Chelsea’s Pursuit of Experience

Chelsea are reportedly in discussions to sign Brighton striker Danny Welbeck. The 35-year-old forward is said to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, with optimism from Chelsea’s side that a deal could be finalised. This potential transfer signals a shift in the club’s strategy, as they aim to bring in more experienced players.

The interest in Welbeck aligns with comments made by owner Behdad Eghbali in April, who indicated a need to “tweak” the club’s model of signing young players by adding experience. Welbeck’s arrival would provide a seasoned presence in the squad, a quality new manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly seeking.

Welbeck’s Recent Performance and Contract Status

Last season, Welbeck achieved a career-high 13 league goals in 37 appearances for Brighton, placing him joint-ninth among the top scorers in the Premier League. Since joining Brighton from Watford in 2020, he has scored 51 goals in 201 matches. These statistics highlight his continued effectiveness as a forward.

Welbeck signed a 12-month contract extension in March, with his current deal set to run until the end of the 2026-27 season. Despite this, Brighton are understood to be open to allowing the striker to leave for an appropriate fee. Brighton have declined to comment on the ongoing discussions.

Impact on Chelsea’s Attacking Options

A move for Welbeck would likely impact the futures of several current Chelsea forwards. There is uncertainty surrounding players such as Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson. Delap, who joined Chelsea from Ipswich for £30m a year ago, is increasingly expected to depart despite his desire to establish himself under Alonso.

Jackson, who recently returned from a loan spell at Bayern Munich, was anticipated to remain at Stamford Bridge but is reportedly open to leaving due to interest from Aston Villa. Other forwards on Chelsea’s books include Emmanuel Emegha and Marc Guiu. Guiu is reportedly available for a permanent transfer or a loan, with Chelsea valuing him at approximately £25m.

The club has already made significant signings this summer, including Morgan Rogers for a club-record £117m, full-back Marco Palestra, and are reportedly close to securing centre-back Maxence Lacroix. The potential addition of Welbeck, despite Chelsea not being involved in European competition, would further bolster their attacking options.

Reaction and Strategic Shift

The potential transfer has drawn attention, with former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand urging Welbeck to reject Chelsea’s interest and consider a return to Old Trafford. Ferdinand highlighted the opportunity for Champions League football next season in Manchester.

Welbeck came through the academy at Manchester United, scoring 29 goals in 142 appearances for the club before moving to Arsenal in 2014. His potential move to Chelsea is seen as a clear departure from the club’s previous strategy of focusing solely on young, inexperienced players, instead prioritising established talent with significant Premier League experience.

This strategic shift is also evident in Chelsea’s attempts to sign 33-year-old midfielder Granit Xhaka from Sunderland, though the Black Cats reportedly refused to sell the Switzerland captain. The arrival of Rogers, 23, while fitting the younger player policy, also brings considerable Premier League experience. Chelsea are also expected to complete a £52m move for Crystal Palace defender Lacroix, 26, to add further Premier League-ready experience.

Welbeck featured in 37 of Brighton’s 38 Premier League games last season.

Source: bbc.com

The post Chelsea in talks to sign Brighton forward Danny Welbeck appeared first on NewsGB.

Martinez’s Injury Status and Recovery

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez sustained an injury during Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain. The center-back was forced off the field just before half-time in the match where Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time after Argentina was reduced to 10 men. This incident raised concerns back in Manchester regarding his fitness.

Martinez is reportedly dealing with a thigh issue. This injury is different from previous setbacks that have affected his career at Manchester United, which include foot, knee, and calf injuries. His first season at Old Trafford was cut short by a fractured metatarsal, and various ailments led him to miss 41 games during the 2023–24 campaign. He also missed substantial periods due to a torn ACL.

Despite his history of injuries, the current thigh issue sustained in the World Cup final is not believed to be a major concern. Manchester United is optimistic that Martinez will be fit for the start of the 2026–27 Premier League season. The team is scheduled to visit Hull City for the opening weekend.

Fan Sentiment and Other Injury Concerns

Following Martinez’s latest injury, a poll was conducted among supporters regarding his future at Manchester United. Of the 5,024 respondents, 58 per cent voted against keeping him, citing his frequent injuries. However, 37 per cent disagreed, acknowledging his unreliability but emphasizing the team’s improved performance when he is available. Only five per cent were undecided.

Martinez is currently on his post-World Cup break, and the full extent of his injury is still being assessed by the club. However, there is optimism that the injury will not result in a prolonged absence.

Martinez is not the only defensive injury concern for Manchester United. Matthijs de Ligt, another defender, is also on the road to recovery from a back injury. De Ligt last played for Manchester United in November 2025. He underwent a corrective procedure in May, which was expected to keep him out for the summer, with a return targeted for the start of the 2026–27 season. However, his recovery has been delayed, and a return in the autumn is now the target.

The club has not yet made any defensive additions in the summer transfer window. Manager Michael Carrick is expected to rely on his current squad and hopes to have De Ligt available soon, though the Dutchman still has a considerable way to go before reaching full fitness.

Martinez was named in FIFA’s Dream XI, recognizing his individual performance during the tournament, despite Argentina’s loss in the final. The final match saw Martinez and his center-back partner Cristian Romero both succumb to injuries after resisting Spanish pressure.

Martinez has also addressed criticism directed at Argentina following their 2026 World Cup campaign. He described the criticism as an unjustified campaign, stating that there is “no real reason” for people to hate the national team.

He insisted that Argentina has always been respectful towards opponents, despite accusations of aggressive play and controversial incidents during the tournament. Martinez’s comments came after the team’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final.

The defender had previously responded to criticism after the final defeat on social media, stating that “the fall of the great is the happiness of the mediocre.”

Source: si.com

The post Martinez’s Injury Status and Recovery appeared first on NewsGB.

Norris secures victory after early challenge

Lando Norris concluded the first half of the Formula 1 season with a victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, a performance he described as one of his best. This win marked McLaren’s first of the 2026 season. Despite a challenging start to the season for the reigning world champion and his team, Norris capitalised on car upgrades to deliver a strong performance.

Norris, who started from pole position, initially lost the lead to his teammate Oscar Piastri at Turn Two on the opening lap due to misjudging the grip. However, he maintained composure, noting that he could easily keep pace with Piastri despite being in the dirty air. Norris expressed confidence in his ability to win, citing his superior pace and tyre degradation management.

Circumstances later presented Norris with an opportunity to regain the lead. Around half-distance, McLaren pitted Piastri to cover Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari, which had just stopped for fresh tyres. This move gave Norris clear track ahead, allowing him to set a rapid pace. Piastri’s chances of holding the lead were further impacted by a collision with Carlos Sainz while lapping the Williams driver.

Piastri later retired from the race due to a gearbox issue, preventing a potential one-two finish for McLaren. He expressed frustration with Sainz regarding the collision, stating that a lack of awareness was unacceptable. Sainz, however, indicated he was unaware of Piastri’s presence and found it impossible to avoid the contact.

Ferrari’s struggles and Mercedes’ mixed fortunes

Ferrari, despite being considered pre-race favourites and showing strong pace in Friday practice, encountered difficulties throughout the weekend. Team boss Frederic Vasseur acknowledged that the team made “too many mistakes.” Hamilton, after qualifying second, received a penalty for impeding Piastri, dropping him to fifth on the grid.

Charles Leclerc, starting alongside Norris on the front row, fell behind Piastri, Max Verstappen, and Hamilton early in the race. Hamilton briefly moved ahead of Verstappen during the first pit stops but was subsequently overtaken by the Dutchman at Turn One. A five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane further hampered Hamilton, leading to Ferrari finishing fourth and fifth.

For Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli extended his championship lead with a third-place finish, despite starting P7 due to a yellow flag infringement penalty. Antonelli’s strategic race management, including an initial plan for a one-stop race, allowed him to make gains. This result was seen as positive for Antonelli on a weekend where Mercedes was not expected to contend for victory.

In contrast, Antonelli’s teammate George Russell faced a more challenging race. A difficult start, caused by anti-stall activation, relegated him to the back of the field. Russell managed to recover positions, ultimately finishing seventh, but it was not the outcome he had hoped for after a previous race incident at Spa.

Red Bull’s podium and midfield battles

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured a podium finish, navigating what he described as a race of “survival.” Despite initial struggles with car balance during qualifying, Verstappen started from the second row after penalties for Hamilton and Antonelli. He quickly moved into third place on the opening lap, showcasing defensive driving against the Ferraris.

Verstappen temporarily lost a position to Hamilton during the first round of pit stops but regained it with a move at Turn One. He managed the remaining laps on increasingly worn soft tyres and benefited from Piastri’s retirement to finish second. His teammate, Isack Hadjar, also contributed to the team’s points haul, securing a sixth-place finish.

In the midfield, Racing Bulls demonstrated a strong performance, with Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad both securing points finishes. Lawson, despite a disappointing Q2 exit, recovered to finish eighth after a battle with Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg. Lindblad achieved his sixth consecutive top-10 finish, rounding out a strong first half of his maiden F1 campaign.

The Formula 1 season will resume after a four-week summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix.

Source: bbc.co.uk

The post Norris secures Hungarian Grand Prix victory for McLaren appeared first on NewsGB.

Tour de France stage 20 concludes with Carapaz victory

Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) secured his second stage victory in three days on Saturday, winning the final mountain stage 20 of the Tour de France. The Ecuadorian rider, already a stage winner in Orcières-Merlette and third in Friday’s stage to Alpe d’Huez, capitalized on two late falls by Sepp Kuss (Visma-Lease a Bike) in the final 10km to claim the win on Alpe d’Huez. Carapaz also confirmed his lead in the King of the Mountains classification, securing the polka dot jersey.

The stage saw a 14-rider breakaway form early, including Carapaz, Kuss, and Jai Hindley (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe). Carapaz was active throughout, attacking on the Col de la Croix de Fer and later claiming the Souvenir Henri Desgranges for being the first rider over the race’s highest point. Despite Kuss initially dropping his companions with 17.4km remaining, Carapaz maintained his pursuit. Kuss’s falls, first at the exit of a tunnel and then almost over a wall on a descent, allowed Carapaz to pass him and extend his lead to 31 seconds by the finish line. Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) finished second, 26 seconds behind Carapaz, with Kuss being overtaken in the final 500 metres.

Race leader Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) finished fourth on the stage, effectively confirming his fifth overall victory in the Tour de France. Pogacar spent the day working as a domestique for his teammate Isaac del Toro, ensuring Del Toro secured the final spot on the general classification podium and the white jersey for the best young rider. Pogacar and Del Toro crossed the finish line together, a gesture Pogacar described as providing “goosebumps” and a memory.

Shortened final stage in Paris

The final stage of the Tour de France in Paris will be shortened due to wildfires elsewhere in France. The decision was made in a joint statement by the Tour organizer, ASO, and the prefecture police. The ministry of the interior has redeployed some internal security forces, initially assigned to the final stage, to reinforce efforts in the areas affected by the wildfires.

The modified route for the final stage will now be 89km long, reduced from the originally planned 133km. The stage will commence on the Champs-Élysées, featuring two laps of the avenue followed by circuits of the Butte Montmartre. The publicity caravan is scheduled to depart from Thoiry at 1:20 PM, proceeding directly to the final circuit in Paris after a parade. Team presentations are set for 3:40 PM, after which riders will travel directly to the final circuit.

Wildfires near Bordeaux and Biscarrosse, in the Landes region, have destroyed more than 36,000 hectares of forest. This marks the third instance in this year’s race where a stage has been subject to prefecture intervention due to wildfires or a heatwave.

Safety concerns raised after Alpe d’Huez incidents

Following Friday’s chaotic climb on Alpe d’Huez, significant concerns were raised regarding spectator behavior and rider safety. Incidents included in-race motorbikes being blocked by crowds, which stalled an attack from Evenepoel. A lack of crowd control also led to Movistar climber Einer Rubio abandoning the race after colliding with the rear windscreen of a UAE team car. Rubio was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Grenoble, where he received 20 stitches for facial injuries. The crash was reportedly caused by an unruly spectator falling in front of the car, forcing it to brake suddenly.

Race director Thierry Gouvenou commented on the incident, suggesting that older car models might have prevented the accident, seemingly attributing blame to modern braking sensors. Further footage emerged of fans wrestling over gifts from the caravane publicitaire and climbing on moving race vehicles, contributing to the perception of a race that was out of control. French national champion Romain Grégoire described spectators as being “so drunk that it was more like being slapped on the arse, than getting pushes.” Klaas Lodewyck, Evenepoel’s Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe sports director, stated that while cheering is acceptable, punching side mirrors and banging on windows crosses a line.

The spat between Carapaz and French climber Lenny Martinez also continued into Saturday morning. Carapaz had accused Martinez of “cutting in front” of him on the final corner of Friday’s stage. Martinez, however, remained unconcerned, stating, “I knew I had to be first through the corner. We’re not at Club Med – I’m not letting him go first.”

Pogacar, who extended his overall lead on Friday, could afford to concede 39 seconds to Evenepoel on Saturday and will begin Sunday’s shortened stage into Paris with a lead of six minutes and 26 seconds.

Source: theguardian.com

The post Paris Tour de France finale shortened due to wildfires; Carapaz wins stage 20 appeared first on NewsGB.

Adam Ramsay-Peaty, a prominent figure in swimming, expressed significant emotion after securing a bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The athlete, who has achieved three Olympic gold medals and eight world titles, was visibly moved, with tears and frustration evident following the race.

Despite entering the final as the fastest qualifier, Ramsay-Peaty finished third, behind Sam Williamson of Australia and Filip Nowicki from Jersey. Nowicki, an 18-year-old, was described as someone Ramsay-Peaty had mentored. The English swimmer was in third position at the halfway point and was unable to close the gap on his competitors.

Reflecting on the Race and Future

Ramsay-Peaty articulated his disappointment, stating, “I work a lot harder than what it says on the scoreboard.” He conveyed that the result “hurts too much” and indicated a need to adjust his training approach. He also questioned the effort involved, including early morning starts and missed family events, given the outcome.

The swimmer has openly discussed the demanding choices associated with being an elite athlete, including time away from his son. He likened the experience to a strong team being eliminated in the group stages of a World Cup, knowing they are capable of more and facing a long wait for the next major championship. Ramsay-Peaty suggested that this might realistically be his final Commonwealth Games appearance, expressing frustration that he had trained for a better performance and had achieved faster times earlier in the season.

Following a period away from swimming in 2023 due to mental health issues, Ramsay-Peaty has been seeking to regain his winning form on significant stages. He previously missed out on Olympic gold in Paris two years prior. Despite considering retirement after the Paris event, he committed to another four years of competition when the 50m race was added to the program for Los Angeles 2028.

The 100m breaststroke has historically been his dominant event, where he remained undefeated for eight years. However, he is now contemplating the long-term viability of this event, suggesting the 50m race might be a more realistic focus due to its less physically demanding nature. He is scheduled to compete in the 50m event on Sunday morning.

Addressing Critics and Personal Challenges

Ramsay-Peaty also directed strong remarks towards critics on social media and in the media. He asserted, “You can’t hurt me,” and urged them to “do better.” He emphasized that his emotional reaction stemmed from knowing his swim could have been improved and that his effort surpassed the result, rather than solely from not winning gold. He questioned the purpose of his rigorous training given the outcome.

He mentioned the challenges he has faced, including an estrangement from one side of his family, and expressed that such external pressures take a toll. He believes he deserves more recognition for the difficulties he has navigated. Despite the emotional display, Ramsay-Peaty stated he is not afraid to show vulnerability, believing it contributes to making individuals stronger. He also mentioned that his wife, Holly, who is expecting a baby in December, remains proud of him, and that for a father, returning home with a teddy is what truly matters.

While acknowledging the disappointment, Ramsay-Peaty maintains his drive for the Los Angeles Olympics, stating that his sprinting abilities do not disappear overnight. He plans to re-evaluate his approach to regain his speed. He still has another opportunity for a gold medal at these Commonwealth Games, competing in the heats of the 50m on Sunday, with the final scheduled for Monday.

The swimmer reflected on his current age and capabilities, but affirmed his fighting spirit. He noted another upcoming opportunity in two weeks at the Europeans. The 100m breaststroke final saw Sam Williamson win in 59.37 seconds, with Filip Nowicki finishing 0.17 seconds behind. Ramsay-Peaty’s time of 59.65 seconds was nearly three seconds off his world record.

On Sunday, the Commonwealth Games schedule includes various events, such as bowls and Para-bowls from 08:30 to 14:00, netball matches including Wales v Scotland and Australia v England from 09:00 to 12:30, and weightlifting finals. Swimming and Para-swimming events are scheduled from 10:30 to 13:00, with nine finals taking place between 19:00 and 22:00.

Source: bbc.com

The post Glasgow: Adam Ramsay-Peaty emotional after Commonwealth Games bronze appeared first on NewsGB.

Crystal Palace secured a 3-0 victory over Bromley in a pre-season friendly match held at Hayes Lane. The game marked the second friendly for Crystal Palace under manager Pierre Sage.

Despite the loss, pre-season matches are often viewed as opportunities for teams to build fitness and for players to adapt to new tactical approaches. For Crystal Palace, this match followed an earlier 5-1 win against Swindon Town behind closed doors, where Eddie Nketiah scored and Matheus Franca achieved a second-half hat-trick. Pierre Sage had previously noted that his squad was capable of 15 to 20 minutes of full intensity after five training sessions.

Player Performances and Squad Concerns

The match against Bromley offered some insights into individual player performances. Cheick Doucoure, a Mali international, appeared to be rusty, though his recent injury history might account for this. Another player, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, had a quiet display, raising concerns for Crystal Palace.

Rak-Sakyi’s career trajectory has been a point of discussion. After promising loan spells with Charlton in the 2022/23 season and Sheffield United in the 2024/25 season, his development at Crystal Palace has been less straightforward. During his time at Charlton, he scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 43 appearances in League One. Despite this, he spent the 2023/24 season on the bench under former manager Roy Hodgson.

In the summer of 2024, Crystal Palace reportedly rejected two £15m bids for Rak-Sakyi. This was confirmed by Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder, who mentioned the bids and widespread interest from the Championship before securing Rak-Sakyi on loan. Despite these offers, and the fact that neither Hodgson nor Oliver Glasner seemed to favour Rak-Sakyi for the first team in the 2024/25 season, the bids were declined.

Following his loan at Sheffield United, Rak-Sakyi’s profile reportedly diminished, leading to an underwhelming loan to Turkish club Caykur Rizespor for half of last season, and then to Stoke for the second half. Currently, Rak-Sakyi has 12 months remaining on his contract and is considered likely to leave for free in 2027, with the club unlikely to receive similar transfer offers again. This situation has been described as a missed opportunity for both the club and the player, particularly given Crystal Palace’s need to manage their UEFA 70% Squad Cost Ratio.

Bromley’s Preparations and Managerial Reunion

For Bromley, the match against Crystal Palace served as part of their preparations for their upcoming season in League One, following their promotion after winning the League Two title with 87 points. This marks their first time in League One. The club’s home expected points total of 37.19 ranked 10th in their division, suggesting they often surpassed underlying statistical expectations at Hayes Lane.

The fixture also held a personal significance for Bromley manager Andy Woodman, who previously worked at Crystal Palace as both a player and a coach. This match was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. Bromley had previously lost 4-1 to West Brom in Portugal, a game where Victor Adeboyejo scored a first-half penalty.

Both teams are expected to rotate their squads heavily in pre-season matches, especially with other fixtures scheduled shortly after. Crystal Palace has upcoming games against Lens and Famalicao. Several players who participated in the World Cup are also expected to remain unavailable due to extended breaks, and uncertainty surrounds Maxence Lacroix and Adam Wharton due to transfer interest.

The match between Bromley and Crystal Palace was one of several friendly fixtures played on Saturday, 25th July.

Source: bbc.co.uk

The post Bromley suffers 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in pre-season friendly appeared first on NewsGB.

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has stated he cannot guarantee the future of captain Bruno Guimaraes, despite having positive discussions with the midfielder. This comes as reports indicate Arsenal are preparing an offer for the Brazil international.

Howe confirmed he has spoken with Guimaraes before, during, and after the World Cup. However, he maintained that the specifics of these conversations must remain private. He described Guimaraes as “a great player, a great person” and noted that speculation regarding the player’s future is not something he is directly involved in.

Guimaraes’ Situation and Team Changes

Guimaraes is expected to return to Newcastle on Friday and join the squad for a pre-season training camp in Spain. His return follows Brazil‘s exit from the World Cup this month.

Howe addressed comparisons between Guimaraes’ situation and the departure of Alexander Isak, who left Newcastle last summer. The head coach emphasised that there is “nothing to say Bruno won’t be back training with us.” He reiterated the club’s affection for Guimaraes, stating, “We absolutely love him and, of course, everyone will want him to stay.”

The Newcastle midfield has seen changes, including the departure of Sandro Tonali. Young midfielders Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba have since joined the club from Ajax and Monaco, respectively.

New Midfield Arrivals and Development Strategy

Steur made his debut for Newcastle, playing 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Gateshead in a pre-season friendly. Howe praised Steur’s performance, saying he “played really well today” and could be “really pleased with his performance and first showing in Newcastle colours.”

Steur’s move from Ajax is considered unusual for an academy graduate of his age. Willem Weijs, who coached Steur at Jong Ajax, described him as “one of the highest-rated” players in their academy. Weijs highlighted Steur’s technical ability, composure, and vision, noting his strengths in first touches, creating options in possession, scanning, and comfort on the ball in tight spaces.

However, Weijs also pointed out areas for development, particularly the defensive aspect of his game. He suggested Steur needs to “compete better in the duels” and spend “much more time in the gym.”

Newcastle’s transfer strategy this summer has focused on acquiring players aged 20 and under from continental Europe. This approach has brought in players like Steur, Bamba, Ewen Jaouen, and Bazoumana Toure. Howe stressed the importance of supporting these new players, stating, “We all need to be very supportive to the players that have come in.” He added that his role includes alleviating pressure on them to allow them to develop and enjoy their time at the club.

The club’s desire to retain Guimaraes is significant, especially after recent departures. Arsenal, meanwhile, are reportedly set to make a £70 million bid for Guimaraes.

The transfer window continues to be active, with clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham working to strengthen their squads. Arsenal have already confirmed the signing of Christos Tzolis and are exploring a deal for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior. They are also linked with Ezri Konsa, John Stones, and Jacobo Ramon, in addition to ongoing interest in players such as Julian Alvarez, Bradley Barcola, and Marcus Rashford.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni has received a boost, with his Real Madrid teammate Eduardo Camavinga also on their radar, alongside other midfielders like Carlos Baleba, Manu Kone, Sander Berge, Danilo, and Tyler Adams. Chelsea is looking to sign Kerim Alajbegovic and Alex Scott, having already welcomed Morgan Rogers, while Maxence Lacroix underwent a medical for a move from Crystal Palace.

Tottenham is reportedly interested in Andreas Schjelderup and Rafael Leao as Cristian Romero‘s exit is anticipated. Liverpool has made a move for Maghnes Akliouche and is also targeting Barcola and Rayan. Bayern Munich has rebuffed Real Madrid’s interest in Michael Olise, with director Christoph Freund stating Olise will play an important role for Bayern this season.

Jose Mourinho, the new Real Madrid boss, is prepared to fight to keep Vinicius Junior in the Spanish capital. Juventus remains in talks with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Randal Kolo Muani. Pat Nevin has suggested that Alex Scott could be a replacement for Moises Caicedo at Chelsea, noting Scott’s experience in the Premier League and suitable age.

Manchester United’s midfield targets include a list of three names after missing out on Elliot Anderson, who moved to Manchester City. They also appear set to miss out on Aurelien Tchouameni, who is reported to have agreed a new contract at Real Madrid, and Alex Scott, who was the subject of a bid from Chelsea. Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has suggested that Antonio Nusa should not be a priority for Arsenal, advocating for more experienced players who have won trophies. He also believes Arsenal needs a statement signing like Bradley Barcola or Nico Williams to reach the next level.

Chelsea’s Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda have been left out of the initial 27-man travelling squad for their pre-season tour due to minor issues. Emegha sustained a hamstring injury, while Quenda has an unspecified minor issue. Pat Nevin believes Tottenham would be a suitable destination for Marcus Rashford, suggesting it would allow him to be a central figure with creative players supporting him.

Arsenal’s interest in Bruno Guimaraes continues to be a significant point of discussion as the transfer window progresses.

Source: bbc.co.uk

The post Newcastle’s Guimaraes Future Uncertain Amid Arsenal Interest appeared first on NewsGB.

Manchester United achieved their first pre-season victory, defeating Rosenborg 5-0 in a friendly match held in Trondheim. The performance followed a prior defeat to Wrexham and showcased an evolving style of play under manager Michael Carrick.

Four academy prospects contributed to the scoring, alongside a goal from Joshua Zirkzee. The match highlighted both individual performances and the influence of the club’s youth academy.

Evolving Style of Play

Under Michael Carrick, Manchester United displayed a shift in their tactical approach. While previously relying heavily on transitions and fast-breaks, the team appeared comfortable maintaining possession against Rosenborg. This marks a potential evolution from the style seen in Carrick’s initial tenure, where the team ranked third in fast breaks per game and joint first in goals from fast breaks per 90 after his first game in charge.

The team’s second and fourth goals against Rosenborg still demonstrated their ability to transition effectively, indicating that this element remains part of their strategy. However, the overall performance suggested a move towards a more possession-oriented game, which may explain the appeal of signing players like Youri Tielemans.

Key Player Performances

Joshua Zirkzee, wearing the number 11 shirt for United, was a standout performer, contributing two goals and an assist during his 60 minutes on the pitch. His technical quality was evident, particularly in his second goal, which involved intricate footwork to bypass defenders and the goalkeeper. Despite this display, questions persist regarding his suitability for a prominent role in English football, with some suggesting his performance might offer insight into how Carrick plans to utilize Benjamin Sesko upon his return.

Other first-team players who started the friendly included Bryan Mbeumo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Patrick Dorgu, and new signing Andrey Santos, who joined for £50 million. Santos’s energy and passing ability were noted as early positive signs. Dorgu, returning from injury, also showed promise, having previously scored from the left wing in Carrick’s first two games.

Academy Prospects Shine

The match also served as a platform for several academy graduates. Shea Lacey, 19, started as the number 10 and scored the opening goal with a composed finish. He was voted player of the match by United fans, indicating his growing influence after his season was cut short by injury and a red card in the FA Cup last season.

Harry Amass, another 19-year-old, entered as a half-time substitute and scored, demonstrating good instincts for getting into dangerous areas from full-back. His progress had been affected by injuries last season following loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich. Jacob Devaney, 19, and Ethan Williams, 20, also found the net, with Devaney’s goal coming from a corner and Williams’s from a cross by Jaydan Kamason.

Jaydan Kamason, a 19-year-old right-back, provided two assists, showcasing strong attacking play despite some positional challenges off the ball. Manager Michael Carrick praised the youngsters, stating they were “fantastic” and “deserved what they got.”

Goalkeeper Radek Vitek, 22, played 71 minutes and maintained a clean sheet. Vitek, who has spent time on loan at Accrington Stanley, Blau-Weiss Linz, and Bristol City, is yet to make a competitive appearance for United. He was deputizing for Senne Lammens, who was involved in the World Cup with Belgium.

Fifteen-year-old JJ Gabriel, named the Premier League U18 Player of the Season last year, was an unused substitute despite being included in the travelling squad. Carrick indicated that Gabriel is expected to get minutes in upcoming friendlies. United will next face Atletico Madrid in Stockholm.

Source: skysports.com

The post Manchester United secure 5-0 victory over Rosenborg in pre-season friendly appeared first on NewsGB.

Ascot is set to host the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday, an event that race organisers have highlighted as a significant fixture. The racecourse recently announced annual pre-tax profits of £10.5m in 2025 and revealed that next year’s King George will feature a British-record prize of £2.5m.

The track has also cleared its debt, having paid off the final £3m of a loan taken for its grandstand in 2006. Attendance figures for last month’s Royal meeting saw an increase across all five days, establishing a post-Covid record.

King George’s renewed focus

In recent years, the King George, a 12-furlong all-aged Group One race, has faced challenges in maintaining its prize money and prestige compared to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. However, Nick Smith, Ascot‘s director of racing and public affairs, stated that a strategic decision was made two years ago to prioritise the King George as their main race asset.

This year’s renewal features a prize fund of £2m, making it the most valuable race in Ascot‘s history, at least until next year’s increase. Smith described the current field as the strongest this century, including last year’s top two racehorses, Calandagan and Masquerade Ball, along with the leading one-and-a-half mile three-year-old, Benvenuto Cellini. Other notable contenders include Kalpana, Minnie Hauk, and Goliath, a previous winner.

The presence of Masquerade Ball, one of two Japanese-trained runners, is particularly significant. Japan’s racing industry is known for valuing stamina in its champions. Millions of Japanese fans are anticipated to watch the race, hoping for a historic victory. Ascot‘s broader goal is to promote the King George as a premier race in its own right.

Smith emphasised the race’s heritage, noting that the course will display flags with the colours of every past King George winner. He underscored that the event is promoted as Britain’s premier all-aged race and a special sporting moment.

International contenders and local tips

Masquerade Ball‘s participation follows a journey to Britain, with trainer Takahisa Tezuka expressing satisfaction with the horse’s condition since arriving on 12 July. Tezuka highlighted Masquerade Ball‘s physical and mental development from three to four years old, noting that the horse appears happy and training is progressing well.

The Japanese colt finished closely behind Calandagan in the Japan Cup, with only 2lb separating them on ratings. Benvenuto Cellini, the Irish Derby winner, is another strong competitor. Minnie Hauk, who secured a close second in a previous Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, also showed strong form in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes.

For the supporting races at Ascot, several tips have been offered. In the Longines Valiant Stakes at 2:20, SKYDANCE, trained by Willie McCreery, is a preferred choice. This horse has shown strong form, including a notable win at Leopardstown. The Moet & Chandon International Handicap at 2:55 sees a preference for COMPLETELY RANDOM, trained by Harry Charlton, who performed well at Royal Ascot. In the concluding Whispering Angel Handicap at 5:20, SIR YOSHI, trained by Geoff Harker, is considered a contender, having shown promise in a recent outing at Pontefract.

Other tips for Saturday’s races include Getreadytorumble for the 5:20 Ascot race, Fantastic Fox for the 4:00 Newcastle race, and Blue Rc for the 4:45 Ascot race. Amazing Journey is noted for the 2:55 Ascot race, while Son is tipped for the 3:05 York race. Damysus is also fancied for the 2:35 York race.

The long-term ambition for Ascot is to eventually match the prize money of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which currently stands at €5m (£4.24m). Smith acknowledged that this goal would take several years to achieve, but the increased prize money for the King George is seen as a clear indication of their commitment.

The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes is scheduled to take place on Saturday.

Source: theguardian.com

The post Ascot prepares for King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes appeared first on NewsGB.

Youngsters shine in pre-season friendly

Manchester United secured a 5-0 victory against Rosenborg in a pre-season friendly held in Trondheim, Norway. The match saw a strong performance from the club’s young players, who were praised by manager Michael Carrick for their expression on the pitch.

Carrick initially fielded a strong side but introduced several youngsters throughout the game. Full-backs Jaydan Kamason and Harry Amass entered at half-time, with Kamason providing two assists and Amass contributing a goal and an assist. Eight more young players joined the action on the hour mark, including Jack Fletcher and Tyler Fletcher in midfield. Jacob Devaney, playing at centre-back, scored from a corner, while winger Ethan Williams completed the scoring.

The young players displayed excellent football against Rosenborg, showing ruthlessness that was not present in their previous outing against Wrexham. Carrick expressed his delight at their performance, stating that the second-half play was “really, really good.” He also highlighted their potential and their drive to improve.

Squad progression and upcoming fixtures

Goalkeeper Radek Vitek played for over 70 minutes before being replaced by Dermot Mee. Carrick was satisfied with the team’s defensive effort, noting that they largely protected the goalkeepers and secured a clean sheet, which he described as “a beautiful thing.”

This match was Manchester United‘s second pre-season friendly. The team will now return to Carrington for another week of training in Manchester. Their next fixture is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, when they will face Atletico Madrid in Stockholm.

Carrick indicated that the team is in a good position, with approximately four weeks remaining until the start of the season. He also mentioned the gradual return of players who participated in the World Cup, emphasising the need for patience and time as the squad progresses.

JJ Gabriel’s senior call-up and potential debut

Among the travelling squad for the Rosenborg friendly was JJ Gabriel, a 15-year-old forward who received his first senior call-up. Gabriel, who will not turn 16 until October, was part of Carrick’s 25-man party for the match in Trondheim. He was named the Under-18 Premier League player of the season last term, despite being 14 when the campaign began.

Gabriel’s inclusion in the squad follows his progress through the club’s youth system. Should he feature in Norway, it would mark his first senior appearance for the club and another milestone in his young career. Director of football Jason Wilcox was reportedly involved in persuading Gabriel to remain at United last summer, as part of an effort to attract promising young talents to Old Trafford.

Gabriel first gained wider attention in April 2025, making a 25-minute cameo on his debut against Leeds, where he scored twice. He continued to impress last season, scoring 29 times in 32 appearances for the Red Devils and helping them reach the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Under-18 cup finals. He has been a regular in first-team training sessions, with Carrick closely monitoring the academy teams.

Gabriel was not involved in the previous week’s defeat by Wrexham in Helsinki, having returned to training less than a week earlier. The club is carefully managing the young talent. He was invited to the directors’ box on several occasions last season and met with Sir Alex Ferguson after a draw against West Ham in December.

If Gabriel makes his debut, he would be one of the youngest players to play a senior game for Manchester United. The youngest player to feature in a competitive match for the club was David Gaskell, who debuted at 16 years and 19 days. Gabriel will not reach 16 until October 6.

The Manchester United travelling squad for the friendly included several notable names: Tom Heaton, Radek Vitek, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, Patrick Dorgu, Andrey Santos, Bryan Mbeumo, Chido Obi, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Harry Amass, Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Dermot Mee, Shea Lacey, Ethan Williams, Jaydan Kamason, Jacob Devaney, Jim Thwaites, Dan Armer, and JJ Gabriel.

Injured players who were not available for the friendly included striker Benjamin Sesko, goalkeeper Karl Darlow, and defender Matthijs de Ligt. Tynan Thompson, who joined from Tottenham, was also not included in the squad. Manchester United has also launched their new away kit for the 2026/27 season, inspired by the 1988 kit, featuring a blue jersey with wavy stripes.

Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

The post Trondheim: Manchester United youngsters impress in pre-season victory over Rosenborg appeared first on NewsGB.