Tom Jeffreys

Jan 24, 2025 | manchestereveningnews.co.uk | Tom Jeffreys

The list of longest active contracts in world football makes for confusing, perhaps bleak reading. Before Premier League clubs voted to ban amortisation in December 2023, Chelsea spent three years offer seven-plus year contract offers to new signings, meaning the annual cost of big money signings such as Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo were spread longer periods of time. As such, nine of the top 12 longest active player contracts are attached to Chelsea.

Jan 24, 2025 | manchestereveningnews.co.uk | Tom Jeffreys

At 25, new Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush can be considered a late bloomer. Pep Guardiola’s acquisition of the 25-year-old for £59million has not come as the culmination of sustained interest, like a Jack Grealish, nor burst onto the scene as a youngster like Erling Haaland. Nonetheless, the Egyptian has been on the elite radar since he was 17, when he signed for Bundesliga club Wolfsburg upon the recommendation of, ironically, a Manchester United legend.

Jan 24, 2025 | manchestereveningnews.co.uk | Tom Jeffreys

Such has been the turbulence in Manchester United’s transfer department over the last decade, the current Marcus Rashford dilemma has drawn comparisons with plenty of other mistakes. However, there is one in particular that Ruben Amorim has been encouraged to learn from. Jadon Sancho, signed in 2021 from Borussia Dortmund for £73million, became the centre of a long and arduous selection controversy under Erik ten Hag before being loaned back to Dortmund.

Jan 22, 2025 | manchestereveningnews.co.uk | Tom Jeffreys

Manchester City have strengthened their defensive options this week, landing Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis in big-money deals. At £33.5million and £29.5m respectively, their price tags are relatively modest, although given their low profile both can be expected to make an impact this season, as opposed to lying low until next season to acclimatise. The two central defenders will need to make an impact, and quickly.

Jan 22, 2025 | manchestereveningnews.co.uk | Tom Jeffreys

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City need to do whatever it takes to renew Kevin de Bruyne’s contract, their form depends on it. There are of course glaring reasons why the midfielder’s contract talks have stalled. Aged 33, his fitness has suffered in seasons of late, a catalogue of issues this season restricting him to just 15 Premier League appearances this season, with just six full 90s for City in all competitions.