Manchester City
Another Jadon Sancho in the making? Man City must go all out and tie down this 19-year-old ace to a new contract
Manchester City must prevent Brahim Diaz from leaving at all costs
According to a report by Sky Sports, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has come out and claimed that the club will do everything they can to retain Brahim Diaz.
The 19-year-old sensation recently gifted the Cityzens a place in the finals of the Carabao Cup. He scored a stunning brace against Fulham as Manchester City qualified to the next stage of the competition. It remains to be seen if he will play in the quarter-final but it is evident that Diaz is a star for the future.
However, it is shocking to note that the Manchester outfit are yet to tie him down to a long-term deal. His contract will expire at the end of the season but it is encouraging to note that Guardiola is also keen to hold onto him (h/t Sky Sports).
The report further states that his lack of game time is worrisome and as a result, Diaz has been linked to a move to Real Madrid. Indeed, the player has just played two League Cup games in the ongoing season.
Brahim Diaz
Moving to the La Liga would certainly change the course of his career but City must leave no stone unturned in ensuring the player stays back.
He was a lively and energetic presence against Fulham and justified Guardiola’s decision to hand him a start with a truly scintillating display.
An out-and-out attack-minded operator, Diaz has all the qualities required to go on and become a City great. But there are certain aspects of his game that need to be honed.
During the game against Fulham, teenage ace Ryan Sessegnon unceremoniously dispossessed Diaz on numerous occasions.
When one takes a look at City’s current lot of first-team attackers – the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane – they rarely ever get dispossessed.
Sterling, in particular, utilizes his low centre of gravity quite effectively to shrug off defenders who are twice his size. And that is something Diaz must learn to do as well.
Having said that, Diaz is an exceptional talent and City must not let this turn into another Jadon Sancho situation. While price tags of stars have skyrocketed in recent times, the stock of talented youngsters has also risen.
Read More: Who is this £5m Japanese ace on Manchester City’s radar? The next big Asian talent?
And suffice to say, Diaz will have no shortage of suitors if he does choose to leave City at the end of the season. But the club must do everything they can to convince Diaz to sign a new contract.
Manchester City
Manchester City WFC Defender Joins Glasgow City on Loan Until End of Season as 19 Year Old Seeks Regular First Team Football in Scotland
Glasgow City have announced the loan signing of Codie Thomas from Manchester City until the end of the 2025-26 season. The 19 year old defender signed her first professional contract with the Women’s Super League club in December 2024 and now heads to Scotland seeking regular first team minutes.
This is a smart loan move for Thomas, who has made four appearances for Manchester City, including one in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She made her senior debut against SKN St. Pölten during the 2024-25 season and has since featured in both the WSL and Subway League Cup.
Following Khiara Keating’s Pathway
The defender also gained senior experience while on a dual registration deal with AFC Fylde. Khiara Keating completed the same pathway early in her professional career, which suggests Manchester City has a clear development plan for their young prospects. This is exactly the kind of structured approach that helps talented teenagers progress to an elite level.
After signing for Glasgow City, Thomas said, “I’m really excited to be here, go out there, get some minutes, and show everyone what I am about. The game in Scotland is really interesting, and every match is going to be tough. It’s a really good league to come into and to play in.”
Celtic Debut Beckons for Young Defender
Head coach Jane Ross praised the new arrival. “She’s an energetic player who is composed on the ball and works hard out of possession, and has already gained senior experience in England and in the Champions League. As we enter a crucial part of the campaign, Codie’s arrival adds more competition and quality to the squad.”
Glasgow City currently sits top of the Scottish Women’s Premier League standings after 16 games played, five points clear of Celtic in second place. Thomas will be eligible to make her debut against Celtic at Petershill Park on Sunday, February 8th, in what would be a massive baptism of fire.
Also read: Manchester City WFC vs. Chelsea WFC: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Manchester City Women host reigning champions Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in what could prove to be the decisive match in this season’s WSL title race.
The Citizens currently sit nine points clear at the top of the table after 13 matches, with the Blues desperately needing a result to keep their fading hopes alive.
City left it late in last Sunday’s 2-1 victory over London City Lionesses as Khadija Shaw struck an 86th minute winner to maintain their remarkable form. Andree Jeglertz’s side have won 12 of their 13 league matches this season and boast a perfect home record with seven wins from seven at the Etihad.
Kick-off: 14:30 GMT, Sunday, February 2, 2026
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
TV: Sky Sports (UK)
City Closing In on First Title Since 2016
This match represents a huge opportunity for Manchester City to effectively end Chelsea’s title challenge before February even finishes. The Citizens are the WSL’s highest scorers with 36 goals from 13 matches, including an incredible 21 goals across their seven home encounters.
Jeglertz remains without defender Naomi Layzell and attacker Mary Fowler due to hip and knee injuries respectively. Aoba Fujino could return to the matchday squad after missing the last five matches, while USA international Sam Coffey is likely to get more minutes off the bench.
Blues Facing Uphill Battle
Chelsea’s hopes of claiming a seventh consecutive WSL title are quickly fading after dropping points in five of their 13 league matches. Sonia Bompastor’s side suffered a damaging 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal last weekend, leaving them nervously looking over their shoulder at Manchester United just two points behind in fourth.
The Blues remain without Kadiesha Buchanan, Nathalie Bjorn, Niamh Charles, Catarina Macario and Mayra Ramirez. Keira Walsh is in contention for a starting spot after returning from injury as a substitute against Arsenal.
Predicted Lineups:
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Yamashita; Casparij, Rose, Knaak, Greenwood; Blindkilde, Hasegawa; Kerolin, Miedema, Hemp; Shaw
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Hampton; Bronze, Girma, Bright; Carpenter, Walsh, Cuthbert, Baltimore; James; Kerr, Thompson
Chelsea
Sonia Bompastor Vows Chelsea WFC Will Fight Until the End for WSL Title Despite Nine Point Deficit to Manchester City After Arsenal Defeat
Sonia Bompastor has insisted Chelsea will “fight until the end” to defend their Women’s Super League title despite sitting nine points behind leaders Manchester City with just nine games remaining.
The Blues face a must win trip to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday following Saturday’s damaging 2-0 home defeat to third placed Arsenal.
Chelsea have been crowned WSL champions in each of the past six seasons but their grip on the trophy is slipping rapidly. Bompastor initially conceded the title race was “probably” over after the Arsenal loss but has now backtracked on those comments ahead of the crucial Manchester City clash.
Sonia Bompastor: Blues No Longer in Control
“Our mentality is to fight until the end, no matter what happens,” Bompastor explained. “The only thing is right now we are not in control, and the most important thing is we need to focus on what we can control. Man City are top of the table and in control.”
This is frankly damage limitation from Bompastor after her defeatist comments on Saturday. Nine points is a massive gap with only nine matches left, and Chelsea desperately need a result at the Etihad to keep any realistic hopes alive.
City Boast Incredible Form
Manchester City have been phenomenal this season, losing just one league game from 13 fixtures. That sole defeat came against Chelsea on the opening day, while the Blues also edged a tight 1-0 League Cup semi final victory earlier this month thanks to Wieke Kaptein’s goal.
City boss Andree Jeglertz confirmed that Aoba Fujino should be available after training fully, adding crucial squad depth for the title run in. Sunday’s match could effectively end Chelsea’s title challenge if they suffer defeat.
- Liverpool13 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”