitions

Bayer Leverkusen (H)

Champions League

Leeds United (H)

Premier League

Fulham (A)

Premier League

Sunderland (H)

Premier League

Real Madrid (A)

Champions League

Nico O’Reilly’s emergence into the Citizens’ first-team and Matheus Nunes slotting in at right-back show that solutions are there to be stumbled upon for Guardiola, though you get the feeling January will be an important month to conclude meaningful business.

While bringing in senior players will be the priority, there may also be a focus on acquiring stars of the future at the Etihad Stadium amid recent developments.

Man City keen to sign Under-17 World Cup star Mohamed Zongo

According to Africa Foot, Man City are keen to sign Tenakourou Academy star Mohamed Zongo, who is also on the radar of Manchester United, Villarreal and Anderlecht after giving an excellent account of himself at the Under-17 World Cup.

On the biggest stage within his age group, the 15-year-old registered two goals and three assists from an attacking midfield role, and the Citizens have now initiated talks alongside the trio mentioned.

Labelled “magic” by Under-23 football scout Antonio Mango, he may become the next exciting gem in a long line at Manchester City, though no club has reached an agreement after his exploits at the youth World Cup.

Either way, beating Manchester United to his signature would be a signal of intent by Manchester City as they build for the future at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City & Pep now keen on Real Madrid star with Erling Haaland swap possible

After sacking Liam Manning, Norwich City have reportedly conducted an interview with former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil and set a managerial deadline.

The Canaries made the decision to sack Manning after 15 Championship games in charge. The former Bristol City manager arrived off the back of an excellent campaign with the Robins, in which they secured a playoff place, but was unable to replicate that form in charge of Norwich.

Instead of the top six, the Canaries have found themselves in the bottom two courtesy of Manning and only above Sheffield Wednesday, who were hit with a 12-point deduction after entering administration.

After two wins in 15 league games, Manning’s tenure suddenly makes former manager Johannes Hoff Thorup’s time at the club look rather promising, on reflection. Whether there’s some regret that those at Carrow Road didn’t give the latter more time is up for debate, however.

Sporting director Ben Knapper released a statement after sacking Manning, telling fans that they “tried absolutely everything possible” to turn things around under the former Bristol City boss.

Meanwhile, the search for a new manager is very much underway with reports going as far as to claim that the Canaries have already interviewed two candidates for the job.

Norwich interview Gary O'Neil

As reported by The Telegraph’s John Percy, Norwich have now interviewed O’Neil for their vacant managerial role and are keen to make an official appointment in the next 10 days.

The ex-Premeir League manager was recently linked with a second stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but turned his former club down. Now, he could be on his way to Carrow Road.

Former Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has also reportedly been interviewed, but O’Neil’s Premier League experience should make him Norwich’s number one choice.

Dubbed “fantastic” by former Wolves winger Jordan Graham during his time in the Midlands, O’Neil has all the credentials needed to finally turn things around at Norwich, who sit four points adrift of safety in the Championship.

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In Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United are enjoying the rise of a truly special player. Walk around the city and ask fans for their opinion of the Italian maestro, and many would say he is the very best they have witnessed at St. James’ Park.

It’s just one masterclass after another. Tottenham Hotspur couldn’t cope on Wednesday evening, dumped out of the Carabao Cup following Tonali’s brilliant midfield performance.

Eddie Howe engineered a covert contractual renewal when the star was serving a suspension for betting breaches, and so the Magpies need not worry about their central talisman playing elsewhere any time soon.

But Tonali alone cannot uphold the midfield, and it looks like change is afoot in the engine room, with United gearing up to sign a new central midfielder.

Newcastle angling for new midfielder

Joelinton has been a stalwart at Newcastle for many years, but the 29-year-old has come under fire at times already this season, with his questionable performances leaving some, such as blogger Thomas Hammond, to question whether this is “the start of the end” for the powerful Brazilian, who seems the weak link in this evolving midfield.

The emergence of Lewis Miley certainly suggests Joelinton’s place in the starting line-up is not as secure as it once was, and the continued question marks over Joe Willock’s long-term future in the Newcastle midfield add fuel to the fire.

Well, given that Howe is determined to re-sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, it does seem the cabinet could be set for a reshuffle.

As per Spanish sources, Newcastle are rivalling the mighty Real Madrid for the Three Lions star, who has been valued as high as £120m by Evangelos Marinakis. Technical director Ross Wilson will know he needs to act swiftly.

Moreover, Football Insider have followed reports with the claim that Liverpool and Manchester United have both placed the 22-year-old at the top of their lists.

Why Howe wants Elliot Anderson back at SJP

In the summer of 2024, Newcastle were being pressured by the Premier League’s PSR parameters, and sold two top talents – Anderson and Yankuba Minteh – to divisional rivals, easing away from financial bother.

Anderson signed for Nottingham Forest in a deal worth around £35m, and he’s only gone from strength to strength at the City Ground, with analyst Ben Mattinson hailing him as a “powerhouse” of a “midfield warrior”.

Indeed, you need only look at the metrics to see how he has evolved in his short time in red, with the current campaign seeing him take so many touches of the ball, creating and defending and leading by example.

He is the complete number eight, and in this, just like Tonali, who is now considered “the best midfielder in the Premier League” by English legend Paul Scholes.

Anderson isn’t there – yet. However, he is earlier in his development and surely on track to rival the likes of Tonali if he continues to add strings to his bow.

Now part of Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up, Anderson is finding a home alongside the more adventurous Declan Rice. Perhaps Bruno Guimaraes could serve as this type of partner, with Tonali elegantly keeping things moving from the side.

This is all to say that Anderson could be a stunning addition to Howe’s team, and maybe even come to surpass Tonali down the line.

Pulling him back over to Tyneside won’t be easy, but Howe has already shown his hand, speaking of his desire to bring the talent back home in a press conference last month, and must now hope that Anderson is swayed toward the nostalgia of returning to his boyhood club.

In any case, that aside, Newcastle might actually be able to canvass the most compelling proposal to the English talent.

New Tonali: Newcastle's 8/10 ace has been an "incredible piece of business"

Newcastle have proved their skill in the transfer market once again this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 30, 2025