Nico O’Reilly has been named the Premier League Young Player of the Season, becoming the seventh recipient of the award. The Manchester City starlet finished ahead of teammate Rayan Cherki and Manchester United prospect Kobbie Mainoo to claim the honour.

“I’m very proud to have won this award,” O’Reilly enthused after fighting off some tough competition. “After my first appearances in senior football last season, I knew this year I could have the opportunity to play more and help the team as much as possible if I worked hard.

“To get so many minutes and earn the trust of the manager and my teammates has been the greatest achievement in my career so far. I am so grateful to my family and everyone at City because this wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

O’Reilly’s campaign was notable for a standout performance away from the Premier League. The youngster scored twice in the Carabao Cup final as Man City beat Arsenal at Wembley. Those displays contributed to his inclusion in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Winners since the award’s introduction:
2019–20: Trent Alexander-Arnold — Liverpool
2020–21: Phil Foden — Man City
2021–22: Phil Foden — Man City
2022–23: Erling Haaland — Man City
2023–24: Cole Palmer — Chelsea
2024–25: Ryan Gravenberch — Liverpool
2025–26: Nico O’Reilly — Man City

The Young Player of the Season prize began in 2019–20, with Trent Alexander-Arnold the inaugural winner after helping Liverpool to their first ever Premier League title with four goals and 13 assists. Manchester City players have taken several of the subsequent awards. Phil Foden won back-to-back prizes in 2020–21 and 2021–22 before being aged out of contention. Erling Haaland then won during City’s treble-winning campaign courtesy of his 36-goal return in the Premier League.

Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad announcement has prompted sharp debate over England’s midfield composition. The depth of options is clear, but several high-profile omissions and a handful of trusted inclusions have defined the list.

Cole Palmer is the absence attracting most attention. Once considered a near-certain pick for North America, an injury-hit start to the 2025–26 campaign interrupted his rhythm. He never fully recovered amid the chaos at Stamford Bridge and has been brutally axed by ex-Blues boss Tuchel.

Nottingham Forest talisman Morgan Gibbs-White was also left out despite a remarkable goalscoring campaign; the 26-year-old appeared to have hit form at the perfect time. Manchester City’s Phil Foden is another notable absentee. Deeper in midfield, Adam Wharton’s omission surprised many after another fine season at Crystal Palace. Strong campaigns from Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Everton’s James Garner likewise went unrewarded.

Conor Gallagher and Curtis Jones, who have featured in previous squads, were judged not convincing enough this time. James Maddison never stood a chance after missing almost the entirety of the term through injury.

Jordan Henderson’s selection has drawn widespread ire. The 35-year-old is not even a guaranteed starter for Brentford, yet Tuchel has included him for his off-field character and leadership. “He’s unlikely to see too much game time, but he’s a valuable presence in the dressing room.” Whether that presence justifies a place is open to debate.

Among those who did make the cut, Kobbie Mainoo’s technical ability and progressive ball-carrying mark him out as a valuable midfield option after his Euro 2024 breakthrough. Ruben Amorim’s handling of the Manchester United youngster briefly threatened his place, but Michael Carrick’s subsequent reinvigoration returned him to consideration.

Eberechi Eze, typically deployed on the left wing for England but by trade an attacking midfielder, and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, a powerful and direct attacking option, offer distinct profiles. Elliot Anderson’s early England impact suggested he can bridge defence and attack, providing the kind of transitional mettle England may need at a major tournament.

Inter Miami forward Telasco Segovia appeared to confirm reports linking Casemiro to the club when he told assembled reporters: “I know Casemiro is coming.” The remark, captured by Olé, came while Segovia discussed his ambitions after training alongside some of the best to ever feature on the continent.

The 34-year-old Casemiro has been the subject of persistent speculation as he approaches free agency. His form at United prompted fans and several players to appeal for “one more year” of his services, but the midfielder has moved toward those reports of an MLS switch. Recent coverage has described Miami as on the cusp of securing his agreement after outmaneuvering MLS rivals LA Galaxy.

Segovia, 23, sought to temper his own comments by adding: “If he does come, he’s more than welcome; he’ll bring a lot to the team, and I think he’s going to give us so much.” The forward’s words offer an early, unplanned confirmation that allows supporters to better picture Casemiro in a pink shirt.

Lionel Messi’s teammate would join a squad that pauses competitive action for the World Cup. After Sunday’s clash with Philadelphia Union at Nu Stadium, the Herons will not be back in action until July 22, when Chicago Fire visit. Should Casemiro’s Brazil reach the World Cup final on July 19, it is unlikely he will be available for Miami’s match against the Fire.

Casemiro has been granted a reprieve for United’s final Premier League game to prepare for the upcoming tournament, which is expected to be his last for Brazil. Having completed a full European club season that began in August, the ageing midfielder will require time to recover ahead of the international competition.