Premier League

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

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So far, Crystal Palace's first experience of European football has been a lot more bureaucratic and bylaw-focused than 'Porto away' and floodlights. Perhaps that encapsulates the 'Typical Palace' moniker self-imposed by the fans.

Unusually, the Eagles appear to be mere bystanders within the process, at least on this occasion.

Uefa's decision to delay making any decision is frustratingly logical. Why set a precedent and open yourself to appeals, whether Palace are awarded their Europa League spot or not, when John Textor and Lyon may spectacularly remove themselves from the equation with relegation to Ligue 2?

Logical or not, the wider issue for Palace is the impact on planning, on and off the pitch. Europa League football was likely to attract a higher calibre of players, as well as sponsors who could bolster finances and facilitate such moves.

Until Uefa rules otherwise, the concept of missing out remains unthinkable for fans.

Of course, a path still remains where Crystal Palace exit the four-year involvement with John Textor and Eagle Football entirely unscathed and with a place in the Europa League.

If anything, the chaos that surrounds his two European clubs, in contrast to Palace, is in itself a strong argument that Palace is not operating as part of his multi-club ownership.

In France, Lyon fans are protesting because the DGNC - the body which oversees the accounts of French professional football clubs - decided they should be relegated over the poor state of their accounts.

Meanwhile, in Belgium, many RWD Molenbeek supporters are upset about their club changing its name to Daring Brussels to become more marketable to an overseas audience.

Ironically, Eagle Football and John Textor have finally achieved the desired solidarity between the fanbases of their sister clubs, including Palace, but only in each wanting to see them sell up.

Thankfully for Palace fans, that sale is pending. Unfortunately, it did not come soon enough to avoid this current situation.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external

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We asked for your views on Dominic Calvert-Lewin leaving Everton this summer and whether you wished he would have stayed.

Here are some of your comments:

Jack: I think it's best for both DCL and Everton that he moves on. He's not the player he was two or three years ago. His persistent injuries have not helped so, thank you for your time here and good luck in the future.

Tony: Although I appreciate his initial hard work and goals, his later years were more about his injuries than his goals and output. A team cannot progress with injury prone players. So with a heavy heart, we wish him all the best for the future.

Andy: Calvert-Lewin has done a job for the last few seasons but if we're going to escape the relegation battles, we need to find a striker who will deliver more and push us up the table. Shake hands and wish him the best.

Chris: It's a shame we couldn't hold on to him for one more season as a squad player with a generous contract until we could get a new striker.

Ian: DCL was offered a contract by Everton as were other players who have now left. You cannot keep offering top dollar salaries and extensive contracts when the player is unproductive, struggling for form and subject to numerous injuries. Good luck to DCL but in reality, it's his loss not Everton's.

Paul: I do like Dominic but it's time to move on, he just can't stay fit and score regular goals. We have to adapt and ask the rest of the squad to contribute to goals, it's how most teams play now and it's makes sense.

Jamie: His decision best suits all parties. Some really memorable headers at the Gwladys Street end but overall, he always struck me as a someone who played within himself. Almost as if he was scared of getting injured - again.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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With news of a £60m deal being agreed with Brighton for Joao Pedro, supporters of other clubs might well be thinking 'not another Chelsea transfer' or 'not another striker'.

The Blues have again moved aggressively and decisively in this transfer window to add two more forwards in Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, having also signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30m.

It looks like Chelsea are stockpiling more talent, having spent about £170m on young players this summer, including Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo and French defender Mamadou Sarr.

However, the Blues believe there is space for all the attackers to thrive, especially in a season where they will return to the Champions League following this lucrative Club World Cup campaign.

Pedro's arrival is expected to lead to an exit for Christopher Nkunku as they are similar types of versatile forward.

Meanwhile, Gittens will replace Jadon Sancho, who returned to Manchester United for a £5m penalty fee following his recent loan spell, with Mykhailo Mudryk still provisionally suspended after failing a drugs test.

Delap bolsters an attack that lacked a suitable option when Nicolas Jackson was unavailable, while Noni Madueke could also be moved on following the arrival of 18-year-old Brazilian Estevao Willian from Palmeiras.

Having done a lot of deals already, sources say Chelsea will now slow their activity on incomings and focus on the difficult task of player sales.

The one weakness with this approach is clubs interested in their fringe or wantaway players could try to force cheaper deals.

Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja and Carney Chukwuemeka are not with the squad in the United States and set to be offloaded.

However, it would be unfair to say Chelsea do not have a plan and their embarrassment of riches in attack is something their supporters can be pleased about as they pursue success next season.

What do you make of the move for Pedro? Are you happy with what he would bring to the Chelsea attack, and how do you see the forward line looking next season?

Get in touch with your thoughts here

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is in talks to take over as the club's Under-18 coach.

Previous U18s coach Adam Lawrence left United at the end of the season, part of a major summer upheaval at youth level that also includes academy chief Nick Cox taking a job at Everton as technical director.

United feel former Scotland international Fletcher, 41, will provide continuity as the search for Cox's successor continues.

Fletcher initially returned to Old Trafford in a non-playing role during Ed Woodward's time as chief executive.

He was appointed as technical director in 2021 but moved roles following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as minority shareholder, when Jason Wilcox took the job after leaving Southampton.

He was a first-team coach under Erik ten Hag and, in more recent times, has been a link between the first-team and academy and travelled to Malaysia and Hong Kong at the end of the season, when a number of young players were selected.

Fletcher has long-term management ambitions of his own and this would be a positive first step.

He has previously been reluctant to take on an academy role as his twin sons Tyler and Jack were both excelling as players.

However, they have now moved out of the Under-18 age group, which leaves Fletcher to take the job if he wants.

It is understood he will work closely with Travis Binnion, United's Under-21 lead coach.

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Everton are progressing in talks over a new contract with defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The 23-year-old is regarded as an important part of the club's plans as they move into a new era at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Last summer, Manchester United had two bids rejected for the centre-half, the second of which was about £45m.

Club sources had said it would need a “mega” offer to even consider selling the player, who had been valued at £80m.

Branthwaite made 30 Premier League appearances to help the Toffees to finish 13th in the table and his current deal expires in 2027.

Tom Mortimer
Hungarian football writer

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Hungary was not Milos Kerkez's birthplace, but it is where he became a footballer.

At 15, he moved from Austria to Hodmezovasarhelyi in the south of Hungary, and made a decision: "If I get to a good enough level, I want to represent Hungary's national team." That decision today looks prophetic.

Kerkez is now Hungary's first choice left-back, has already played more than 100 senior club games, and this season made many people's Premier League team of the year - all at the age of 21.

He is also not the only Hungarian moving to Liverpool. This summer, Liverpool have not just signed Kerkez, but also Armin Pecsi - a 20-year-old goalkeeper from Puskas Akademia, the club closest to Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban's heart.

The symbolism is impossible to ignore: the most storied club in England tapping directly into Orban's £3bn football project.

Liverpool's history with Hungarian players has been patchy at best.

Istvan Kozma joined in 1992 but never settled. The highly rated trio of Krisztian Nemeth, Andras Simon and Krisztian Adorjan flattered but faded. Even Peter Gulacsi, now among Europe's elite goalkeepers, was once just 'the other keeper' behind Pepe Reina and Brad Jones.

But Kerkez - like Dominik Szoboszlai before him - is the product of a very different Hungary.

In the past decade, the Hungarian Football Federation has begun building a modernised system to become a sophisticated footballing outfit.

It is not only about money - though Orban's vast investment has played its part. It is about momentum and method. Data-led development, better coaching pipelines, and a renewed sense of national pride have combined to give young players real pathways.

Kerkez has followed that pathway. With AZ he saw the vision. At Bournemouth, he chose the project, not the prestige.

Now, he is moving to the Premier League champions and one of the biggest clubs in the world.

For Liverpool? Well, the Hungarian market is beginning to bear very different fruit.

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Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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Brentford are renowned for their innovative, data-led approach under owner Matthew Benham, often defying conventional wisdom in search of an edge when it comes to recruitment and strategy, and they have certainly bucked the trend by naming the inexperienced Keith Andrews as their boss.

He was previously the Bees' set-piece coach and has also worked as an assistant at MK Dons, Sheffield United and the Republic of Ireland but this is his first managerial role.

It is increasingly rare for Premier League clubs to opt for a permanent manager who has not taken charge of a competitive senior game.

The last man appointed in such circumstances was Mikel Arteta in 2019, though the Spaniard was by that point already a sought-after coach following three years working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Other examples have also tended to involve high-profile individuals.

Middlesbrough hired Manchester United assistant manager Steve McClaren in 2001 and Gareth Southgate in 2006, while Gianfranco Zola's managerial career began with West Ham in 2008 - and the likes of Attilio Lombardo (Crystal Palace), Ruud Gullit and Gianluca Vialli (both Chelsea) started as player-managers in the 1990s.

A less well-known name is Les Reed, who won one of seven games with Charlton in 2006. Sammy Lee's reign at Bolton in 2007 was similarly brief.

The list below excludes managers who initially proved their worth as a caretaker, which is now an increasingly common path for rookie bosses and minimises the risks for clubs.

Most recently, Gary O'Neil took the reins at Bournemouth in August 2022 despite no prior experience, getting the job on a permanent basis three months later.

Although dismissed at the end of the season, he led the side to 15th, earning another shot at management with Wolves.

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New Brentford boss Keith Andrews says he feels "humbled" but "very capable" after being formally announced as head coach.

The 44-year-old, who originally joined the club as a set-piece coach in July 2024, was confirmed as Thomas Frank's replacement on Friday.

It is the first time Andrews has held a managerial role having previously been on the coaching staff with Sheffield United, MK Dons and the Republic of Ireland.

"Pretty humbled would be the overriding feeling and honoured that I'm the person that's been chosen to take the club into the next chapter," he told club media, external.

"I'm very appreciative of the owner, the board and the staff that have supported this decision. It's an opportunity I feel I'm very capable of doing and ready to do.

"I don't know where to start in terms of what's exciting me because there's so much - the potential of the football club, the potential of the players and the potential of the staff that underpin what has brought success to this brilliant football club."

"It's an amazing place to be and I've felt that for 12 months now. That will remain. It's really important to me to have that vibe around the football club, that energy.

While some may see it as a risk, Andrews' appointment represents continuity for the club who also hired from within when promoting Frank from assistant to head coach.

In his set-piece role, the former midfielder helped the Bees at both ends of the pitch, with their three goals conceded from set-pieces in 2024, the fewest in the top flight.

"I want a team that the fans feel represents them and what they want to see on a Saturday," Andrews added on what supporters can expect from his side.

"We want to play winning football, we want to be competitive, we want to have an edge and we want to play dynamic, relentless football, but we want to be organised.

"I love it here, I love coming in every single day, and I will give absolutely everything to continue the success of this football club."

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport journalist

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Fulham are one of two Premier League clubs yet to sign or sell a senior player this summer, along with Aston Villa, but it appears the west London side are attempting to remedy last season's lack of attacking incision.

They are reportedly pursuing a deal for 23-year-old Brazilian forward Romulo, who provided 17 goals and 10 assists in 33 matches last season for Turkish club Goztepe.

Six of those goals were penalties but his tally still compares favourably with Fulham top scorer Raul Jimenez, who scored 14 times - including five penalties - in 43 games.

Overall, as the graphic below shows, Fulham's shooting accuracy was the third worst in the Premier League in 2024-25.

They made an unrivalled 894 crosses in last season's Premier League, leading to 22% of their goals, but creative midfielders Andreas Pereira, whose Fulham future is in doubt, and Emile Smith Rowe often struggled to break down defences.

Pereira created 20 chances from open play, four fewer than Smith Rowe - with both men lagging well behind team-mate Alex Iwobi's impressive figure of 58.

Two attacking options, Willian and Carlos Vinicius, have left the club on free transfers, while Tom Cairney and Kenny Tete are both out of contract in a few days and yet to accept the offer of new deals. Wrexham and Everton respectively are circling.

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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Keith Andrews only joined Brentford last summer, when he was appointed set-piece coach, but the Irishman has succeeded Thomas Frank as their head coach.

The 44-year-old has no previous managerial experience, though he has served as part of the coaching staff at MK Dons and Sheffield United, plus the Republic of Ireland Under-21 and senior sides.

But his work at Brentford has clearly impressed the club hierarchy, including a notable improvement in their record at defending set-pieces. The Bees conceded just three top-flight goals from set-plays in 2024-25 (excluding penalties), at least three fewer than any other club.

That was a substantial reduction from their previous three Premier League seasons. The west London club conceded nine such goals in 2023-24 and 12 in both 2021-22 and 2022-23.

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We asked for your views on the future of Harvey Elliott and whether it should be at Liverpool.

Here are some of your comments:

Ian: It's a tough one because you can see what he can do but when given chances starting for Liverpool he's not performed. The England Under-21 displays will help his price tag for us though.

Will: He's not going to get a chance at Liverpool this season and with such a young midfield there's no reason it'll be different next season. So while I'd prefer to loan him, it only really makes sense to sell. But we'll regret it.

Stevo: Looks great at the U21 tournament, but doesn't contribute consistently or take his chance to impress when given a start at Liverpool. Looks OK on substitute appearances, but nothing game-changing. I like Harvey and his commitment. Maybe let him have game time elsewhere and bring him back when he's ready.

Ski: Definitely keep Harvey, either through a sale and buy-back option, or as a back-up to Mo Salah. Just play him more in the advanced role. He's doing brilliantly.

John: Keep Harvey at Anfield to complement that formidable midfield. His best is still to come.

Tricia: There is no way Elliott should be sold by Liverpool. He always gives 100%, is still developing and improving and is loyal to the club. We've learned with Trent Alexander-Arnold that is worth a lot!

Brian: If Harvey wasn't a Liverpool player already we'd be looking to buy him. At 22, he is as talented as Alexis Mac Allister in midfield and as good a finisher as Salah. It would be madness to let him go.

Peter: He's such a clever footballer. I would be absolutely gutted if Liverpool let him go. You can't blame him for going if he's not getting game time. If it's development and he isn't going to be used in the near term, loan him to a top European club. He's too good to let go.

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Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Neither striker Nicolas Jackson nor winger Noni Madueke are seen as untouchable this summer having been linked with moves away from Chelsea in recent weeks, but both would command large fees and are not actively being forced out of the club.

When asked about Madueke's future recently, boss Enzo Maresca said: "Noni is our player. You can read a lot of speculation at the moment, but we consider Noni our player for the coming season."

However, the arrival of 18-year-old Estevao Willian from Palmeiras after the Club World Cup would mean another left-footed right winger joins the squad in addition to Madueke and Pedro Neto.

The Blues' attitude towards sales of senior players is that few are considered off the table - except top performers Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo.

Midfielder Andrey Santos is attracting significant interest after a successful loan spell and has struggled for minutes in the Club World Cup, despite making his Chelsea debut as a substitute against ES Tunis.

The Blues would ideally want to keep Santos as a squad player but he could push for an exit.

Goalkeepers Mike Penders and Filip Jorgensen, midfielders Kendry Paez and Mathis Amougou, and defender Aaron Anselmino could all join Strasbourg on loan, but Chelsea are open to allowing their best young players to seek other temporary moves if they can find clubs with European football.

Attacker Omari Kellyman, a £19m signing from Aston Villa last summer, remains out after surgery on a hamstring injury but is expected to be back before the transfer window closes and is seeking a Championship loan move to get his career back on track.

Chelsea are out to sell the vast majority of the senior players not included in their 28-man Club World Cup squad, including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Joao Felix, Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja, Djordje Petrovic and Lesley Ugochukwu.

Clubs in Saudi Arabia are believed to be monitoring Felix's availability.

Certain academy graduates could also leave permanently, like Leo Castledine, Alfie Gilchrist and Sam Rak-Sakyi.

As first revealed by BBC Sport, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to join Arsenal for £5m.

Joe Bradshaw
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Harvey Elliott joined Liverpool in July 2019, two months after becoming the Premier League's youngest player at just 16 years and 30 days.

As he settled in, he was only given seven minutes of top-flight action in the title-winning 2019-20 season before impressing on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers during the following Covid-affected season.

Since then, it has been patchy. Scattered good form has dovetailed with significant spells on the bench and a player whose future looked so promising now finds his career at a crossroads.

So is it fair for Arne Slot and Liverpool to be keeping him sidelined?

His numbers since the 2021-22 season are unconvincing.

He is ninth for chances created, 14th for goals scored and eighth for assists, behind the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, who all moved to Anfield after Elliott.

It it scant reward for a talent who is currently tearing up his second straight Under-21 European Championship as second top scorer (four goals) and a constant supplier of opportunities.

Naturally, there is mitigation. Over this time period, he ranks 19th for minutes played - only just above Kostas Tsimikas - so he has not been afforded the same opportunities on the pitch to consistently provide impressive numbers.

Dig a little deeper, though, and the case for keeping him further weakens.

While minutes can massage the numbers over goals and assists, they cannot account for efficiency and, when given the chance, in certain areas Elliott has not been effective enough.

The above graph shows metrics such as passing and shooting accuracy and here his success rate is poor relative to his team-mates.

Similarly, he is not a particularly effective dribbler, being successful only 45% of that time.

Now, in fairness to Elliott, he is a player who takes risks with the ball so might be expected to have weaker attributes. After all, Mohamed Salah's passing accuracy ranks him 39th for Liverpool over the past four seasons - and he has not done too badly.

However, Elliott's key competitors for a midfield berth, all boast better accuracy and from a larger sample size of minutes.

Neither is the England Under-21 star a particularly effective dueller - his 46% success rate ranking him 21st.

While Elliott has had his moments in a Liverpool shirt, under Slot last season his performances were limited and his end product even more so.

Fine displays in this summer's international tournament have boosted his profile but, rather than give him oxygen for a push into the Liverpool XI, it is probably more likely to increase his price for a host of European suitors.

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We asked for your views on how Liam Delap will fare next season and whether he should be first choice ahead of Nicolas Jackson.

Here are some of your comments:

George: It's very hard to compare strikers from clubs at either end of the table. However the goals/XG score is really interesting. I reserve judgement until the end of the season, seeing how both play in this team. My hunch is Delap will shine, and Nico has a lot of growing to do in terms of his temperament and turning his wasteful nature in front of goal.

Colin: Delap is a natural, instinctive, talented striker with a great temperament. Jackson is the polar opposite and a proven liability. He must go.

Marvo: Delap should lead the line, period.

Emmanuel: I think Delap is more composed and looking at the team he's coming from, he will do better and score more goals with Chelsea if he gets the supply. At that age, he will be a great asset to Chelsea.

George F: I think it's time Jackson found another team. He has demonstrated he is not a team player (red cards) and a reluctance to pass. Too often he tries to dribble into an impossible situation and loses possession. On paper, Delap appears to be a terrific fit and a striker that is dearly needed.

Roy: Delap is a breath of fresh air. He's positive and gelled the team instantly. I'd play him ahead of Jackson all day long.

Steve: Delap for me every time, Jackson's a liability. Give Delap the service and he'll get goals. It's the other end I'm more concerned with. The goalkeeper situation is a joke. We're a world-class club with a third-rate goalkeeper. It's ridiculous and so frustrating.

Rich: Delap any day of the week. Jackson has shown how much of a liability he is -his petulant behaviour is his downfall. Delap is a future England star.

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Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole believes Harvey Elliott will be hot property this summer after his stellar performances at the Under-21 European Championships.

On Wednesday, the midfielder scored twice against the Netherlands to send England's youngsters into their second successive Euros final, with his four goals putting him as second top scorer in the tournament.

After the game Cole told Channel 4: "I love the kid, he plays football the right way. I am excited for his future. He has done a great job for Liverpool, but if he decides to move on, there are levels to move on again. That passion, he can show every week.

"Anyone outside the top six he comfortably walks into, and then two years on that level he comes back to Liverpool's level and competes.

"He started as a young man at Fulham but his learning has been spread out. Teams from all over Europe will be looking for Harvey Elliott's agent's number."

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Cole also believes Elliott's match-winning strike- driving forward before firing a low shot into the corner from the edge of the box - was worthy of great praise.

"That second goal, if Messi did this, the world would be stopping," said Cole. "He has this ability and the frustrating thing is he could do it on a consistent basis if he played regularly.

"His problem is he can do so many good things. He's a victim of his own skills and that is why he has been so good for Liverpool. They can play him anywhere."

What's the plan for Elliott?

Should he still be given a chance at Liverpool?

Or do his Euros performances just push his price tag up?

Let us know what you think

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

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"Consider them both closed-loop universes that deserve proper attention and nurture and care. We will designate and assign resources appropriately."

With that, Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe explained to the media corps at a Rangers press conference, where he is now vice chairman, that neither club is superior to the other.

Rangers are a Champions League club and Leeds are not. United have a trek ahead to enforce a situation similar to Crystal Palace owner and Lyon share holder John Textor who was sweating on a conflict of interest when it came to entering Uefa competitions with both clubs.

Nonetheless, supporters will wonder where the 49ers investment will be concentrated.

Marathe is clear on this subject: "If and when there was ever even a situation where there was even the perception of a conflict, we would solve that."

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The 49ers issue with Leeds is far more pressing than worrying about an ownership model, which may or may not have them compromised with Rangers in terms of European football. For now anyway. After all, survival in the top flight is the sole aim for United.

With approval given for £20m investment at Ibrox, Rangers new chairman Andrew Cavenagh is impatient to become the dominant force in Scottish football. The truth is the 49ers will be working on many multiples of that figure to preserve Leeds' Premier League status.

Spending £15m this week on new signing Jaka Bijol is an initial indication of the size of the commitment by the owners to keeping United in the Premier League.

Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds

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We asked if you are worried for next season after losing manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham and seemingly captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal, all amid the uncertainty over Bryan Mbeumo's move to Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Ben: Absolutely, petrified. I would feel better if there was some good news for the fans to counteract the losses. But the lack of rumours even linking us to ready-to-go replacements is concerning. We can't only rely on giving first chances and prosperity to fill such big gaps.

Jason: I was one of the people shaking buckets to save Brentford way before most people's time. I trust the club but I'm increasingly nervous. Announce a new manager and let's start the rebuild.

Anne: It is inevitable I suppose. We've almost been a victim of our own success in the Premier League. I'm very sad to lose these players and manager and staff, but change in all walks of life is inevitable. The coming season is certainly going to be a challenge. Can't say I'm looking forward to it, but I'll still be there supporting the team I've supported for more than 55 years.

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Wellsers: It's going be a tough season for the Bees after being stripped of key players and of course their manager. Never a club to 'splash the cash,' but they'll need to spend big to have a chance of staying in the Premier League. A thin squad has now got even thinner - with extra bodies in defence, midfield and up front urgently needed. A couple of injuries early on next season could very well see the Bees in a relegation battle by Christmas.

Connor: Not sure what the plan is, but so far as a window it's pretty devastating. If we end up losing Nathan Collins or Yoana Wissa it feels like we're hitting self destruct. If we invest heavily to replace Norgaard, and line up a decent replacement on the wing then we'll be okay. Next year is all about survival. Big season for Kevin Schade to be the main man in the wings.

Keni: I'm nervous but I am willing to trust the club's leadership. The radio silence makes it harder, but I can remember playing in the Fourth Division less than twenty years ago. Under Benham and Giles we've grown a huge amount so I am going to keep the faith while keeping my fingers crossed.

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Everton have launched their home kit for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

The club have said the wave design was inspired by the River Mersey that provides the backdrop for their new waterfront stadium.

While Everton describe it as a 'mesmeric pattern' that will go perfectly with their inaugural season at Hill Dickinson Stadium, what do you make of it?

Choose your verdict here

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Manchester City midfielder Rodri is "very happy" to be playing again but accepts it will be "months" before he returns to his top level.

The Ballon d'Or winner was Pep Guardiola's most noticeable absentee last season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but he is making positive steps in his recovery before next season.

He says he feels "very strong" and is excited to build up his minutes and fitness during the Club World Cup in America.

"I feel very good, and very happy to be here," he said. "An amazing tournament to start playing football again and I am really excited to join the team on the pitch.

"That's the most important thing.

"This [the Club World Cup] is a massive opportunity for me to come back.

"I feel very, very strong to be honest. The process [of recovery] was long, but I was taking my time and said that the most important thing was to keep focus and don't be sad or whatever.

"I knew one day I'll come back and this day has finally come. I'm very excited to play again.

"And though it's going to still be months until I reach my level, I am so happy."

Rodri replaced Nico Gonzalez after an hour in Monday's rout over Al Ain and is likely to feature against Juventus on Thursday after Guardiola hinted the heat will prompt rotation in his City XI.

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We asked for your views on who Aston Villa should buy if goalkeeper Emi Martinez leaves the club this summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Ian: If Martinez does leave let's make sure we get best price possible and we should look at either Henderson or Ramsdale to replace him. Both I feel are very good young keepers who have Premier League experience and can only improve. The other option is young Trafford from Burnley. We also need a good back-up as well.

Richard: I'm surprised that no-one has mentioned Ramsdale as a potential replacement if Martinez goes.

Rob: I'd rather Emi Martinez stayed at Villa next season. Goalkeepers with international pedigree and silverware are incredibly difficult to find at reasonable prices. Not to mention his leadership and charisma on and off the pitch! But if we have to let him go, I think Unai Emery should sign the goalkeeper that won him his most recent Europa League: Geronimo Rulli.

Emma: If Martinez goes, Chevalier seems a good choice. At the end of the day no one player is bigger than the club.

Matt: I'd rather take a 6/10 point deduction than use Martinez's sale to pass PSR. A new goalkeeper having to gel with our defence will cost us those points throughout the season.

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Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter in Orlando

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Manchester City forward Oscar Bobb is looking forward to a "fresh start" after experiencing "tough times" during a lengthy spell out injured last season.

The 21-year-old played in the Community Shield victory over rivals Manchester United last August, but sustained a broken leg in training thereafter.

He returned to training in February, but suffered a setback during his recovery and did not play again until April.

"It was tough at times," said Bobb. "But the club offered great support and I was always thinking of coming back stronger, so yeah, it was all good.

"Once I started running again, kicking the ball, training with the team, I was even happier than I've been before.

"I feel very good and happy to be here, excited, it's great to be with the team again."

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Norway international Bobb has made two substitute appearances at the Club World Cup in the United States and scored in the 6-0 thrashing of Al Ain on Sunday.

Boss Pep Guardiola has spoken openly about trimming his squad and when asked about his future, Bobb said: "I expect to be here.

"I think that's the way I have to look at it, try and impress every chance I get and just be ready.

"I want to play as much as possible, be decisive and play in the big games."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on how costly losing key midfielder Christian Norgaard would be and how Brentford will cope with so much change in personnel - with forward Bryan Mbeumo potentially on his way to Manchester United, plus a new head coach being appointed.

Here are some of your comments:

Mike: I'd rather lose Mbeumo than Norgaard. When Christian doesn't play, we don't win - the stats have shown it over and over again. Losing Thomas Frank was always going to make next season tough, but losing him and Norgaard would make me VERY concerned.

Ray: It is one thing to lose your manager, another to lose most of the training staff and undoubtedly your most prolific goalscorer - but now the captain too? We've got to be careful we don't sabotage all the years of building. Also, £10m is an insult, but Arsenal insulted us with the David Raya deal.

James: That's cheap! The captain is the manager on the pitch, and with the manager gone we need continuity. Norgaard is vital to Brentford - more so now when the club is in a state of flux.

Ian: I do think losing Mbeumo - and it looks like Norgaard and Collins too - and only replacing Frank with Keith Andrews will sadly bring an end, for now, to the Bees' stay in the Premier League.

Sanjay: We cannot lose him. He has been such an invaluable member of the team and is tough and strong on the pitch. The fans will say to Christian: "Please stay!"

Steve: Losing Norgaard would be far worse than losing Bryan. He does the hard yards and dirty work that lets others play around him. His experience in the changing room would be just as big a miss as his presence on the pitch. The new manager can't be happy about potentially losing a senior member of the team.

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Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have declared an interest in taking Brentford captain Christian Norgaard to the Emirates, with an initial fee of £10m being mentioned.

Norgaard was linked with a reunion with former manager Thomas Frank at Tottenham earlier this summer and his record shows why he is highly regarded by the top teams.

The 31-year-old has just completed his sixth successive season at Gtech Community Stadium, including all four of the Bees' Premier League campaigns.

Since his top-flight debut in 2021, Norgaard has made 201 interceptions - the most of any Premier League player during this period - while he also ranks second overall for recoveries (844) and third for tackles won (189).

He is not necessarily renowned for goalscoring, but six goals in 2024-25 was also the best return of his entire 14-year professional career.

Norgaard could effectively replace Thomas Partey in Arsenal's midfield. Contract talks with the Ghana international, who joined the Gunners for £45m from Atletico Madrid in 2020, have reached an impasse, with Partey's current deal due to expire in July.

While Norgaard offers his own well of experience, it would not be a like-for-like replacement: Partey offers more dynamism carrying the ball in central areas, whereas Norgaard is more of a traditional six, screening for danger in front of Brentford's defence.

As a result, Partey's average carrying stats comfortably surpass those of the Dane, while Norgaard is more prolific at breaking up opposition attacks.

What Arsenal may lose should Partey depart this summer is a degree of versatility. He made 14 appearances at right-back last season, whereas Norgaard's all came in midfield.

Norgaard has occasionally played on the right of midfield, or in central defence, in the Premier League for Brentford, but he has never started a top-flight game at full-back.

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Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest do not want to sell Anthony Elanga.

The winger has become a key man at the City Ground and Forest have rejected an offer, reportedly worth £45m, from Newcastle.

The Magpies have admired the 23-year-old for a while and tried to bring him to St James' Park last summer.

Yet Forest are prepared to stand firm and want to keep their big players ahead of returning to Europe next season after sealing a Europa Conference League play-off spot.

Elanga played in every one of Forest's Premier League games last season, making 31 starts and scoring six times as Nuno Espirito Santo's side finished seventh.

He joined for £15m from Manchester United in 2023 and has made 82 appearances for Forest, scoring 11 goals.

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