Friday’s briefing: Haaland hits 300th goal and Liverpool complete Kerkez signing

Manchester City laid down a marker at the Club World Cup by securing top spot in Group G with a 5-2 thrashing of European rivals Juventus in Orlando.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-term future was resolved while Liverpool bolstered their backline.

Haaland heroics help City cruise past Juve

Erling Haaland scored his 300th career goal as Manchester City defied sweltering heat and a torrential downpour in Orlando to thump Juventus.

City were pegged back after Jeremy Doku’s early opener when Ederson gifted a goal to Teun Koopmeiners but their lead was restored when Pierre Kalulu turned into his own net at the Camping World Stadium.

Haaland, reaching a notable landmark in senior football for club and country, came off the bench to bag the third and Phil Foden and Savinho made victory certain before Dusan Vlahovic’s consolation.

City manager Pep Guardiola said: “I liked the way we did it. It has been a long time since we had a performance like this on and off the ball. The players were committed and we are happy to beat a top side.

“This is just one game but I think the players felt again what it was like to be a good team. It’s the first time we’ve performed the way we can.”

Ronaldo signs new Al-Nassr deal

Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a new two-year deal at Al Nassr.

The deal ties Ronaldo, whose contract was due to expire at the end of June, to the Saudi Pro League team beyond his 42nd birthday.

Ronaldo wrote on X: “A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together.”

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December 2022 as a free agent after leaving Manchester United following a controversial interview in which he criticised the Premier League club.

Reds land Kerkez

Liverpool have completed the £40million signing of Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez on a five-year contract.

The 21-year-old is the club’s third arrival this summer, following Jeremie Frimpong and club-record transfer Florian Wirtz.

And with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili joining next month in a deal done 12 months ago there will be more than £200million of new talent present when pre-season training starts in a fortnight.

Kerkez said: “I’m really happy. It’s a real honour for me, a privilege to come to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, (the) biggest club in England. I’m just really, really happy and excited.”

Wrexham take on Saints in Championship opener

Wrexham will start their 2025-26 Sky Bet Championship campaign with a mouth-watering trip to Southampton on Saturday, August 9.

The Welsh club, co-owned by Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds and It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia co-creator Rob McElhenney, are back in the second tier for the first time in 43 years after winning three consecutive promotions.

Wrexham met Eastleigh on the opening day of the Vanarama National League season in August 2022, but are now set to play grander Hampshire opposition three years on.

St Mary’s will be the venue for Wrexham’s Championship bow as Will Still takes charge of relegated Southampton for the first time in a 12.30pm kick-off.

What’s on today?

City will be keeping a close eye on the final round of Group H fixtures as they will play the runners-up. Real Madrid currently sit top of the pile but play second-placed Red Bull Salzburg in Philadelphia.

England Under-21s, meanwhile, will be gearing up for Saturday’s European Championship final against Germany in Bratislava as Lee Carsley’s side look to retain their continental crown.