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Miguel Delaney

@migueldelaney.bsky.social
39K followers 1.2K following 7K posts

Chief football writer at the Independent. Author of 'States of Play'

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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 7h
Also in my newsletter City should have been punished for breaches in 2014. It was Gianni Infantino's craven approach - as revealed in football leaks and his approach to Trump - that let them off. This entire story could have been stopped then www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Join Miguel Delaney’s award-winning Inside Football newsletter – one month free
Packed with snippets of behind-the-scenes gossip and updates from Miguel Delaney's reporting trips, members have a backstage pass as he covers the summer transfer window, the 2026/2027 season and more
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 7h
My newsletter today: - the wide-ranging reaction to City, from laughter in dressing rooms to debate over who could vote for expulsion - amid focus on an Abu Dhabi asset, Qatar have increased influence over European - and now world - football Sign up: www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Join Miguel Delaney’s award-winning Inside Football newsletter – one month free
Packed with snippets of behind-the-scenes gossip and updates from Miguel Delaney's reporting trips, members have a backstage pass as he covers the summer transfer window, the 2026/2027 season and more
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
This entire City story - and especially the last stories of Etihad, Burnham and Khaldoon’s diplomatic immunity - crystallises why states and state actors should not be allowed own clubs The longer it goes, the more chaotic it gets www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Why Andy Burnham has got it wrong on Man City’s Abu Dhabi owners
Andy Burnham confessed he would be ‘really concerned’ if Man City’s Abu Dhabi owners sold but, as Miguel Delaney writes, the prime minister’s view clashes with those inside football and a pressing nee...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Could this be the Premier League's Caliopoli, in terms of damaging its global hegemony? www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
The Premier League has a worrying new problem created by the Man City scandal
One weight has been lifted from the Premier League with the publication of the Man City verdict, writes Miguel Delaney, but another has now descended as the sins of a previous era come home to roost, ...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Just as the Premier League has one huge long-awaited outcome, it is typical of this case that another layer of problems spool out This season could be a farce “Every game now has an asterisk.” www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
The Premier League has a worrying new problem created by the Man City scandal
One weight has been lifted from the Premier League with the publication of the Man City verdict, writes Miguel Delaney, but another has now descended as the sins of a previous era come home to roost, ...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
New Copa Independent podcast, with @lawrenceostlere The great Manchester City sham youtu.be/aiQgglL5c7Y
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The great Man City sham
YouTube video by Miguel Delaney's Inside Football
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Video piece on today's Manchester City decision www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDf4...
youtube.com
Man City’s rule breaking leaves the Premier League just one option
YouTube video by Miguel Delaney's Inside Football
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The most hard-hitting language, which surely means Manchester City must face the hardest-hitting sanctions Expulsion, and the independent football regulator looking at a forced sale Given the stridency, can normal football business even go on? www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Man City’s staggering rule-breaking has left the Premier League with only one option
Found guilty on all but one of more than 100 charges, the club’s behaviour casts doubt over an entire era of football. How, Miguel Delaney asks, can they be allowed to remain in the top flight?
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
City have until 2 October to appeal One conclusion from the decision reads: "that certain of those factual witnesses had given evidence at the hearing that they knew to be untrue and so had been dishonest."
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The long 8 years of City case offer huge clues for what - instant response was to try insulate chairman Khaldoon - Qs over CAS - PL chair Alison Brittain drove it, feeling PL couldn't sit on evidence - club dismissive of case in summer transfer talks www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Man City sparked a legal cold war and these clues hint at how it ends
The reported Man City verdict has sent shockwaves through the sport, writes Miguel Delaney, with fresh details surrounding the ‘legal cold war’ that consumed the Premier League for three years
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
It's usually at this stage of this saga there are all sorts of debates and myths about the rules And they are myths for a reason: most are incorrect They were devised by Uefa technocrats concerned players were going unpaid www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
The truth behind football’s much-maligned Financial Fair Play rules
Are the FFP rules Man City are alleged to have broken ‘unfair’ or ‘created by a cartel’? Miguel Delaney explains the reality of financial regulation in modern football
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Football doesn't need extra owner investment. It generates tonnes What it needs is proper redistribution of money. That is the "status quo" behaviour, not the rules But thinking about serves the wider game not just one or two clubs with wealthy owners www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
The truth behind football’s much-maligned Financial Fair Play rules
Are the FFP rules Man City are alleged to have broken ‘unfair’ or ‘created by a cartel’? Miguel Delaney explains the reality of financial regulation in modern football
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak was the first individual involved in the case to speak with his letter, and some in geopolitical circles recognised the tone His very presence at City this speaks to the dimensions of this story www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
The real world consequences of the Man City verdict stretch far beyond football
A defiant Khaldoon Al Mubarak maintained Man City’s innocence despite a reported guilty verdict last week and, as Miguel Delaney details, the CEO holds a pivotal position for the club with repercussio...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Exclusive: successful legal actions over City case could be worth over £200m to clubs who make claims - only four preserved "right to sue" under Section W Was initially Arsenal, who are understood to have been followed by Spurs, Man United and Liverpool www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Four Premier League clubs eye £200m in compensation over Man City verdict
Widespread reports suggest Man City are set to be found guilty of almost all of the 115 Premier League charges concerning financial breaches, though no confirmation has arrived, with rivals now though...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Video piece on a seismic day in football www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFgL...
youtube.com
The Man City verdict is an earthquake – what comes next could be even bigger
YouTube video by Miguel Delaney's Inside Football
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
A seismic day in football history - but with a lot of earthquakes to come The fact the Premier League have not yet released a statement amid widespread expectations they will win most charges against Manchester City shows this "is nowhere near the end" www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
The Man City verdict is an earthquake – what comes next could be even bigger
With Man City expected to be found guilty of most of the 115 charges, the Premier League has a highly significant first victory in one of the most important legal battles in sporting history. What hap...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In my newsletter: The new doubts about Tuchel among England squad, and the eternal dynamic of a big-name manager and how sustainable their “aura” is Also - the real reason Madrid wanted Mourinho back so much - Arsenal had chance to sign Andres Sign up: www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
‘The aura has gone’: Inside Thomas Tuchel’s fight to prevent England mutiny
With England players now said to feel the way they went out of the World Cup will be ‘talked about in 30 years’, the danger for Tuchel is that he doesn't have the same ‘respect’ in the dressing room, ...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
There is also a misconception about the Russia ban Uefa/Fifa didn't proactively ban them, as they try not to. They were forced to react when Poland refused to play, which CAS upheld It's uncertain whether that serves as a precedent though www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
How Ireland v Israel become the world’s most controversial fixture
The tension and anger ahead of the Nations League double header is seen as ‘unprecedented’ for a match between two countries not in conflict, reports Miguel Delaney in Dublin
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The Ireland-Israel games are seen at Uefa as "unprecedented" in terms of controversy for two countries not in conflict Irish discourse has been dominated by whether to boycott There was also dismay in Israel about the draw Report: www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
How Ireland v Israel become the world’s most controversial fixture
The tension and anger ahead of the Nations League double header is seen as ‘unprecedented’ for a match between two countries not in conflict, reports Miguel Delaney in Dublin
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Video on Manchester United’s attacking - or lack of it youtu.be/g6Ww7_q3NwA?...
youtu.be
Manchester United's clear attacking problems
YouTube video by Miguel Delaney's Inside Football
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Manchester United currently aren't constructing attacks in the way you would expect - and it's why you can see problems building www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Carrick must make huge Man Utd changes to avoid being latest victim of their decline
The pressure is mounting on the manager who must address concerns over personnel, structural shape and build-up play, writes Miguel Delaney – otherwise he might well lose his job as the cycle of decli...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Carrick averts a proper crisis but can't quite avoid criticisms Fulham played to a clearer attacking idea than Manchester United www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Matheus Cunha rescues Manchester United but their major issue remains clear
Fulham 1-1 Man Utd: Cunha’s late strike salvaged a draw for Michael Carrick’s side after a woeful performance at Craven Cottage
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
In Iraola’s time at Bournemouth, they had 13 2-2 draws in the Premier League Bournemouth have already had two in four this season Liverpool have already had two in four this season Is this the most nailed on 2-2 ever? www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Why these five Premier League managers need a result more than ever
With an extended international break, managers risk clubs considering their options, writes Miguel Delaney, with this weekend’s results crucial to safeguard their futures, including Alvaro Arbeloa and...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
In my newsletter this week: Refereeing, VAR and the secret dynamics behind it all - and how it’s often not what you think - the “three Bs” seen as pushiest - rivals stunned by Man United’s play - Barca/Bayern in for Gabriel too Sign up here: www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
The secret politics behind Premier League refereeing and VAR
Behind every VAR storm this season is the same hidden dynamic: officials swinging between permissiveness and crackdown, and clubs playing the politics around it. Miguel Delaney goes inside the relatio...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Fulham-Manchester United sums up a strangely hinge Premier League weekend About a third of teams could really do with a result before three weeks of an international break vacuum www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Why these five Premier League managers need a result more than ever
With an extended international break, managers risk clubs considering their options, writes Miguel Delaney, with this weekend’s results crucial to safeguard their futures, including Alvaro Arbeloa and...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Latest Copa Independent, in which we discuss REFEREEING, but more everything around it - and whether England has become Spain/Italy Richard Jolly refused to come on as he considers all ref discussion as "tedious whinging", which we discuss youtu.be/ZLxz7L-qPYk
youtu.be
Has the VAR debate become bigger than football itself?
YouTube video by Miguel Delaney's Inside Football
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
ProRef admit “error of judgement” in Haaland goal
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Tottenham spent so much in the summer to rid themselves of squad scar tissue They now have new cuts: scoring www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
What another Premier League stalemate revealed about Tottenham and Roberto De Zerbi
Tottenham 0-0 Everton: Spurs were booed off as their scoreless start continued in the first goalless draw at their ground
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Considerable boos at Spurs as they go a fourth game without scoring. The record from the start of a season is Palace, in 2017-18, who went into their eighth game without a goal. Spurs now 403 minutes (and stoppage time on top) without a goal.
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The Korean version of ‘States of Play’ This is the third of four translations so far, including German, Japanese and Polish. It won 2025 football book of the year and was nominated for the William Hill, and every day feels more relevant and like it could do with a sequel
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Amid all the praise for Odegaard, Arteta has had a few pointed messages He knows he hasn't seen the best of him for two years Odegaard himself was so down about it he needed re-affirming But now he's in the best mood of his career www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
How Martin Odegaard rediscovered his edge to take Arsenal to the next level
The Norwegian has recaptured his best form after a long spell struggling with the lasting effect of injuries, but, as Miguel Delaney writes, his style gives Arsenal a new dimension and lifts their cei...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Interview with Pochettino, as he discusses Argentine relations, the England job, how management is losing its emotional dimension and analogue v digital coaching And why his generation are in international football www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Mauricio Pochettino on Balogun, the England job and the problem with club football
Mauricio Pochettino tells Miguel Delaney why he has chosen to stay on as manager of the USA beyond the World Cup despite offers from the club game
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Maybe this is what has been missing for Arsenal, as Arteta knows the equation is a bit different than just trying to match PSG www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Arsenal find the missing piece and may finally be ready to win the Champions League
Napoli 0-1 Arsenal: Mikel Arteta’s side spurned a huge number of chances in Naples but Martin Odegaard came through to kick off their Champions League campaign with a win
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The Champions League group stage: wallpaper football... but wallpaper football where there is always something new and nice to look at www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
PSG’s big Champions League advantage is also its biggest problem
The insignificance of the Champions League’s league phase, as illustrated by PSG winning the title after finishing 15th and 11th in the group, reduces the top tier of European football to more ‘wallpa...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Is the Champions League now so organised that it favours teams in PSG's situation? Will they have by far the best chance for some time now? www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
PSG’s big Champions League advantage is also its biggest problem
The insignificance of the Champions League’s league phase, as illustrated by PSG winning the title after finishing 15th and 11th in the group, reduces the top tier of European football to more ‘wallpa...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Arsenal’s machine now looks so well oiled, it’s moving faster Everything is so competent and controlled www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
The Arsenal machine found a new gear against Chelsea – that spells trouble for rivals
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea: Morgan Rogers stunned the Gunners with an early goal but the reigning Premier League champions hit back in style to lay down an early title marker
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
My newsletter: how many PL clubs seemed to just forget the best practice in transfers of the last few years. Also: - everyone is discussing Balogun - the ongoing fall-out from Alvarez and Arsenal squad response - why Sangare went "unnoticed" Sign up here www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Liverpool used to lead by example in the market. What happened?
Liverpool and Manchester City used to be the adults in the room, but smart thinking appears to have gone out of the window in the Premier League’s breathless rush for more, more, more.... writes Migue...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
And a video on my piece on how the transfer window’s propulsion by private credit - at a very pressured time - risks a “big short” moment for the Premier League youtu.be/ZRsP8pKBcBU?...
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How this transfer window risks football’s Big Short moment
YouTube video by Miguel Delaney's Inside Football
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
This week’s Copa Independent podcast on the chaos of the window, how it went down, the wider significance and how Richard Jolly hates “winning the window” And quite an analysis from Rich on Enzo… youtu.be/bVShct7jQsQ?...
youtu.be
The hard truth behind a CHAOTIC transfer deadline day
YouTube video by Miguel Delaney's Inside Football
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Special report: how the Premier League is risking a "big short" moment as huge proportion of window propped up with private credit The day's most relevant headlines may have been bond yields “A credit challenge is coming. The game should be worried.” www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
How the Premier League’s greed could soon become its drastic downfall
The Premier League has spent more than £3.5bn this summer and, as Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney details, a lack of financial control and liquidity could provoke a nasty surprise in the not-too-...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
EXCL: there is growing concern at just how much of a record transfer window was paid for with private credit, at a time of real pressure for such markets The state of the game report is anticipated to outline a huge liquidity problem in English football www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
How the Premier League’s greed could soon become its drastic downfall
The Premier League has spent more than £3.5bn this summer and, as Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney details, a lack of financial control and liquidity could provoke a nasty surprise in the not-too-...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
A Premier League window where a lot of normal football logic didn't apply More money spent than ever, and yet fewer clubs seem content than ever There are bigger reasons, as this was the window of the owner www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
The Premier League’s obscene transfer window has broken football
With over £3.3bn spent on transfer fees, the Premier League has more money than ever before, writes Miguel Delaney. Yet this was the summer where American-style ‘trading’ also left fewer clubs satisfi...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Barring any highly unlikely late opportunity, and it is now getting very late, Arsenal not set to do more business A touch of a risk given they lack options/pace on left, as title rivals go out and really push www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Transfer deadline day LIVE: Enzo to Man City agreed, Alvarez to Arsenal latest
A hectic end to the transfer window could be in store as clubs scramble to complete their deals before tonight’s 11pm deadline
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Am told from the Bilbao side, there is "no chance" Nico Williams be sold, amid a few rumours www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Transfer deadline day LIVE: Enzo to Man City agreed, Alvarez to Arsenal latest
A hectic end to the transfer window could be in store as clubs scramble to complete their deals before tonight’s 11pm deadline
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Manchester United's move for Leicester City's Louis Page has progressed faster than expected today - still some way to go Fee would be over £10m Leicester play Plymouth at home tonight www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Transfer deadline day LIVE: Arsenal miss out on Alvarez alternative, Enzo to City
A hectic end to the transfer window could be in store as clubs scramble to complete their deals before tonight’s 11pm deadline
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Arsenal considering Fofana as they weigh up extra option There is possibility they wait until Jan www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Arsenal consider deadline day move for long-standing transfer target
Arsenal’s interest in Malick Fofana stretches back to last year and the Gunners will consider a move with Lyon needing to sell
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Another game where Chelsea win but don't have control But is that by design? Is that sustainable? Might it fit this Premier League season? www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
After more chaos, Chelsea must add the final piece to challenge for the title
Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers shone again, but despite the chaos at both ends, Miguel Delaney believes a Premier League in flux offers Xabi Alonso a rare opportunity
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
In my newsletter today: why Premier League prices are so high - and affecting every remaining deal Is this "late stage Premier League"? Also: - Galatasaray's huge price for Osimhen - inside latest Fifa crisis - Camara attracting a lot Sign up here: www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Inside the Premier League’s wild spending spree: ‘£100m is the new baseline’
Premier League inflation has outstripped football inflation, as well as real-world inflation, but at what cost, asks Miguel Delaney in his latest Inside Football newsletter
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Arsenal are aiming for a long calculation about Alvarez to pay off It also marks a bit of a difference in this summer www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Arsenal’s Julian Alvarez gamble has paid off – with two cards still to play
Arsenal’s patient approach could yet pay off amid Atletico Madrid’s explosive breakdown in relations with Barcelona - now, the Gunners must lean on sporting director Andrea Berta to smooth negotiation...
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Miguel Delaney @migueldelaney.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Uefa issue request for disclosure with a view to potential criminal proceedings against Gianni Infantino in Switzerland www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
independent.co.uk
Uefa consider opening ‘criminal proceedings’ against Gianni Infantino
The Fifa president is accused of ‘criminal mismanagement’ following his failed plan to sell off commercial stakes in the World Cup
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