Manchester City

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"I will give absolutely everything to make the most of this opportunity," Manchester City's newest signing Allan Elias has said.

The 22-year-old winger has left his boyhood club Palmeiras and penned a five-year deal at Etihad Stadium, becoming the club's sixth summer signing.

Making his first-team debut in January 2025, Allan racked up 96 appearances for the Brazilian top-flight club, scoring nine goals and registering 12 assists.

"This is a surreal moment for me," Allan said. "Manchester City, with everything they have won over the past 15 years, are one of the most attractive clubs in the world for players.

"To be able to sit here and say I have joined them is the proudest moment of my life.

"I love Palmeiras - and I always will - but the decision to come to Manchester City was an easy one. I want to be the best footballer I can be and the conversations I've had convinced me that there isn't a better place to fulfil my ambitions.

"I want to promise the fans that I will give absolutely everything to make the most of this opportunity. Now the hard work begins. I will make the best case possible to the manager that I should be playing.

"My intention is to help this club continue winning trophies. If I can do that, it would be a dream come true."

Director of football Hugo Viana said: "He is a really exciting player. We think he will be a big addition to the squad.

"He has shown throughout his career so far that he will fight to be the best he can be. We watched his progress in Brazil and we saw a player that thrives in the big moments and works hard for the team with a superb attitude."

What transfer business do City still need to do - both in and out - before Tuesday's 23:00 BST deadline? Let us know here

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Enzo Fernandez missed Chelsea's win over Brighton on Sunday and his future is under increasing uncertainty, having been linked with a big-money move to Manchester City.

Enzo Maresca worked with the Argentina midfielder at Chelsea and needs to bolster his ranks following the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders this summer.

Any potential move is likely to be a club record deal, surpassing the £116m paid for Elliot Anderson earlier this summer.

City have opened talks with Liverpool about signing attacker Cody Gakpo and the Netherlands international is open to the move.

But Liverpool would only be willing to sanction the transfer if they can bring in one more attacking player, in addition to Bradley Barcola.

Spurs are also interested but City are willing to offer a deal worth about £85m and sources indicate that Etihad Stadium is Gakpo's preferred destination.

Meanwhile, Everton are growing increasingly confident of completing a loan deal to bring Jack Grealish back from Manchester City, although the precise terms of any agreement remain complicated as the England international enters the final year of his contract at the Etihad.

Grealish has prioritised a return to Everton, where he spent last season on loan, over the option of rejoining his boyhood club Aston Villa, who have also expressed an interest.

What do City still need to do - in terms of incomings and outgoings - before the window shuts? Have your say

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Moments after Manchester City had put down their first heavyweight marker of the post-Pep Guardiola era by brushing aside Crystal Palace, Rayan Cherki was asked live on TV how much he enjoyed the game. Rather than providing the usual textbook answer, he instead gave a colourfully uncomplimentary – and unprintable - description of his own first-half performance.

Erling Haaland, standing alongside Cherki as he waited to hand over the player-of-the-match award, could only laugh at the France attacker's sweary honesty.

Indeed, the 23-year-old also refuses to hide his talent, making a nonsense of his self-criticism by unveiling a Selhurst Park masterclass with two brilliant second-half goals in the 4-1 victory.

Cherki made his impact under Guardiola last season, although there was always a feeling the mercurial signing from Lyon for a bargain £30m could produce more. He made 33 Premier League appearances - but 14 of those were as a substitute.

And there is a sense that he already has something to prove under new boss Enzo Maresca amid City's vast attacking resources, coming off the bench to assist the two late goals that gave them victory against Bournemouth on the opening weekend.

Cherki was seen in animated conversation with Maresca after the final whistle, but his reward was a start at Selhurst Park and he delivered the sort of irresistible performance he, as well as City, needed.

Everton are working on a second loan deal for Manchester City forward Jack Grealish. (Athletic - subscription required, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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We asked for your thoughts after Friday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Crystal Palace fans

Jason: We created enough chances to get more from this match, but as usual failed to convert them. The team is behind in terms of coordination and understanding, i.e. playing as a team, due to lack of pre-season and ongoing transfers. It will get better, but I fear it may take a few more matches. We must get something from our next outing to Fulham!

Steve: We lack desire and talent. Some small glimpses on show, but we have an awful lot to do.

Cliff: Disappointing game. We gave the ball away too easily in midfield. Missed chances up front. New players did not impress. We need someone who can score goals.

Neil: Palace need a win to instil confidence, they lack a confident goalscorer. Another key factor is the increasing levels attainment in the league, even in the bottom half. I'm the most worried for years, the lack of investment coupled with an unproven manager. I hope I'm wrong?

Manchester City fans

Arthur: Man City were fantastic, the way they play the ball is brilliant, all the team members played well but Cherki and Haaland goals were brilliant and more signings come. Makes us so proud of you all, played superbly - well done City, you're the best.

Carl: Great performance, bit shaky to start but took control and it could have been six goals if Foden had finished them. It was nice to see him and Cherki play full games. They will only get better.

Harry: Very much a Man City performance. Remnants of Pep ball but with a lot more chaos. Tons of possession and looking a bit open at the back. It's a risky play style but can lead to brilliant match-ups like this. It was an incredibly strong performance away from home, many positives in the shape of Rayan Cherki and Haaland. Bouaddi looked excellent in his cameo, excited to see him and our academy lads going forward.

Brian: True grit and a will to win. Man City fought hard and played an attacking game to test a determined Crystal Palace defence. Man City are back to winning ways and that belief has transformed into success. Yes there will be tougher games but the message has been delivered Man City are back and back in style. The City fans are full of belief and voice.

Man City starting XI:

Gianluigi Donnarumma: Hardly overworked but made a crucial early save from Nketiah as Palace threatened. 6

Abdukodir Khusanov: Showed his versatility at right-back. Lightning pace. 6

Ruben Dias: Rock solid and untroubled. Brushed aside any challenges. 7

Josko Gvardiol: Figured at left-back but was always willing to lend his weight to City's attacking forays. 6

Nico O'Reilly: Elegant and showed lots of classy touches in a role further forward. 7

Elliot Anderson: Always demanding the ball and ready to put his body on the line in the physical exchanges. Settling in. 7

Marc Guehi: Warm welcome on his return to Selhurst Park, playing in central defence as opposed to his previous role in midfield. 6

Phil Foden: Missed a big first-half chance when he should have scored but played a part in Cherki's first goal. Lively at times. 6

Rayan Cherki: Glorious touches and dribbling skills, capped with a touch of genius and arrogance for his goals. 8

Antoine Semenyo: Provided the inviting cross for Haaland's first goal. Always a threat. 7

Erling Haaland: Off the mark with a trademark header and a powerhouse finish. Scored in all six of his Premier League appearances at Selhurst Park. 7

Man City substitutes:

Kovacic (on 75, Gvardiol), McAidoo (on 82 Cherki), Bouaddi (on Anderson 82), Reis (on 89, Khusanov), Braithwaite (on 89, O'Reilly)

Subs not used: Ruli, Ait-Nouri, Echeverri, Lewis.

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

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Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison on Sky Sports said: "Rayan Cherki manipulates the ball ever so well. He's always in control, that's the biggest thing.

"Maresca can't change Cherki's game because if you change his game, you won't get the same player. There's not many who can move the ball like he does. He's been outstanding and you can see that he believes in himself.

"I would pay to watch Cherki, he's pure entertainment, he ran the show. Really positive performance from Man City this evening."

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist

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Enzo Maresca had warned on the eve of this game: "Crystal Palace away is always complicated."

Yet, apart from one or two moments, this was pretty straightforward for Manchester City once they went 2-0 ahead, with Foden looking the part and ending the night with two assists.

There is a real sense of transition under new boss Maresca following the exits of huge personalities in the shape of Pep Guardiola, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones.

But so far so good for City, who sent on their new expensive teenage signing Ayyoub Bouaddi in the closing stages.

Will there be more arrivals before the transfer deadline?

City are interested in Everton winger Illiman Ndiaye, 26, while there are reports that Brazilian winger Allan, 22, is also on his way to Etihad Stadium from Palmeiras in a deal worth up to £34.2m.

There is also the possibility of Enzo Fernandez linking up with his former Chelsea boss Maresca in the next few days, while Jack Grealish looks to be on his way out after being left out of this game.

With Erling Haaland up and running and Rayan Cherki registering two goals and two assists in his opening two games of the campaign, City look menacing, with newly promoted Coventry City up next at home on 5 September (15:00 BST).

Remarkably, Haaland now has 24 Premier League goals in just 16 appearances in the month of August. Only former Manchester United striker Andy Cole (25 in 44) has scored more in the same month.

Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca told BBC Sport: "Probably the first five or 10 minutes we saw how difficult it was. It's a difficult pitch and tough opponents.

"After 10 minutes we controlled the game on the ball and off the ball and deserved to win."

On moving Marc Guehi back to defence: "We try to find solutions. Marc was in midfield last week. Today we changed something. it's my job to find the solution."

On Rayan Cherki: "His performance off the ball was unbelievable. Everyone knows his quality but when he works hard off the ball, he was in charge of Wharton - he controlled him. He was very good."

On Erling Haaland: "We know Erling. We know when we make chances it's good for him. We try to create chances for him as much as we can."

On Phil Foden: "In the last 10-15 minutes you can see he was even more happy to play inside behind Erling. That's his position. He's trying to adapt and trying to help when playing winger. His working is good, he's doing very good."

Manchester City midfield Elliot Anderson speaking to Sky Sports: "Yeah, I enjoyed it today. I felt more at home today, it's my third game now and I feel like I'm getting better. There's still more to come."

When asked whether he had butterflies before his debut: "Yeah, of course. I'm always nervous when I go on the pitch but my first outing at the Etihad was pretty special. But it's two wins from two now so I'm pretty happy.

"I'm loving it. It's a bit different to what I've been used to.

"I've got to be a bit more structured, that's what I'm learning - to stay in my position when at Forest I was doing a little bit more."

On Rayan Cherki's solo goal: "I'm just sat back watching. I see this every day since I've joined, him, Phil... they've got so much talent. It's no surprise, to be honest. The talent they have is scary."

Did you know?

• Enzo Maresca is the fifth manager to win both of his first two Premier League games in charge of Manchester City after Brian Horton, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Roberto Mancini and Pep Guardiola - only Chelsea (8) and Spurs (6) have had more different managers win their first two matches in the competition.

• On his 181st league appearance across Europe's big five leagues, Manchester City's Rayan Cherki scored two goals for the very first time.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Crystal Palace's performance

What did you make of Manchester City's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Saturday for a selection of your replies.

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

Crystal Palace welcome Manchester City to Selhurst Park on Friday night against the backdrop of a potential exit for their star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

A 2-0 defeat away at Everton in his opening game was not the start new head coach Pierre Sage was looking for, and the result was compounded by news of a contract row involving his fellow Frenchman, while last season's top scorer Ismail Sarr is on Liverpool's radar.

Mateta believes the one-year contract extension triggered by the club last season is invalid. Palace fans did not take kindly to his wantaway antics earlier this year, and although his winner in May's Conference League triumph over Rayo Vallecano went some way to making amends, he is unlikely to be forgiven a second time.

Sage advice

Sage said on Wednesday: "I think he will stay… he has the behaviour of someone who is happy to be here, who wants to be here and is prepared to be here all season. I have no doubt about that."

Mateta missed two big chances in the first half against Everton, and Palace's profligacy in front of goal has been a cause of concern for some time now. The Eagles were the biggest xG underperformers in the Premier League last season.

It's a problem that blighted their rollercoaster 2025-26 season under Oliver Glasner, which started and ended with a trophy lift but was permeated by some dreadful league form.

Among the ever-present teams in the division, no-one has fared worse over the past eight league games (straddling the two seasons).

Guehi makes his Marc in midfield

After failing to lay a glove on Arsenal in the Community Shield the previous Sunday, Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca got off to a winning start in the Premier League against Bournemouth last week.

The Italian surprised everyone by playing centre-back Marc Guehi in midfield, a role the England defender had played just twice before in his senior career, both times for Crystal Palace.

Since that 2-1 comeback win over the Cherries at Etihad Stadium, City have been hard at work in the transfer window. Morocco's teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi has joined from Lille for an initial £81.4m, while Savio and Nico Gonzalez have departed for surprisingly hefty fees.

Maresca has confirmed that Bouaddi is available for selection, but whether he is thrown straight into the mix, or Guehi continues to moonlight in midfield against his former employer, remains to be seen.

Guehi did a sterling job alongside Elliot Anderson against Bournemouth, missing a great chance before heading home the equaliser from a Rayan Cherki corner, and it was the Frenchman who unpicked the visitors' defence for Josko Gvardiol's stoppage-time winner too.

Cherki, on as a 63rd-minute substitute, started just one game for France at the World Cup – the chaotic third-place play-off defeat by England – but he finished last season as one of City's brightest performers.

In fact, since his arrival from Lyon last summer, Cherki has more top-flight assists from open play than any other player – including Bruno Fernandes, who in 2025-26 set a new competition record for overall assists in one season.

Crystal Palace had a poor start away to Everton and it looks like there's a bit of interest from Liverpool in Ismaila Sarr.

The one thing they can't do before the end of the window is lose all the best players. But I do think they've got a goal in them.

I thought Manchester City deserved to win against Bournemouth. They were a little bit clunky with Mark Guehi playing in midfield - a penny for the thoughts of Mateo Kovacic - but now they've got the youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi, although he'll need a bit of time to adapt.

I don't think this will be a cruise for City, I think they'll be pushed, but I think they'll get over the line. Erling Haaland didn't score last weekend so I expect him to get up to the mark.

Sutton's prediction: 1-3

Read the full predictions and have your say here