Football
Meet City Starlet, 19, Who Was Denied a Chelsea Move and Could Replace Rodri
Nico O’Reilly never expected to get any game time when he was included in Manchester City’s squad for their four-match pre-season tour of the USA in July.
However, just three weeks later, he found himself on the scoresheet against Barcelona in Orlando and walked away with a Community Shield winner’s medal after holding his own against five-time Champions League winner Casemiro in a clash with Manchester United at Wembley.
On transfer deadline day, a potential move to Chelsea was blocked, as City were wary of another “Cole Palmer” scenario—where one of their academy graduates could shine for a Premier League rival.
O’Reilly’s playing style has been redefined under Pep Guardiola. While many who have followed City’s youth teams saw him as an attacking midfielder or even a false nine, Guardiola has a different vision. During the pre-season tour, he surprised many by identifying the 19-year-old as a potential deputy for Rodri in the holding midfield role—one of the most crucial positions in City’s system.
Although O’Reilly has traditionally played further forward, his versatility makes him an attractive option for Guardiola, who values midfielders capable of adapting to multiple roles. After recovering from an ankle injury last season, the England Under-20 star returned to training, and Guardiola was taken aback by his physical development. City now hopes he can use that added strength to grow into the defensive midfield role, leveraging his exceptional game-reading ability.
Despite being earmarked as a potential defensive presence, O’Reilly has showcased his attacking prowess on several occasions. His well-taken goal against Barcelona in Orlando was a reminder of his reputation at the City Football Academy, where he was known for scoring spectacular goals. That talent was on display again when he netted his first senior goal in an 8-0 FA Cup thrashing of Salford.
Having been with City since the under-nines, O’Reilly has progressed alongside players like Rico Lewis. He was named on the first-team bench against Brighton in early 2023, but a serious ankle injury stalled his momentum. Despite the setback, he has continued to impress, with youth coaches still recalling standout moments like his scorpion kick goal against Middlesbrough and a 40-yard lob against Manchester United in a junior derby.
Ben Wilkinson, City’s Elite Development Squad (EDS) manager, has closely followed O’Reilly’s journey. He described him as a highly technical midfielder with a much broader skill set than he often gets credit for. Guardiola himself has praised O’Reilly’s potential, noting his impressive stature at 6ft 2in and his ability to make an impact in midfield.
Looking ahead, O’Reilly remains firmly in Guardiola’s first-team plans despite fierce competition for midfield spots. He has already featured in the Carabao Cup against Watford and Tottenham, made his Champions League debut against Sparta Prague, and found the net in the FA Cup against Salford. Although his move to Chelsea was blocked, he will be determined to prove himself further in the months to come.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly determined to force a move to Barcelona this summer.
The England international joined Aston Villa on loan in January and has impressed with four goals and six assists in 17 outings under Unai Emery, although a recent hamstring issue has kept him sidelined.
Villa hold an option to sign Rashford permanently for £40 million this summer, but they have yet to decide whether to trigger it—and they do not possess first refusal, meaning Manchester United could sell him elsewhere.
Rashford was heavily linked with Barcelona in January, but financial constraints scuppered a deal and opened the door for Villa.
Rashford ’looking to force’ Barcelona switch
Despite enjoying his spell in the West Midlands, Barcelona remain Rashford’s preferred destination.
According to Sport, his representatives have approached the Catalan giants about a potential loan move, though United would need to subsidise part of his £325,000‑a‑week wages—or Barcelona would have to agree to a significant pay cut on his behalf.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia and across the Premier League are also monitoring the situation, but Rashford has made it clear that he only wants to join Hansi Flick’s side.
Would Man United accept another loan deal?
Selling Rashford this summer would count as pure profit for United under Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, thanks to his home‑grown status.
While United are keen to reinvest any funds raised, it’s hard to see them agreeing to another loan—especially one that leaves them covering part of his salary.
That said, they might contemplate a move with a mandatory purchase clause in 2026, giving them both short‑term flexibility and long‑term certainty.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
Football
Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.
The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.
Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”
Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.
Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.
Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.
In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.
He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.
-
Football1 week agoAntony scores another worldie with stunning free-kick vs ex-Man Utd team-mate
-
Football1 day agoGuardiola refuses to shake hands with Palace star as Man City boss makes his feelings clear at the final whistle
-
Football1 week agoREVEALRD: Why do Man Utd have (Red) as their shirt sponsor vs West Ham
-
Football1 week agoMan Utd wonderkid dubbed ‘Next Yamal’ could snub Spain for England
-
Football2 weeks agoWatch Harry Maguire turn into Lamine Yamal as he humiliates Bilbao defender
-
Football1 week agoMan Utd fans name two players who ‘can’t start’ in the Europa League final despite win vs Athletic Bilbao
-
Football4 days agoLionel Messi involved in furious argument with referee after Inter Miami game
-
Football1 week agoAmorim spotted with new plaster on his knuckles after half-time vs Bilbao