News
21 July 2026
Guardiola in Talks to Coach Italy After Manchester City Exit
England monitors Guardiola amid Tuchel criticism after World Cup semifinal loss [OSEN=Jeong Seung-woo Reporter] Pep Guardiola, 55 years old, has opened the possibility of returning to the field just months after leaving Manchester City. Amid reports that the Italian national team has emerged as his next destination, there are forecasts that England could also closely monitor his movements. The UK's 'BBC' reported on the 21st (Korean time) that "Guardiola, who achieved tremendous success in Spain, Germany, and England, could choose Italy as his next stage." According to Italy's 'Sky Sports', the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has already engaged in discussions to appoint Guardiola as the new national team coach. Paolo Maldini, Italy's legendary defender and the FIGC's new technical director, and his advisor Leonardo reportedly traveled to Barcelona, Spain, for three days of negotiations with Guardiola. Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo are also mentioned as candidates. If Guardiola takes charge of the Italian national team, he would become the second foreign coach in history and the first non-Italian manager since the 1960s. Guardiola concluded his 10-year tenure at Manchester City in May. His return to football comes just months later. He is no stranger to Italian football. Guardiola is fluent in Italian and played in Serie A from 2001 to 2003, spending two seasons at Brescia and one at AS Roma. Italy won the UEFA European Championship in 2021 by defeating England in the final but has since failed to qualify for the World Cup three times consecutively. Former coach Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout during the 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifiers playoffs. News of Italy's pursuit of Guardiola could also impact England. England finished third in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their best result in a men's major tournament since winning the 1966 World Cup on home soil. Despite the achievement, criticism toward coach Thomas Tuchel has been intense. England led Argentina 1-0 in the semifinals but lost 1-2. Tuchel's defensive substitutions were cited as a reason for failing to hold the lead. Tuchel, 52, joined the England national team in January 2025 and extended his contract by two years in February. The Football Association (FA) still maintains trust in him. Wayne Rooney mentioned the possibility of change. After the loss to Argentina, he said on his program 'The Wayne Rooney Show', "No other coach is currently visible. Unless it's Guardiola. If Guardiola is possible, they might try to bring him in." He added, "If they fire Tuchel, who can they bring? I think there's no better coach than Tuchel right now, except Guardiola." The FA had also contacted Guardiola before appointing Tuchel. Reports suggested Guardiola was close to a verbal agreement with England, contingent on staying at Manchester City. Guardiola lifted 20 trophies in 10 years in England. He won the Premier League six times, the FA Cup three times, the League Cup five times, and the Community Shield three times. He led the team to the UEFA Champions League title in 2023, followed by the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Manchester City was Guardiola's third professional team. He began his coaching career at Barcelona, where he spent most of his playing career. After managing Barcelona B, he took charge of the first team and won La Liga three times, the Champions League twice, five domestic cups, and two UEFA Super Cups and Club World Cups each. He then moved to Bayern Munich. Over three seasons, he won the Bundesliga every year, the DFB-Pokal twice, and the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup once each. There are not many trophies Guardiola has not lifted in club football. He bid farewell to Manchester City fans after the final match of the 2025-2026 season against Aston Villa at home. Manchester City lost 1-2 in that game. Guardiola, tearful at the time, said, "I'm so tired. Truly exhausted. I did everything I could. We all did." He reflected, "The memories from Barcelona and Bayern Munich are irreplaceable. Still, the memories built over 10 years here are more than anywhere else." He added, "If there were no trophies, I would have been fired. Still, looking at the trophies at home doesn't make me happy. The memories and relationships with this city, the coaching staff, and the players from day one make me happy." There was no regret in his decision to leave. Guardiola said, "This is the right time. I won't miss this life for a while." Manchester City competed with Arsenal for the Premier League title until the final match of the 2025-2026 season. Arsenal secured the title in the final week, and Manchester City failed to retain the crown. Guardiola, mentally and physically exhausted, emphasized the need for rest. He explained that he wanted to step back from club football, as he no longer had the energy to handle the environment of playing every three days and being required to win every competition. The national team offers a different environment. Unlike clubs, coaches do not train players daily and can escape tight schedules. It is a stage where Guardiola can secure the rest he wanted without completely stopping his coaching career. Italy is a traditional powerhouse with four World Cup and two Euro titles. Their current FIFA ranking has dropped to 15th, and they have missed the World Cup three times consecutively. If Guardiola is appointed, his first task will be qualifying for the 2028 Euro held in the UK and Ireland. Qualifiers begin in 2027. Major matches come earlier. Italy will face Belgium in a UEFA Nations League match at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on September 25. This is the stadium where Guardiola played during his time at AS Roma. Italy is grouped with Turkey and World Cup semifinalists France in the Nations League. They must play six matches from September to November, meaning Guardiola would face a challenging schedule from the start if appointed. Guardiola has never avoided new challenges. Having reached the top in different ways at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, he now faces a new domain as a national team coach. Whether he will lead Italy back to the top of the world, England will make a late attempt to secure him, or he will continue his planned rest remains undecided. The European football world is watching Guardiola's next move, one of the best coaches. /reccos23@osen.co.kr
21 July 2026
Chelsea Lacroix Talks, Ipswich £20m Bid, Villa's Jackson Chase - Internewscast Journal
The summer transfer window is open once again, running through to September 1, and clubs across the game are expected to be active as they shape their squads for the new season. Follow the latest transfer developments from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team below... United in talks for Kone Manchester United have spoken with representatives of Roma midfielder Manu Kone, though no agreement has been reached with the Italian club at this stage. For more on this story click HERE Doherty's a Blade Sheffield United have completed the signing of former Tottenham and Wolves defender Matt Doherty on a free transfer. The 34-year-old has agreed a one-year contract, with the Blades holding an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months. Doherty departed Wolves earlier this summer, and Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder said: 'You've got to be a seriously good player to have played as many times as he has for the likes of Wolves, Spurs and Atletico Madrid. 'Matt is a top pro on and off the pitch; he still has a real desire to achieve things in his career, and he wants to do that here. 'He'll drive those standards we are looking for and bring the best out of others in the squad. I've talked about culture carriers a lot over the years, and that's what I see in Matt.' Matt Doherty has been charged with driving standards at Bramall Lane Tolaj completes £4m Robins move Bristol City have confirmed the signing of Lorent Tolaj from Plymouth for £4million plus add-ons. The Swiss striker, 2,4 has signed a four-year deal at Ashton Gate and will wear the No 9 shirt. Tolaj scored 21 goals for Argyle in all competitions last season. Celtic eye Egypt star Celtic have made an enquiry for Egypt winger Haissem Hassan. The 24-year-old, who plays for Real Oviedo, starred at the World Cup for Egypt, notably in their brave 3-2 defeat to Argentina. He has one year left on his contract. Meanwhile, Ipswich have held talks with Celtic over a deal to sign forward Daizen Maeda. Haissem Hassan at the World Cup with Egypt team-mate Mo Salah New York meeting could hold key to Lacroix deal Chelsea are working towards agreement on a fee for Maxence Lacroix as Crystal Palace push for £60million. Palace have been holding out for maximum profit on the France international defender who is ready to leave this window. Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali and Palace chairman Steve Parish who were in New York for the World Cup final met at the Aman Hotel near Central Park on Sunday. For more on this story click HERE France's Maxence Lacroix played against England in the third-place playoff on Saturday Ipswich set for Fatawu Abdul Fatawu is having a medical at Ipswich Town ahead of a permanent move from Leicester. Ipswich are understood to be paying an initial £20m for Fatawu plus add-ons. The winger hopes to join the Ipswich squad in La Manga. Ipswich are also in talks with Celtic over a deal to sign forward Daizen Maeda. Abdul Fatawu represented Ghana at the World Cup and is now set for Ipswich Daka set for Hamburg medical Patson Daka will have a medical with Hamburg tomorrow ahead of signing a two-year deal. The striker was a free agent after his contract ran down at Leicester City and he has been talking to clubs in Spain. However, the Bundesliga side have made an offer of a one year contract with option for a further year and he is poised to sign pending his medical. Villa plough on with Jackson move Aston Villa are continuing to discuss a proposed deal for Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea. Daily Mail Sport reported on Saturday that Jackson has come up in conversation during negotiations over Morgan Rogers' £117million sale. A proposed transfer for Rogers, who started his Chelsea medical today, and Jackson was discussed a year ago and the Senegal international is well known to Villa boss Unai Emery. For more on this story click HERE Nicolas Jackson joined Chelsea in 2023 but spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich Como show hand for Chalobah Como are willing to offer £35million for Trevoh Chalobah as talks continue over the Chelsea centre back's future. Chalobah has been on World Cup duty with England and made a fleeting appearance against France on Saturday. Como had been rebuffed in their opening two proposals for the 27-year-old and are working to meet Chelsea's valuation with a structured offer. Inter Milan have also discussed Chalobah as they want two centre backs but Como are hopeful they can conclude a deal for Cesc Fabregas. Serie A side Como are interested in signing Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea New arrival at Liverpool Alejandro Rosalen has been appointed Liverpool's new first-team goalkeeping coach. The 49-year-old Spaniard joins Andoni Iraola's backroom staff, replacing Xavi Valero. Rosalen was at Serie A side Napoli and previously spent eight years with Fiorentina. Gomes goes to Villa Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Joao Gomes from Wolves. The deal is worth £38m comprised of an initial fee of £34m plus £4m in add-ons. United land Thompson from Spurs Manchester United have signed teenage winger Tynan Thompson from Tottenham, subject to the registration, in a deal believed to be worth up to £8million. It's understood that United will pay £4m plus up to another £4m in add-ons to Spurs who will have a 15 per cent cut of any future sale. Manchester United have signed Tynan Thompson from Tottenham Thompson, who was on the bench for Tottenham several times last season, scored 13 goals and contributed six assists across Under-18s and Under-21s games, including seven goals in as many UEFA Youth League fixtures. Thompson was involved in three senior matchday squads for Spurs last season and was on the bench against PSG and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. United confirmed the deal in a statement, saying: 'Everyone at United would like to welcome Tynan to the club and wish him the very best of luck for the future.' CHRIS WHEELER Rogers due for Chelsea medical Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers is due for his medical at Chelsea today. Daily Mail Sport reported yesterday that Rogers's former club Middlesbrough will pocket around £20.2million from Morgan Rogers' £117m transfer to Chelsea, which would represent a record sell-on fee in the Premier League. Morgan Rogers is due to undergo his medical ahead of a move to Chelsea The ex-Boro midfielder is set for a move to Stamford Bridge after Chelsea struck a verbal agreement with Aston Villa, after Arsenal had failed to back up their interest with a suitable bid. When Boro agreed to sell him to Aston Villa, in February 2024, for £16m, they inserted a 20 per cent sell-on clause on any profit generated from a future transfer in the England international's contract. Diop discussing Portman Road switch Fulham defender Issa Diop is in talks over an £8.5million move to Ipswich. The 29-year-old played for Morocco at the World Cup and is discussing a four-year contract with Gary O'Neil's side. Ipswich are keen on a move for experienced Fulham defender Issa Diop Click below for all the transfer developments over the last few days... SUNDAY: Roma ponder new bid for £50m-rated Crysensio Summerville SATURDAY: Revealed: The figure Middlesbrough are set to pocket from Morgan Rogers' move to Chelsea FRIDAY: Aston Villa sign Swiss World Cup star Johan Manzambi THURSDAY: Arsenal agree £34m deal to sign Greek attacker Christos Tzolis WEDNESDAY: Sunderland sign Belgium's Thomas Meunier
21 July 2026
How Keegan became Liverpool's first superstar and the ultimate self-made great
Anfield legend Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75. Our Chief Liverpool FC Correspondent Ian Doyle looks back on a life and career of a Reds great Wembley, FA Cup final, May 4 1974. The afternoon that encapsulated Kevin Keegan's Liverpool career and, although nobody knew at the time, the occasion when his thrilling present and emotional future would collide. As the standout of Bill Shankly's second great Reds team, the weight of expectation was on Keegan during what was dubbed a shoot-out with Newcastle United's master marksman Malcolm Macdonald. But the contest, similar to the game, was emphatically one-sided as Keegan, who has died aged 75, netted an opening goal that prompted one of celebrated commentator David Coleman's most famous quips: "Goals pay the rent, and Keegan does his share." By the time Keegan added his second late on, Newcastle were undressed and Liverpool had won 3-0 to claim only their second-ever FA Cup triumph. Just three years earlier, Keegan, on the recommendation of Liverpool head scout Geoff Twentyman, had been plucked from fourth division Scunthorpe United as a 20-year-old. Originally signed as a right winger, Keegan was tried out up front alongside John Toshack during pre-season and impressed sufficiently to start the new campaign in tandem with the Welshman. He scored within 12 minutes of his debut when assisted by Toshack and never looked back, going on to become arguably Liverpool's first-ever superstar in an era when players were becoming known to the wider public for more than just their efforts on the field. Certainly, modern managers would wince at the sight of Keegan competing against other sportspeople on the television show Superstars as he did in 1976, infamously suffering severe cuts when crashing his bicycle. His celebrity was such that he released several pop singles - one cracked the top 40 - and became renowned for advertising aftershave. Even his permed haircut became famous. As a footballer, though, is where Keegan truly shone. He was a regular as Liverpool narrowly missed out on the league title in his debut season, and was integral as the Reds went one better the following year, scoring 22 goals in all competitions as the the club's first European trophy, the UEFA Cup, was also claimed. But mere weeks after the high of the FA Cup triumph came the low of the Charity Shield at Wembley against Leeds United when he was sent off along with Billy Bremner after a flare-up initiated by the unpunished Johnny Giles. Keegan and Bremner both removed their shirts in disgust with the Liverpool man eventually given a 11-game suspension. Now with Bob Paisley in charge at Anfield, more silverware was to come in 1976 with another league championship and UEFA Cup along with being named Footballer of the Year, but Keegan then stunned his adoring Liverpool supporters by announcing midway through the next season his intention to leave in the summer with German side Hamburg the next destination in a British record deal. There could be no doubting his commitment, however, with Liverpool winning another title and beaten by Manchester United in the FA Cup final before claiming the European Cup for the first time by beating Borussia Moenchengladbach in Rome, Keegan running World Cup winner Berti Vogts ragged and winning the penalty that allowed Phil Neal to seal a 3-1 success. It was a fitting farewell for a player who scored 100 goals and provided 73 assists in 323 appearances for the Reds. "Bill Shankly had gone and I just felt there was another mountain for me to climb somewhere," said Keegan. "As it happens they didn't do too badly out of it because they went out and bought Kenny Dalglish. Having sold me for £500,000 and then paying £440,000 for Kenny, they banked £60,000 which was a great piece of business." Nevertheless, many supporters couldn't grasp Liverpool's best player wanting to try his luck elsewhere, and Keegan's relationship with the fanbase was often uneasy for a long spell until any animosity was thawed by the passage of time. For many fans of a certain vintage, he was their first Reds hero, and ranked 14th in the recent Liverpool's Greatest poll run by the club website. After a difficult start in Germany - Hamburg's players didn't warm to him initially and he was suspended for eight weeks after being sent off in a mid-season friendly for punching an opposing player who had targeted him all game - Keegan slowly won his new team-mates round and went on to win the Bundesliga title in 1979 and be a European Cup runner-up the following year and twice claimed the Ballon d'Or, still the only British player to achieve such a feat. He returned to Anfield in opposition, only to lose 6-0 in the European Super Cup. Keegan chose to leave Hamburg in 1980 and, after Liverpool opted not to take up their clause to re-sign him, spent two years at Southampton before making the unusual decision to drop down a division to join Newcastle United. He helped them to promotion in 1984 but had already decided to quit playing having been outsprinted by Mark Lawrenson in an FA Cup defeat at Anfield earlier in the year. Keegan was revered beyond his club sides, though. He was also a force on the international stage, scoring 21 goals in 63 games for England - 31 as captain - having made his debut in 1972. A shining light during a dark period for the Three Lions, his first international tournament wasn't until the 1980 European Championships and injury limited him to just one 26-minute World Cup appearance from the bench against hosts Spain two years later, missing a great chance as England were held to a goalless draw and slumped out unbeaten. With his boots hung up, Keegan dropped out of the game to such an extent he had watched just two matches live in seven years when he surprisingly returned to second-tier Newcastle as manager in February 1992. Within 18 months they were promoted to the Premier League and became title challengers playing a brand of attacking football that made the Magpies the second team of many supporters, Keegan gaining a reputation as a motivator par excellence. Anfield would provide one of his most indelible images as Newcastle boss as he was pictured slumped behind the dugout after his team were beaten 4-3 by Stan Collymore's last-gasp winner in what 30 years on remains the Premier League's greatest match. It came as the Magpies tussled with Manchester United for the title, with Keegan later declaring "I would love it if we beat them - love it" after becoming embroiled in the infamous mind games of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Newcastle finished second, and within seven months Keegan resigned, popping up at Fulham later in 1997 and taking them out of the third tier before being named England boss in February 1999. His team followed the same attack-minded pattern as Newcastle, reaching the Euros in 2000 and, while beating Germany 1-0, losing 3-2 to both Portugal and Romania to be eliminated at the group stage. After a 1-0 World Cup qualifying loss to Germany in the last ever England game at the old Wembley a few months later, Keegan resigned. He then had four years in charge at Manchester City - earning them promotion to the Premier League - before a brief and unhappy second stint at Newcastle, after which he moved into punditry for several years. Keegan was the first to admit he wasn't the most naturally gifted player - "I was the mongrel who made it to Crufts, and that was fine by me," he once memorably stated - but had instead acquired his gifts through hard graft, commitment, belief and sheer bloody-mindedness. That attitude was needed when it was announced earlier this year he had been diagnosed with cancer, with it confirmed in June it was at stage four, the most advanced stage of the disease. He died on Monday surrounded by his wife and daughters. Newcastle became his heart, but he was always grateful for where he was forged. "Liverpool made me, not just as a footballer but as a person," said Keegan. "The fans made me." Keegan, however, remains perhaps the greatest example of the self-made footballer. And no matter what the sphere, he did it his way.
20 July 2026
Ex-England captain and manager Keegan dies
FOOTBALL - FORMER England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, his former club Newcastle United said yesterday. Keegan's family and Newcastle announced in January that the two-time European Footballer of the Year was undergoing cancer treatment, without disclosing details of his illness. In June, Keegan revealed he had stage four cancer. "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club's history," the Premier League club said in a statement. "As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James' Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be. "As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an entertainer." One of English football's most charismatic figures, Keegan enjoyed a glittering playing career as a forward, winning multiple trophies with Liverpool before starring in Germany with Hamburg. His transfer to Hamburger SV for £500,000 nearly doubled the German transfer record. His achievements earned him the Ballon d'Or in 1978 and 1979. He scored 21 goals in 63 appearances for England between 1972 and 1982, captaining the side 31 times. Keegan later moved into management, revitalising Newcastle United and taking the club to the brink of the Premier League title in the mid-1990s before enduring a more difficult spell as England manager. "It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75," Keegan's family said in a statement, as quoted by Sky Sports. "The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments." His death marks the passing of one of the most influential figures of his generation in English football. Keegan, born in February 1951, began his playing career at Scunthorpe United in 1968, before manager Bill Shankly signed him for Liverpool. Tributes poured in for Keegan, with Liverpool saying in a statement: "Our 'Mighty Mouse', his legacy at Liverpool will be forever etched in history."