Question marks remain about the future of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City beyond this season, but that doesn’t mean his influence won’t still be felt at the club.
The Cityzens currently trail Arsenal in the Premier League by three points, but will go top of the table if they win their game in hand, while they have also reached a fourth consecutive FA Cup final after a 2-1 win over Southampton this past weekend.
But while there are some doubts about whether Guardiola will still be in the dugout next season, reports have emerged that he is still in the ear of director of football Hugo Viana about a big-money deal he wants the club to complete in the upcoming transfer window.
Guardiola Wants Man City to Sign Kroupi
According to Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Man City are showing a strong interest in Bournemouth star Junior Eli Kroupi over a deal to take him to the Etihad this summer.
Kroupi, who has been compared to Kylian Mbappe, has enjoyed a wonderful campaign for the Cherries, netting 11 times in the Premier League, which has seen him attract the attention of several top clubs in the division.
Guardiola is understood to be a huge fan of the 19-year-old’s qualities and attributes, and has told Viana that he should add him to the squad. Club chiefs have also endorsed the deal, and that has seen Viana hold talks with the player’s agent already to discuss a potential switch.
Bournemouth, having sold Antoine Semenyo in January to Man City, are adamant they don’t want to lose another top star this summer and have slapped an €80m (£70m) asking price on his head, but City are not being put off.
Kroupi Could Be Next Long-Term Addition
City have never been scared to invest in youth when it comes to their forward department, and Kroupi is the type of talent that they would love to have and develop into a world-beater.
He has shown that he is capable of playing in the Premier League despite his lack of experience, and with his ability to play across the front line he would get plenty of game time, especially considering Bernardo Silva is on his way out.
Guardiola would be the perfect manager for him to develop and grow, and be given the patience in a winning team. Whether a deal materialises or not remains to be seen, but it’s certainly one to keep an eye on.
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are both looking to make significant changes to their squads this summer following disappointing seasons, with the former now targeting a move for FC Koln winger Said El Mala, according to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs.
Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move for the exciting German attacker in recent days, and now they have been joined by Liverpool in the race for the 19-year-old.
The Reds are determined to add to their frontline following the big exit of Mohamed Salah this summer, with a deal already completed to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna out of nowhere.
It was a £34m transfer that shocked Newcastle United too, with the Magpies believing that they were about to sign the Spain international, before Liverpool’s late hijack.
The Merseyside outfit aren’t done there though, as Andoni Iraola looks to add more pace to a frontline that currently includes Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak, Rio Ngumoha, Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitike, although the Frenchman is likely to be unavailable until 2027 because of injury.
Liverpool have identified RB Leipzig wonderkid Yan Diomande as their top target to replace Salah, but they have other targets in mind in case they can’t land the Ivorian.
However, the Reds still need to reach an agreement on a fee with Leipzig, who are determined to keep the Ivory Coast international.
They have already rejected a £87m bid from Liverpool for their winger, with Fabrizio Romano suggesting that a bid north of £100m could be considered.
However, Jacobs has confirmed that the Merseysiders have alternative targets in case they can’t find an agreement, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and Koln’s Said El Mala.
Brighton and Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo are the other names on the shortlist.
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Liverpool Eyeing Double Midfielder Deal
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Liverpool are also looking at other areas of the pitch for new arrivals too, including in central midfield.
The Reds are expecting to lose Curtis Jones this summer, with the Englishman continuing to be linked with a move to Serie A, while doubts have been raised over the future of Alexis Mac Allister.
The Merseysiders are considering central midfield options as a result, with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton a player they have big appreciation for, according to GMS sources.
Liverpool have also held meetings over a move for Morocco sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to Fabrizio Romano, with the 18-year-old exploding onto the world scene at the 2026 World Cup after racking up almost 100 senior appearances for Lille.
The UFC is a cut-throat business. Lose a few fights in a row and your time in the company could be over. Fail to get the fans on side or get a reaction from the audience, and you could see your contract terminated.
Much was made of Josh Hokit’s post-fight interview at UFC Freedom 250 after he made a controversial remark about the former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Hokit once again put on a stellar performance and backed up his trash talk with a fourth win in the last six months. Late into the second round, his pressure proved too much for Derrick Lewis, as referee Herb Dean had to step in and bring an end to the ground and pound.
Hokit’s always been a divisive figure, but for many, his actions at UFC Freedom 250 were a step too far. He was afforded the opportunity to fight in front of the White House and controversially used his platform to make an offensive slur about Barack Obama’s wife.
The question now is, will he face any further action?
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Upon receiving the microphone from Joe Rogan, Hokit, like he always does, cut his on-the-nose promo, only this time, he took aim at Michelle Obama.
“Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” he said. The controversial words sparked outrage, with UFC commentator Daniel Cormier very critical of the situation, saying: “It was an unnecessary shot on her. That’s the type of statement that divides. I absolutely hated that.”
For many, the event was a celebration of America’s history, with the White House a perfect backdrop for the occasion. A time to forget about the division that plagues everyday life and enjoy the occasion. However, Hokit’s message seemingly went against this, and as a result, has led to plenty of frustration.
While nothing is confirmed, speculation of Obama suing the fighter was sparked online after the interview, with a potential defamation case in the pipeline. However, there is no evidence to show they could go this route, with no confirmed plans by any representatives or major news organisation.
The former fighter has spoken out about the controversy that took place in front of the White House.
UFC Has Faced Problems Before
This isn’t the first occasion where a UFC fighter has been embroiled in controversy following a poor choice of words.
Back in January 2025, Bryce Mitchell caught the headlines for all the wrong reasons after saying Hitler was a ‘good guy.’ In response to this, UFC President Dana White said they won’t take further action due to freedom of speech. However, he also completely condemned the words, saying: “That’s the problem with the internet and social media. You provide a platform to a lot of dumb and ignorant people.”
Sean Strickland was also in controversy leading up to the UFC Freedom 250 event, as he claimed he wasn’t allowed to attend the event due to his words on Israel. Now, it’s Hokit who is in the firing line, and could he face further consequences? The words were broadcast to millions of people watching the event, and could be seen as unfairly taking aim at Obama’s reputation.
It’s unclear whether they will eventually respond, and what actions they may take, but as things stand, they are opting to ignore the comment and not seek legal action.
