Edin Dzeko, 40, signs a one-year extension at Schalke
One of your old heroes is still going. Edin Dzeko has signed a new one-year deal at Schalke, freshly promoted to the Bundesliga (7). He is 40. The Bosnian won two Premier League titles and scored 72 goals in 189 appearances for City before leaving in 2016.
Bouaddi verbal agreement in place
City have a verbal agreement with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old who bossed that Morocco–Brazil game at the World Cup (4). Nothing is signed yet, but the framework is there.
Bernardo starts life at Real Madrid
Bernardo Silva trained with his new teammates for the first time on Monday. "Tired. The first training session was tough, but I'm really happy," he said afterwards (1). He also namechecked José Mourinho as a pull factor: "When Real Madrid came calling, it was impossible not to say no" (1) (6). The move was a free transfer.
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Inter win Hong Kong shootout
City lost to Inter on penalties in Hong Kong in a pre-season friendly (5). Aleksandar Stankovic was the standout for Inter, with manager Cristian Chivu praising him heavily. The scoreline in normal time was not reported.
Semenyo: Maresca's system is built for me
Antoine Semenyo is buzzing about the new manager. "When he was at Chelsea, his wide men were always high and wide and quite free," Semenyo said. "That was one of the things that excited me the most. I get to have 1v1 situations most of the game" (2). He already impressed in pre-season against Inter.
Fan-reaktioner
City fans are feeling a bit strange seeing Bernardo in white. One post on the MCFC subreddit simply said: "It just doesn't look right" (3). Meanwhile, the transfer mill is turning fast, reports of a goalkeeper domino involving Gerónimo Rulli arriving and James Trafford heading to Leeds have supporters debating the squad depth, and word of Al Hilal and Atletico Madrid circling Jack Grealish is adding to the chatter (1) (2). On a lighter note, the new kit is shipping fast this season, one fan already has a delivery date within five days (5).
