Haaland benched for Norway's World Cup opener against France
Erling Haaland started on the bench for Norway against France on Saturday (3). No injury. Jørgen Strand Larsen got the nod up front instead (3). Haaland was spotted during warm-up smiling and chatting with City teammate Rayan Cherki, who lined up for France (6). Norway are managing his minutes.
City lead the chase for Bouaddi, Lille want €80m
Manchester City have made direct contact with Lille for Ayyoub Bouaddi (1). The 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder lit up the World Cup and the asking price is €80 million (1). City are ahead of Real Madrid in the race (4). PSG, Liverpool, and Arsenal are also watching (1) (5).
Elliot Anderson linked in a €135m saga
Reports in Spain claim City are involved in talks over Elliot Anderson at a figure around €135 million (2). That would make it one of the most expensive transfers in history. The story remains unconfirmed from English sources.
Fan reactions
The Bouaddi links have the fanbase buzzing. One supporter shared a Matteo Moretto report that direct contacts between City and Lille have already happened, calling it breaking news. A different thread showed Rayan Cherki stopping at the training ground to sign a kid's City shirt, with the caption "Cherki already gets what this badge means."
