Managers & contracts
Manager moves, contracts and dugout news.
Saturday, 18 July 2026
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Newcastle United pre-season: Willock and Murphy stand out in Darlington win
Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy stood out as Newcastle United opened pre-season with a 3-0 friendly win over Darlington, while Sean Neave also scored.
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World Cup 2026 team of the tournament led by Messi
The Independent's World Cup 2026 team of the tournament is driven by Lionel Messi's 8 goals and 4 assists, plus Spain's one-goal defence.
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Harry Kane’s 2030 answer exposes England’s striker problem
Harry Kane’s 2030 answer leaves England’s striker succession unresolved, with 85 goals in 124 caps and few convincing No 9 options behind him.
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Ollie Rathbone says Manchester United clash will be a humbling experience
Ollie Rathbone says facing Manchester United will be a humbling experience as the Wrexham midfielder reflects on his academy roots and gratitude.
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Capdevila denied ESTA before World Cup final as he asks Trump for help
Joan Capdevila has appealed to Donald Trump after being denied an ESTA before the World Cup final, with travel costs and security concerns in play.
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Lawrence Shankland says Rangers move is about proving himself, not pressure
Lawrence Shankland says he feels no extra pressure at Rangers, insisting the move is about proving himself and fitting into Derek McInnes' plans.
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Andrey Santos set for Manchester United debut against Wrexham
Andrey Santos looks set for a Manchester United debut against Wrexham, with United short in midfield and other new arrivals on slower timelines.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold says Mourinho's standards are already setting the tone at Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold says José Mourinho’s intense Real Madrid pre-season sessions are setting the tone, with trophies the target.
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Kylian Mbappe still alive in the Golden Boot race
Kylian Mbappe is tied with Lionel Messi on eight World Cup goals, but Messi leads the tiebreakers on assists and minutes before the third-place match.
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Emma Hayes turns tactics row into the World Cup’s sharpest viral moment
Emma Hayes’ sharp response to tactics corner criticism is the standout viral World Cup moment, as BBC’s feature also spotlights IShowSpeed and Lineker.
Friday, 17 July 2026
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Jürgen Klopp Germany job near agreement after Munich talks
Reports say Jürgen Klopp’s Germany job is near agreement after Munich talks, with Red Bull exit details still being settled.
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France vs England bronze final carries more edge than the usual third-place playoff
Thomas Tuchel says neither France nor England want the World Cup bronze final, while Didier Deschamps says farewell and Kylian Mbappe keeps chasing the
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Cologne's English connection from Woodcock to Heskey
Cologne's English connection is rare, with Tony Woodcock's 130 Bundesliga appearances and 39 goals still the benchmark as Reigan Heskey arrives.
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Pep Guardiola says he does not miss football after leaving Manchester City
Pep Guardiola says he does not miss football and wants time away from management, while Rooney keeps England speculation alive.
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Ederson extends Atalanta contract after Manchester United pull out
Ederson has extended his Atalanta contract to June 2031 after Manchester United pulled out of a reported €45m move over medical test concerns.
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Manchester United recruitment looks smarter after the £85m midfield swing
Manchester United signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for £85m combined, the same figure Tottenham reportedly paid for Mateus Fernandes.
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Jarrod Bowen says staying at West Ham is the obvious call
Jarrod Bowen says staying at West Ham to chase promotion is a no-brainer, ending summer transfer speculation after a revised contract.
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James Trafford transfer race gathers pace as Leeds wait on City
James Trafford's future is driving a summer transfer race, with Manchester City open to offers, Leeds waiting, and Villa and Newcastle monitoring.
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Manchester City loans exhibition day puts academy talent in the shop window
Manchester City hosted clubs at their training ground for a loans exhibition day showcasing fringe talent including Max Alleyne, Josh Wilson-Esbrand and
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Newcastle transfer rebuild now hinges on desire
Newcastle’s transfer rebuild is now focused on players who want the move, after misses on targets and a younger summer intake under Eddie Howe.
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Dominik Szoboszlai signs new Liverpool contract until 2031
Dominik Szoboszlai has signed a new Liverpool contract until 2031 after 147 appearances, 28 goals and 24 assists for the club.
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Dominik Szoboszlai signs new Liverpool contract through 2031
Dominik Szoboszlai has signed a new Liverpool deal until 2031 after 147 appearances, 28 goals and 24 assists since his £60m move.
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Spain 2026's record-setting run matches the 2010 side
Spain's 2026 World Cup side have six clean sheets and a 37-match unbeaten run, with Unai Simón setting a goalkeeper record.
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Everton away kit to debut at Dundee
Everton have unveiled their 2026-27 away kit, inspired by a late-1950s amber-trimmed design, and it debuts at Dundee on Saturday.
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Dominik Szoboszlai contract nears as Gerrard backs him
Steven Gerrard has backed Dominik Szoboszlai as a future Liverpool captain as a new Anfield contract moves closer.
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Bradley Barcola's World Cup form is building a Premier League transfer case
Bradley Barcola's seven-match, two-goal World Cup and uncertain role at Paris Saint Germain are drawing Liverpool and Arsenal interest.
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Wrexham vs Manchester United preview in Helsinki
Phil Parkinson says Wrexham's Helsinki friendly against Manchester United is a genuine pre-season test, with intensity and out-of-possession work the main
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England's Euro 2028 challenge is refreshing Tuchel's ageing core
England Euro 2028 planning looks more like an age problem than a talent one, with Tuchel needing a younger core over the next two years.
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Mason Mount has a big pre-season ahead at Manchester United
Mason Mount faces a big pre-season at Manchester United after 70 missed games, 72 appearances and only 25 Premier League starts.
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Hearts vs Rayo Vallecano is being used as a Champions League dress rehearsal
Wouter Vrancken says Hearts must use their Tynecastle friendly against Rayo Vallecano as a Champions League dress rehearsal before Sturm Graz.