Rodri’s future has become a major talking point after Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain were both linked with the Manchester City midfielder in a new report.

The Spain international’s standing has only grown since the summer, when he said: “We’ll see after the World Cup.” He then backed that up with a Golden Ball-winning role as captain of Spain in North America, further strengthening his reputation as one of the game’s leading midfield controllers.

Manchester City are still keen to keep him and have an extension offer in place. Even so, Rodri is believed to be considering his options and may be waiting for a “dream” move to Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have been looking for a successor to Toni Kroos, but their interest in the Madrid-born midfielder has taken time to develop.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Real Madrid had finally decided to explore a move. Now, according to RMC Sport, they could be forced into a wider fight for his signature.

The same report states that Paris Saint-Germain “have made initial contact” over a possible transfer. A deal for the former Atlético Madrid midfielder was not previously regarded as a priority, but is now viewed as an “opportunity” in the market.

Barcelona have also “entered the race,” with the La Liga champions said to have contacted Rodri’s representatives after Frenkie de Jong returned from the World Cup with torn knee ligaments.

City, for their part, want to keep the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner for as long as possible. RMC even claims they would prefer to lose Rodri on a free transfer in a year’s time rather than sell him this summer.

No formal club-to-club offer has been made yet, but the midfielder’s position is clear: the decision now sits with him. If he tells City he wants to leave, the club are unlikely to block him given his age, contract situation and years of service.

Liverpool’s academy has long been a pathway to the first team, with Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Trent Alexander-Arnold among those to emerge from it in the Premier League era. A new group now has the chance to make its own case.

Andoni Iraola’s arrival gives Liverpool’s prospects a fresh opportunity. Preseason will matter, and those who make the right impression could move closer to regular involvement during 2026-27.

Rio Ngumoha may already have taken his first steps. The 17-year-old winger made 29 appearances last season, delivering three goal involvements and enough sharp moments to suggest he can grow beyond a substitute role. His pace, dribbling and confidence in possession have already caused problems for Premier League right backs. Liverpool have added Víctor Muñoz and are expected to bring in another winger after Mohamed Salah’s departure, but Ngumoha still has a route into the side if his output improves. He already has a senior cap for the national team.

Giovanni Leoni’s Liverpool story has barely begun. The center back, signed for $40.7 million from Parma, made only one appearance before an ACL injury on his Carabao Cup debut cut short his first season. Nearly a year later, he is still rebuilding fitness. The club will be careful with him, but the current lack of depth in the position means chances should come once he is ready.

Trey Nyoni has already had substantial exposure to first-team football. Since debuting in 2023-24, the midfielder has made 20 senior appearances in total, including 14 last season. His vision and passing range are clear, even if his slight build has made him a more difficult player to trust in the Premier League and Champions League.

Stefan Bajčetić remains a reminder of how quickly momentum can be interrupted by injury. Once described by Jürgen Klopp as “Top talent, super player,” he has spent long stretches out of action and is still not back in full first-team training.

Jayden Danns has shown what he can do in limited minutes, scoring twice on only his third senior appearance. Fitness setbacks have slowed him, but his pace, power and finishing remain valuable assets. With Hugo Ekitiké sidelined, there is room for a breakthrough if he stays available.

Kieran Morrison also enters the conversation with momentum. The 19-year-old winger earned his first Northern Ireland cap in June 2026 and has already appeared twice for Liverpool’s first team. His next step will be to turn promise into a more regular role.

Newcastle United’s summer has taken on a familiar and uncomfortable theme, with Eddie Howe again forced to address the prospect of losing one of his leading players.

Arsenal’s interest in Bruno Guimarães has become the latest example. Newcastle have already turned down a $73 million (£55 million) bid for the Brazil midfielder, while reports say Arsenal are preparing an improved offer of $93.2 million (£70 million). It is also claimed Guimarães has agreed personal terms with the Gunners.

Speaking after Newcastle’s 1-1 preseason draw with Gateshead, Howe made clear how little control he feels he has over the situation. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with Bruno’s future,” Howe told Sky Sports after Newcastle’s 1–1 preseason draw with Gateshead. “That’s for other people to speculate about, but also conversations that I’m not part of.”

The possibility of another exit lands hard because Newcastle have already lost several important names this summer. Anthony Gordon has moved on to Barcelona on a five-year deal, while Sandro Tonali has joined Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record £100 million ($132.8 million). Last September, Alexander Isak also left for Liverpool.

Those departures sit against the backdrop of a difficult season, with Newcastle finishing 12th in the Premier League and missing out on European soccer. For Howe, the issue is broader than one transfer chase. “We don’t want to lose our best players. That’s an obvious statement to make,” Howe said. “So, losing [Gordon and Tonali] is painful for us, and difficult.

“For me, it’s been another challenging summer so far, but we’re always trying to do our best for the football club, short and long-term, and try and get the squad in its best shape.”

Even with the uncertainty around Guimarães, Howe kept his comments on the midfielder strictly positive. “We’ve had some really good conversations, before the World Cup, during the World Cup and after the World Cup,” Howe stated. “What we speak about obviously has to remain private, but just a great player, a great person.”