Maresca's City scrape past Bournemouth, then Mac Allister and Enzo talk heats up
A narrow opening win, and Maresca is honest about it
Manchester City 2–1 Bournemouth on Sunday. That was the opener, and Maresca watched his side scrape past them (5). He did not dress it up: "It's complicated" (5). Points are points, the table shows 3 of them, but the performance left no one overjoyed.
Palace away Friday, a favorite in danger
You go to Selhurst Park Friday, 21:00, for round two (2). City had a dificílima opener and needed a comeback, goals from Guéhi and Gvardiol swinging it (7). One source already frames City as a favorite in danger (2). The first proper test of Maresca's team comes quickly.
Mac Allister contact made, Liverpool face a decision
City have made contact over Alexis Mac Allister after the Enzo Fernandez pursuit stalled (1). Liverpool face a key decision on a midfielder who has been excellent since the World Cup (1). No fee, no agreement, just the opening move.
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Enzo Fernandez talk is not going away
He keeps getting linked, and now he is completely out of Chelsea's squad (9). Xabi Alonso made a shock U-turn on the midfielder, which fans read as clearing the path toward City (9). One French outlet says Enzo is "ever closer" to Manchester City (4). Chelsea sources insist no formal offer has landed, while City sources say a deal is progressing.
Rodri is gone and winning in Barcelona
Rodri made his Barcelona debut in a 2–0 win over Athletic Club and spoke afterwards: "It's been a long summer!" (8). He left City in the summer's blockbuster move, but he was named in Maresca's thinking this week too (7). The midfield he vacated is exactly the position City are trying to fill.
Savinho's record sale, and City want more in
Savinho's move to Tottenham is the most expensive sale in City history (3). De Zerbi said what any buying coach wants: he needs attackers who win duels and create chances (3). On the other side, Maresca is asking the club for more profiles and stars, and says the market forces City to wait four or five days (6).
Gakpo interest, but Iraola won't guarantee anything
City and Tottenham both want Cody Gakpo (10). Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola kept it honest: when the market is open you cannot guarantee anything with anyone, and Gakpo has been very good since the World Cup (10).
Fan-reaktioner
City fans on Reddit are buzzing over a claimed agreement to bring Enzo Fernandez in for around £120m until 2032, with Chelsea supporters pushing back that no formal contact has happened yet. The Mac Allister rumor drew Liverpool fans' attention more than City's, with plenty reading it as serious interest from Di Marzio. Here is the Enzo agreement thread.
