Transfers

Birmingham City appoint Wayne Rooney as new manager

Birmingham City have appointed Wayne Rooney as their new manager.

The 37-year-old former England captain has joined the Championship club on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

Rooney succeeds Blues head coach John Eustace, who was sacked on Monday after 15 months in charge.

The ex-Everton and Manchester United striker’s appointment is the first managerial change made by Blues’ new American owners Shelby Companies Limited since they took over in July.

Rooney will be supported by his former England team-mate and current England Under-21 assistant Ashley Cole and his old United colleague John O’Shea, the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland men’s national team.

Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth will also be part of Rooney’s backroom staff after both assisted him at DC United.

It will be Rooney’s third job in management following spells at the MLS club and Derby County and his first game will be at Middlesbrough on 21 October.

“Wayne is a born winner,” Blues co-owner and chairman Tom Wagner said.

“We believe, with the support of his coaching staff, the club, and our supporters, he will take Blues forward on the next stage of our journey.

“His playing philosophy will help to realise the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City.

“Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this since he embarked on his coaching education whilst still a player at Manchester United.

“He and his staff have the full support of the board and everyone at the football club.”

Rooney retired from playing and was appointed Derby boss in January 2021, following a spell in caretaker charge.

His time at Pride Park was marred by off-field troubles. He saved them from relegation from the Championship by a single point four months after taking on the role.

But during his first full season in charge in 2021-22, the Rams were given a 21-point deduction for being in administration and EFL breaches, alongside a transfer embargo. Derby were relegated to League One and Rooney left in June 2022 with the club still in administration.

He returns to England after just over a year with Washington-based DC United.

Wayne Rooney was unable to save Derby from Championship relegation following a 21-point deduction in 2021-22

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City at such an exciting time,” Rooney said.

“It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realising their ambition for the club.”

Rooney added that he and Blues are “fully aligned” on what is expected of him and says the “challenging environments” he has put himself in has “got me ready for this opportunity”.

“It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

“I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it. We will create a winning culture here with an identity that gets Blues fans on their feet.

“My job is to elevate the club to the next level. I know what the expectations are and our job is to deliver.”

Birmingham chief executive Garry Cook called Rooney’s appointment a “defining moment” for the club before adding the new boss will work straight away with technical director Craig Gardner in evaluating the squad and identifying potential transfer targets in January.

Birmingham are the longest serving occupants of the Championship, having completed the third of their short stays in the Premier League in 2011.

That was the same year they beat Arsenal at Wembley to win the League Cup, making them the last West Midlands side to lift a trophy.

This is their 13th successive attempt at getting back to the top flight but they have only once gone close to a return, their first season back in the second tier under Chris Hughton in 2011-12, when they were beaten by Ian Holloway’s Blackpool in the play-offs.

Birmingham beat neighbours West Brom at St Andrew’s in their last Championship game
Since then, despite the efforts of 10 different bosses, they have come closer to relegation than promotion – twice staying up on the final day, under Lee Clark in 2014 and Harry Redknapp in 2017.

But they are handily placed this season and sixth in the table having won three of their first four league games and then twice last week, to edge within two points of third-placed Preston.

Transfers

PSG Ready To Hand Bukayo Saka Injury Solution To Arsenal With Transfer Proposal

Bukayo Saka Update Emerges After He Went Off Injured Against Crystal Palace On Saturday

Paris Saint-Germain are likely to offer Arsenal the chance to sign out-of-favour forward Randal Kolo Muani.

Arsenal have been hit with the news that star man Bukayo Saka will be ruled out for ‘many weeks’ with a hamstring tear and are weighing up whether to find a solution to his absence in the January transfer window. Saka, 23, has played the fourth-highest amount of minutes among Arsenal’s outfielders this season and the Gunners don’t have a natural right winger to replace him with.

His injury has given Mikel Arteta a dilemma as the winter window nears but PSG could have the answer to his problem in the shape of Randal Kolo Muani. The 26-year-old was signed for £64.2m in the summer of 2023, having shone for Eintracht Frankfurt, when he attracted interest from Manchester United. Kolo Muani was expected to play a larger role under Luis Enrique following the departure of Kylian Mbappe, but he’s only started two matches in Ligue 1 this season and played just 28 minutes of football in the last month.

The France international has now been made available on loan, despite being under contract until 2028, and the Evening Standard report that the French champions will offer him to a number of clubs in January, including Arsenal.

Saka’s absence has been compounded by an injury Raheem Sterling, who would’ve been in contention to replace him in the Gunners’ starting line-up against Ipswich Town on Boxing Day. Asked about the prospect of signing a replacement for Saka next month, Arteta insisted that his focus is on players who are already at the club.

“My focus honestly now is just about within the squad the resources we have to be as competitive as we possibly can,” the Arsenal manager said. “We have many, many options to do that. And if something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we’ll have to consider it.”

“Obviously we didn’t predict a situation with Bukayo and Raheem at the same time. We predicted more it would be something else, for example if something happened in the defensive line, but the job is done.

“Then, okay, if something has to happen, we will be open. But the main focus is now, how will we extract still a lot of potential that there is in this squad.”

Transfers

After Alex Iwobi, Nigerian Forward Wanted By Girona Spread Christmas Joy With Acts Of Kindness

Arokodare, alongside his Genk teammate Noah Adedeji, participated in an initiative with Vincentius, a local charity in Genk, to distribute food parcels to families in need during the festive period.

The Nigerian forward, who has netted 11 goals for Genk this season, played an active role in packaging fresh meals for the Christmas holidays.

Sint-Vincentius Genk Zutendaal, which distributes an impressive 20 tonnes of food monthly and even more during the holidays, welcomed the players’ helping hands.

Reflecting on his faith and motivations, Arokodare said:

“Praying relaxes me, inspires me, gives me confidence and a feeling of protection. I pray in the morning, evening, and before every match, asking for protection for all the players and fans of both teams.”

The gesture was part of Genk’s broader Christmas celebrations and provided a heartwarming connection between the players and their community.

Families who benefitted from the initiative expressed their gratitude, while the event brought smiles to many faces, both young and old.

Girona’s Interest in Arokodare
Arokodare’s on-field success has not gone unnoticed.

Reports indicate that Spanish club Girona are keen on signing the 24-year-old, with Genk valuing him at around €7 million.

The striker, also on the radar of Turkish giants Galatasaray, has proven to be a dominant force in Belgium and is now attracting interest from across Europe.

Alex Iwobi Joins Festive Charity Efforts
Arokodare is not the only Nigerian footballer spreading holiday cheer.

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened a London-based shop, “AleXpress,” where families in need can collect free food for Christmas dinner.

“We want to create a place where families can get what they need,” said Iwobi.

“If I can help them have a peaceful Christmas, why not do it? I grew up watching my parents help others, and their example inspired me.”

Transfers

17-Year-Old Nigeria-Eligible Defender Pens Professional Deal With Chelsea

The Eastbourne-born England defender recently turned 17 five days ago, and was given a professional contract by the Blues as a birthday present after joining from the Brighton and Hove Albion U-12 team a few years back.

Tayo started his career as a midfielder, but moved back to play central defence as he matured and has been a standout performer for the Chelsea U-18 squad, specifically known for his ability to command his teammates and play out from back with excellence.

Subuloye has represented England at the U-18 level, making his debut in October 2024, but is eligible to represent Nigeria. However, if he’ll be open to representing the Super Eagles of Nigeria is currently unknown at the moment.

“His performances this season have earned him recognition, and he is expected to play a significant role in Chelsea’s future defensive plans. Keep an eye on this rising star.

He is a talented footballer who is comfortable playing in various positions and adapts well to any intense situation,” Chelsea’s official website read after Subuloye penned his new deal.

The lanky defender was heavily involved in Chelsea’s U-16 Premier League campaign, captaining the side to the national final. He was also an important member of the U-17 side that won the League Cup before getting an invitation to the club’s U-18 side.