Rodri inspired Spain into the World Cup final, Gusto’s move edged closer, and City learned why they paid so much for Elliot Anderson. Here’s what mattered at City on Wednesday.
Rodri reaches the final as Cherki’s summer ends
Rodri played the full 90 minutes as Spain beat France 2-0 in Dallas to reach Sunday’s World Cup final, with Mikel Oyarzabal converting a first-half penalty and Pedro Porro doubling the lead early in the second. Rayan Cherki’s tournament ended in the same match, the France winger managing little after coming on as a 71st-minute substitute for Michael Olise.
It was Rodri’s afternoon that stood out, the City captain controlling midfield throughout in a display many felt was his closest yet to his Ballon d’Or form. Spain now face Argentina on Sunday — a rare piece of good news to close the tournament on for a player whose season was disrupted by injury.
Gusto edges closer, but the fee remains the sticking point
City’s pursuit of Malo Gusto is gathering pace again, with reports suggesting City have been given the green light to pursue the Chelsea right-back, largely down to his relationship with Enzo Maresca from their time together at Stamford Bridge.
Personal terms were never expected to be the obstacle. Chelsea’s valuation of around £75m is, with the west London club under little pressure to sell to a direct rival and Gusto contracted until 2030.
With France’s World Cup run now over, there’s an expectation talks could move quicker with Gusto free to focus on his club future — though a gap between the two clubs’ valuations still needs closing.
Why City paid £116m for Anderson
With Elliot Anderson in line to start England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina, it’s worth revisiting why City moved for him so decisively. The reported £116m fee raised eyebrows, but it reflects more than a good couple of seasons at Nottingham Forest — Pep Guardiola and now Enzo Maresca have long prized midfielders who can adapt across multiple roles, and Anderson’s ball-carrying and pressing fit that mould.
City had reportedly settled on the valuation as far back as January, six months before the move went through.
Koln keeping tabs on academy forward Heskey
A lower-key one: Bundesliga side FC Koln are showing interest in 19-year-old academy forward Reigan Heskey, son of former England striker Emile Heskey, after his performances for City’s Elite Development Squad.
Nothing is agreed, but Germany has become a well-trodden path for young English talent seeking regular first-team football, and Heskey’s situation is one to watch as the window progresses.
Everton join the queue for Rico Lewis
Everton are monitoring Rico Lewis ahead of a possible summer move, with David Moyes keen on a player who can operate across the back line and midfield. City are said to be open to a sale if an acceptable offer arrives — Lewis has made just three Premier League starts this past season, squeezed out by Matheus Nunes and, increasingly, Nico O’Reilly, and has lost his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up as a result.
City are believed to want north of £35m, with Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Newcastle also credited with interest.
