Tag Futebol

A title-winning manager once described as the “best coach in the world” has been mentioned as an option for Manchester United, should Ruben Amorim lose his job.

Amorim positive after Man Utd's win over Sunderland

The Red Devils picked up a vital three points in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, overcoming Sunderland 2-0 at Old Trafford, thanks to goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko.

Speaking after the game, Amorim assessed a positive day at the office for United, with the Portuguese potentially even saving his job by winning.

“That is the kind of game where when we are not playing well, we are defending well. Today was not a perfect performance. We had our moments. Senne [Lammens] did really well also. We were competitive and an adult team today. We need to win these games and win clean sheets.”

For United and their manager, this really did feel like a must-win game, with dropped points at home to a newly-promoted team feeling disastrous, even though Sunderland have been in good form.

There’s now a two-week break before the Red Devils make the trip to Liverpool after the international break, and while Amorim is safe for now, other managers continue to be linked with his job.

Barcelona legend Xavi waiting for Man Utd job, snubs Saudi offers

According to Caught Offside, Barcelona legend Xavi “could be a name to watch” for Manchester United, should the club part ways with Amorim, with the Spaniard seemingly “waiting” for the job.

The 45-year-old is said to be keen on the idea of managing in England, and has “instructed his representatives to reject offers from Saudi Pro League clubs”.

Xavi would be an interesting option for United, having won the La Liga title with Barca in 2022/23, years after a legendary playing career there. He adopts an attacking 4-3-3 formation, which could go down well with supporters who don’t like Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, and Barca president Joan Laporta once heaped huge praise on him back in 2022.

“I am very lucky to have the best coach in the world, because Xavi, in addition to his great football knowledge, is a man who is always very interesting to listen to with his reasoning, who is also a club man and is very aligned with the club. We share moments together, and also we share much of everything that is being done, and I feel very accompanied and supported with Xavi and all his staff.”

Despite this, United have to be careful not to keep jumping from manager to manager, and should only hire a new head coach if they genuinely feel he is a vastly superior option to Amorim.

100% passing, 8 duels won: Man Utd star just outshone Mount & Sesko

Man Utd were 2-0 victors over Sunderland on Saturday afternoon

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 4, 2025

The Red Devils’ current boss clearly needs to do better, but it is easy to envisage a scenario where Xavi comes in and also finds it hard. He could excel, in fairness, and is a legendary figure in the game, but holding fire for now is arguably the best option.

Everton have come on leaps and bounds under David Moyes’ leadership (again), but Tuesday evening’s defeat at Molineux was a tough one to take.

Yet again, the Toffees have fallen from the League Cup at an early stage. Four times in five seasons have they exited in the third round, and Moyes will very much plan to revive the outfit’s trophy-winning ambitions after so many years without silverware.

However, there’s ample reason to be excited as the Merseysiders continue to make headway in the Premier League and shape back into an outfit of a higher station.

And it’s rousing to note that Jarrad Branthwaite has yet to kick a ball this season, injured but preparing for a comeback that could take Everton to the next level.

The latest on Branthwaite's fitness

For the second season running, Everton have kicked things off with Branthwaite in the infirmary. This year, though, the Blues have avoided an early-season slump, sat in tenth place with seven points after five fixtures.

The 23-year-old’s return will work wonders, though, with Branthwaite recognised as one of the most talented and valuable centre-backs in the country.

Solid, strong and deceptively dynamic on the ball, Branthwaite will calm a backline hardly in need of placation, and he will improve the overall fluency of an Everton side transitioning to a more modern-tailored form.

A look at the England international’s past two Premier League campaigns tells you all you need to know about his prowess.

Branthwaite in the Premier League

Match Stats (* per game)

23/24

24/25

Matches (starts)

35 (35)

30 (28)

Goals

3

0

Assists

0

1

Clean sheets

12

8

Touches*

52.2

51.9

Accurate passes*

31.4 (80%)

32.7 (83%)

Ball recoveries*

5.2

3.1

Tackles*

1.9

1.2

Interceptions*

1.4

0.9

Clearances*

4.5

6.3

Ground duels won*

2.5 (67%)

1.9 (69%)

Aerial duels won*

2.7 (68%)

2.1 (59%)

Data via Sofascore

The defenders are doing well, but Everton still need a bit more solidity and dynamism in midfield. Branthwaite’s return will help in that regard, but certain stars, such as Tim Iroegbunam, have left plenty to be desired over the opening weeks of the term.

Iroegbunam is still young, but he’s not been at the races so far, branded a “passenger” against Aston Villa by Everton writer Lyndon Lloyd, and then looking unconvincing against Wolves on Tuesday.

Everton could do with an upgrade, and instead of breaking the bank in next year’s transfer market, they might fancy repeating a trick that worked well with Branthwaite and promoting Harrison Armstrong to Moyes’ first team.

Armstrong could become an Everton starter

Armstrong, 18, is widely regarded as one of Everton’s most talented players within the academy system, and on transfer deadline day, he joined Preston North End in the Championship on loan until the end of the season.

Everton view this as a campaign of significance for the teenager, who is considered a potential superstar and who is anticipated to dovetail into Moyes’ senior set-up in the coming years.

Already he has featured eight times for Everton’s senior side, claiming three assists. Against Mansfield Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup this term, he started and played the full 90, registering two assists, winning four duels and completing 91% of his passes (data via Sofascore).

During a previous loan spell with Derby County, John Eustace described the prospect as one of “phenomenal” potential, and there has been little since to have dissuaded the Toffees hierarchy from maintaining this stance.

His tenacity in the duel and flowering quality on the ball, creating chances, has already seen him win over the Everton fanbase, with some no doubt hankering for his presence ahead of Iroegbunam’s in the Toffees centre.

There are more who will be frustrated with the decision to loan him out, but Everton are well-stocked, and a short-term stint in the Championship could work wonders in the long run.

After all, Armstrong may well be looking to take a leaf out of Branthwaite’s book

Branthwaite cut his teeth over in Holland with PSV Eindhoven during the 2022/23 campaign, and he returned to the Premier League a more refined and robust defender, hailed by pundit Ian Wright as a “monster” who has “got everything” needed to be an elite centre-half.

Still young and with much to learn, Branthwaite is already regarded as one of the Premier League’s best defenders, and Moyes’ side are only going to improve when he returns to full fitness.

The club’s Young Player of the Year across each of the past two terms, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Armstrong emulate him there, slotting into the middle of the park with ease, providing new levels of technical support while shielding the backline too.

Branthwaite came back a better player after his year abroad, and now, Armstrong has opted to develop his talents away from Everton before returning the full package.

When he does return to his parent club, it feels likely that Moyes will look to hand the youngster plenty of opportunities to prove himself, and that may well come at Iroegbunam’s expense.

The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland remarked toward the end of pre-season that there is an “awful lot to like” about Armstrong, and if he completes another successful term in the second tier, there is every belief among The Friedkin Group officials and Moyes and Everton that he will grow into a leading light at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

His rise may indeed hinder Iroegbunam’s own prospects of thriving at the club, but if that is for the greater good of Moyes’ Everton project, it’s something of a no-brainer.

Related Everton must rue losing homegrown Dibling with "unbelievably high ceiling"

Everton once released a star for nothing when he could have been a homegrown Tyler Dibling.

Posts ByDan Emery Sep 25, 2025

The forecast is for overcast conditions and spells of rain through most of the day

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Mar-2025There was a fair bit of overnight rain in Kolkata, the venue for the IPL 2025 opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), but around mid-day, the sun made an appearance to raise hopes of an uninterrupted game. The forecast, though, is for overcast conditions to remain for most of the day and for occasional showers throughout the day, including during match time.A bulletin from the Indian Met Department on Friday had said an “orange alert” had been issued for the region – Gangetic West Bengal.Kolkata has been hit by spells of persistent – though not heavy – rain in the lead up to the season opener with rain cutting short both teams’ training sessions on Friday. Earlier in the week, a KKR intra-squad practice match was washed out after only one innings. Light rain had hit the city on Wednesday and Thursday too, although both teams completed their training sessions then.The KKR vs RCB fixture is scheduled for a 7pm toss and a 7.30pm start. The league stage of the IPL allows for an extra hour of time extension, which means a five-overs-a-side game must end by midnight. In case of a no-result, the two will share one point each.After the game at Eden Gardens, defending champions KKR travel to Guwahati to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 26, while RCB fly to Chennai to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 28.An opening ceremony has also been planned before the toss.

Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta are somehow not done in the summer transfer market, despite spending over £250 million already this window.

The Gunners’ ambition to end their two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title is crystal clear from their excellent deals for Kepa, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, with Mikel Arteta backed to the hilt.

Their transfer spending since Arteta took charge has now surpassed the £900 million mark after their sensational hijack of Tottenham’s deal for Eze, so failure to win the league gives Arteta no place to hide.

Arsenal have made a perfect start to the new campaign – scoring six goals in two games whilst conceding none – with current English champions Liverpool awaiting them at Anfield on Sunday in what will be their arguable toughest test of 2025/2026.

With deadline day just four days away, following a phenomenal debut summer for Berta as their main transfer chief, all that’s left to do now is to ensure Arsenal finish it as strongly as possible.

Arteta cannot afford to be weakened by outgoings, and they have a plan to replace Jakub Kiwior, who’s on the verge of joining FC Porto on loan with an obligation to buy in 2026.

With Kiwior preparing to depart for Portugal, Arsenal have entered talks for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

Bayer Leverkusen working to replace Piero Hincapie after Arsenal pact

According to reliable media sources, the Ecaudor international has already agreed personal terms on a move to Arsenal and wants to join Arteta’s side, with Fabrizio Romano now confirming that they’re in club-to-club negotiations too.

Romano, speaking on Kraken earlier this week, has also said that Arsenal want to sign Hincapie on an initial loan deal with the obligation to buy, and before Leverkusen potentially agree to these terms, Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to source a replacement.

They’ve already made an approach for Newcastle United star Sven Botman as a candidate, but a deal for the Dutchman is seen as very difficult considering Eddie Howe and co are not keen on selling the player this late on.

The obligation to buy, according to BILD, could even be as low as £39 million, and there are many reasons why this could be deemed a bargain.

Hincapie was a mainstay of Leverkusen’s backline last year, and the versatile 23-year-old, who can play in multiple defensive areas, has long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

The final, the first without India in it, will be played from June 11 to 15

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jan-20253:19

Cummins on making WTC final: ‘It’s huge, we talk about it a lot’

South Africa and Australia will contest the third World Test Championship final after the latter defeated India in Sydney to claim a 3-1 series win in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The match will be played at Lord’s from June 11 to 15.Australia still have two games left in the current cycle – against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka later this month. But even a 0-2 loss there would not be enough for either of India or Sri Lanka to displace them in the top two on the WTC table. For the record, even if Sri Lanka win the two-Test series 2-0, they will finish on 53.85 percentage points while Australia, currently on 63.73%, will finish on 57.02%. India, who needed a win in Sydney to stay in contention, have ended the current cycle on 50%. The only way Australia can lose out mathematically is if they concede eight penalty points in the two matches in Sri Lanka, which is next to impossible.Related

What did victory over India tell us about Australia's present and future?

South Africa's not-quite-perfect WTC campaign

When the orchestra played as one – South Africa's journey to their first WTC final

Konstas, Webster and Boland, the unusual suspects in Australia's moment of glory

WTC 2023-25 final to be played from June 11 at Lord's

South Africa became the first team to reach the final when they beat Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test in Centurion. They registered series wins over West Indies, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, while drawing their series at home against India and losing in New Zealand, where they went with a significantly weakened side. Reaching the WTC final capped a dream run for South Africa, who were the runners-up at both the men’s and women’s T20 World Cups earlier this year.”It’s been a great effort from everyone, and it feels like all the hard work we’ve put in over the past 12 months has paid off,” captain Temba Bavuma said after South Africa secured qualification last week. “Different guys have stepped up at different times – it’s been a real team effort. I also want to give a special thanks to Shukri [Conrad], our coach. The belief he’s instilled in us over the last year has been huge. He’s always backed us, and that confidence has been key in getting us to this point.”To play the World Test Championship final at Lord’s is a dream come true for any cricketer. It’s a huge occasion, and we can’t wait to take it all in.”The Australians got their hands on the Border Gavaskar Trophy after a long gap•Getty Images

After India lost their first Test series at home since 2012, losing 3-0 to New Zealand, Australia needed at least three wins to stay in contention for a spot in the WTC final. A defeat to India in Perth only made their path trickier but they pulled off wins in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney to seal the deal.”To hold the [Border-Gavaskar] Trophy is an amazing feeling, and the extra layer is now securing a spot in the World Test Championship final, which was always a huge goal for us in this cycle,” Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, said in an ICC release.”We talk about the World Test Championship a lot. It’s a trophy we’re really proud to hold so we want to go back and defend it. I think it’s a great tournament in that you’ve got to play well consistently and across all different conditions against different teams. We can’t wait to get over there.”This is the first time India are not part of the WTC final, having been runners-up to New Zealand and Australia in the first two editions.

Ollie Pope will keep wicket as tourists deal with fallout from Jordan Cox injury

Vithushan Ehantharajah25-Nov-2024

Jacob Bethell is set to bat No. 3 on Test debut•Getty Images

Jacob Bethell will make his Test debut for England at No. 3 against New Zealand in the first Test at Hagley Oval on Thursday, despite never having fulfilled the role in first-class cricket.As part of a reshuffled batting line-up following Jordan Cox’s broken thumb – who was initially set to debut with Jamie Smith missing the tour on paternity leave – the Warwickshire middle order batter will come in at first-drop to allow Ollie Pope to keep wicket with a more withdrawn role at six. Joe Root will remain at No.4 for his 150th cap.The selection of Bethell in a position of such responsibility is a reflection of the selectors’ regard for his talent. He made his T20I and ODI debuts against Australia at the end of the home summer, and impressed out in the Caribbean with three half-centuries across both formats on that white ball tour. He subsequently earned a maiden IPL gig with a £245,000 deal with Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday.England XI for first Test against New Zealand•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Nevertheless, the 21-year-old remains an unknown quantity in first-class cricket. He averages 25.44 from 30 innings, with just five half-centuries, none of which have come higher than No. 5. A career-best score of 93 came against Nottinghamshire in April. He will be come the first specialist batter to play Test cricket for England without a first-class century since Mike Gatting in 1978.Bethell only arrived in New Zealand on Sunday after time off at home following the West Indies series. As a result, he did not play any part in the two-day tour match against the New Zealand Prime Minister’s XI.In a year of left-field selections from England, this might rank as one on the outer reaches of that spectrum. Particularly given Root, with his wealth of experience, could have performed the role. While Ben Stokes has been keen to allow England’s leading Test run-scorer the comfort of batting No. 4 throughout his tenure as captain, it is worth noting Root’s 262 against Pakistan last month came at three.Speaking on Tuesday, Root revealed he had not been approached about batting three, but backed Bethell to take this fast-tracked promotion in his stride. Despite having never played together, the pair know each other well as their fathers played together at Sheffield Collegiate Cricket Club.”I love the look of him as a player,” said Root. “I’ve known Jacob and his family a long time and it’s been lovely to watch him grow up as a player coming through in Barbados then at Warwickshire. What he’s done in the white-ball stuff more recently has been exceptional.”He’s full of confidence, he’s got great ability and a really well rounded game. He’s a mature head on young shoulders and I think he has all the components to set him up nicely to be successful in this format and at this level. I’m sure he’ll enjoy every aspect of the week, I’m really looking forward to watching him do his stuff.”If you look at the way he sets up I think it suits that (batting at three), especially here with the little bit of extra bounce and carry. He plays very well square of the wicket and if he gets in on a wicket like that he could be very destructive. It’s a really exciting opportunity and prospect for us to see a young player coming in hopefully doing something really special at the start of his career.”This particular gamble has been forced, to a point. Cox’s injury in the nets on Sunday morning ahead of play in Queenstown threw their initial plans into disarray. There has been a further complication as Durham’s Ollie Robinson – due to be confirmed as the injury replacement – is currently getting his passport renewed. However it was unlikely he would have featured in the opening Test given the travel involved and the time needed to overcome jet lag.Despite a green seamer expected at Hagley Oval, England have chosen to persist with Shoaib Bashir as their spinner, with Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse the out-and-out seamers, and Stokes as the all-round option.England XI for first Test: 1 ⁠Zak Crawley, 2⁠ ⁠Ben Duckett, 3⁠ ⁠Jacob Bethell, 4⁠ ⁠Joe Root, 5 ⁠Harry Brook, 6⁠ ⁠Ollie Pope (wk), 7⁠ ⁠Ben Stokes (capt), 8⁠ ⁠Chris Woakes, 9⁠ ⁠Gus Atkinson, 10⁠ ⁠Brydon Carse, 11⁠ ⁠Shoaib Bashir

Sobhana Mostary hits 44 but England spinners shackle chase in low-scorer

Alan Gardner05-Oct-2024

Linsey Smith picked up two wickets as England closed out the game•ICC/Getty Images

England’s four-spinner attack shackled Bangladesh in a low-scorer at Sharjah to get their T20 World Cup campaign off to a winning start. Danni Wyatt-Hodge made 41 off 40 before England fell away with the bat but, on a slow, gripping surface, Bangladesh were kept in check throughout despite Sobhana Mostary’s career-best 44.With dew having played a limited role in the tournament so far, Heather Knight had opted to get a score on the board. Linsey Smith, the slow left-armer who spent six years out of the side, was selected in preference to Lauren Bell, alongside the formidable trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn. Smith bowled two in the powerplay, as England had hinted in the build-up, and finished with constricting figures of 2 for 11, as well as playing a part in the run-out of Nigar Sultana.Bangladesh had defended a similar score at this ground in their opening game against Scotland, but while Fahima Khatun and Ritu Moni were again impressive with the ball, they paid for allowing England to get away in the powerplay. Wyatt-Hodge and Maia Bouchier rode their luck at times – Bouchier was badly missed on 16 – but an opening stand of 48 in 6.4 overs opened up a chasm between the sides.The chase rarely got out of second gear, with only Mostary and Nigar reaching double-figures. Mostary should have been stumped on nought and would have been out lbw on 8 had England reviewed but she prevented the innings from flatlining even as Bangladesh struggled to build partnerships.Mostary anchors, Bangladesh groundedIn contrast to the start made by England, Bangladesh managed just one boundary during the powerplay, losing both openers to be off the pace on 20 for 2. Dilara Akter, into the XI in place of Murshida Khatun, missed a sweep at Dean to be lbw in the fourth over, before Shathi Rani took on Smith only to be taken by the leaping Ecclestone at mid-off.The rebuilding job fell to Mostary, who had top-scored in victory over Scotland, and the captain, Nigar. The latter signalled that Bangladesh weren’t out of it, despite the climbing run rate, as she twice danced out to hit Glenn for fours in the ninth over.Bangladesh reached 42 for 2 at halfway, with Mostary picking up her first boundary shortly after as the third-wicket pair looked to push on. But Nigar was run out taking on Smith’s arm for a second that wasn’t there and Glenn bowled Shorna Akter to pile the pressure on Mostary. She responded by thrashing Dean over deep midwicket for six, leaving the requirement 40 from the last four overs. In the end, it was too much of an ask – although keeping Ecclestone wicketless for only the second time in 36 T20Is was a small victory.Early runningThe opening exchanges were watchful, as England attempted to size up a pitch they had never previously played on. It wasn’t until the fourth over that Wyatt-Hodge hit the first boundary – by which point she and opening partner Bouchier had been involved in three near-mishaps with their running.Bouchier survived a direct hit in the first over, via a well-judged tip-and-run to mid-off. Wyatt-Hodge was then left sprawling face first for the line as she attempted an even tighter single, only saved by the time it took Nahida Akter to return the ball to the non-striker’s stumps. And Wyatt-Hodge should have gone in the next over, picking out Moni in the covers and then sent back by Bouchier – only for the fielder to make a complete hash of throwing the ball in.The pair soon decided that boundaries were preferable to risky singles. Wyatt-Hodge swiped Fahima over square leg and then drilled four more through cover; Bouchier climbed into Marufa Akter as the swing began to wear off, striking back-to-back fours – although she should have gone next ball when prodding to point, where Rabeya Khan put down a straightforward chance. Another brace of fours off Nahida in the sixth over and England were up and running, 47 without loss from the powerplay.England progress stalledFrom that point on, Sharjah’s slow-and-low surface began to exert its influence on proceedings. England scored 29 runs and lost four wickets over the course of the next 6.1 overs as Bangladesh’s plethora of pace-off options came to the fore. Bouchier was first to go, plinking Rabeya to mid-on, and Nat Sciver-Brunt did not last long, playing around Fahima’s legbreak to be plumb lbw.Wyatt-Hodge and Knight steadied things but Moni’s peach did for the England captain, nipping the ball through the gate to hit middle and leg. When Wyatt-Hodge walked past one from Nahida to be stumped miles from safety, England were 76 for 4 and wondering how to resuscitate the innings in suffocating conditions.Alice Capsey became the first batter outside of the top two to find the boundary with a sweep off Nahida in the same over, but she became Fahima’s second victim when reversing straight to point. Danielle Gibson huffed and puffed, striking one four before edging behind for 7 off 11, while Amy Jones tried to make the most of being dropped on 3. From the penultimate ball, Ecclestone finally managed a clean hit, lofting the only six of the innings straight back down the ground.

Manchester United have identified a “terrific” Premier League player as a top target this summer, according to a promising new transfer claim.

Man Utd continue to eye attacking stars with Cunha

The Red Devils are expecting an exodus of attacking players before the new season gets underway, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho all moving on.

While Matheus Cunha has joined from Wolves, and Bryan Mbeumo remains a strong target from Brentford, United know the importance of bringing in a new centre forward, amid Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles. Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic has been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, and would be an exciting addition who has proven himself at the top level. A swap deal involving the out-of-favour Sancho has also been mooted.

Eintracht Frankfurt ace Hugo Ekitike has been talked about as an option for many top Premier League clubs this summer, including Liverpool, and he could be an alternative option to Vlahovic for the Red Devils.

United are also said to have made contact over the signing of highly-rated Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling, who is arguably seen as one of the brightest young English attacking talents around. Now, another name has been thrown into the mix.

Man Utd make Premier League striker top target

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are “considering” making a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in the summer window, with the forward also in Arsenal’s thinking ahead of the new campaign, however, ‘United consider him more of a top target’.

The 29-year-old is described as a “key target” for Ruben Amorim, who is no doubt desperate to bolster the attacking options at his disposal and has Watkins, Cunha and Mbeumo at the heart of his vision.

The report itself further goes on to state: “Amorim wants to reshape the squad by focusing on players with Premier League experience. Watkins is at the heart of this vision, along with names like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Amorim’s target is clear: Ready-made stars who will contribute immediately.”

The £130,000-a-week Watkins has the potential to be an excellent signing for United, having been such a consistent performer for Villa down the years.

He has scored 87 goals in 223 appearances for the Midlands outfit, not to mention netting a memorable winner for England against the Netherlands in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 last summer, and he has also been lauded by Danny Murphy.

“He just looks like a player that is completely comfortable in his own skin and what he is good at. Every aspect of his game has improved under Unai Emery and he is also being pushed for a place by Jhon Duran, so that always helps you raise your game. He is a terrific player.”

The one negative that jumps out with Watkins is that he turns 30 later this year, however, so there is a risk that United could spend big on a player whose peak is about to drift by.

Ollie Watkins’ career goalscoring stats	Appearances	Goals
England	18	5
Aston Villa	223	87
Brentford	143	49
Exeter City	78	26

For that reason, Amorim would arguably be wise to look at a younger option to come in and lead the line, even though United signing him likely wouldn’t be a bad thing over the next two or three years.

Aston Villa haven’t got the ball rolling just yet on adding some memorable signings to Unai Emery’s camp.

Marco Bizot has entered the building as another goalkeeper option, but it’s hardly a signing to get overly excited by, whilst the likes of Tottenham Hotspur splash the big bucks to land Mohammed Kudus, alongside Arsenal suddenly sparking into life in the chaotic transfer window.

Unfortunately, the main conversations surrounding the Villans this window continue to be the amount of outgoings that could take place, with Jacob Ramsey looking at an exit, with a move away from the West Midlands to nearby Nottingham Forest potentially in the works.

Still, there’s sufficient time for Villa to make waves in the market with some standout additions, as a £40m winger now comes onto their radar.

Aston Villa register interest in brand new attacker

Of course, whilst selling Ramsey would be a blow to the Villa system, he didn’t cost the Premier League side a single penny, owing to his homegrown status. Therefore, any sale would represent profit, something that could be vital as far as PSR is concerned.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Still, if they can keep him around, he would be seen as a valued member of Emery’s squad heading into next season, even as bold attacking additions are rumoured to be on the Villans’ shopping list.

Nicolas Jackson is one name floating about as a striker target, but a fresh report by the Daily Mail Online might well trouble Ramsey’s long-term future at Villa Park as Alejandro Garnacho is eyed up by Emery and Co. as a brand-new left winger option.

The report states that both Chelsea and Spurs have been keeping tabs on the South American’s fractured situation at Old Trafford for some time, but it’s Villa who have now registered their interest in the attacker.

It’s stated that the Red Devils do not expect to get anywhere near £70m for Garnacho, which is what their previous price-tag had been, with £40m perhaps a more realistic suggestion based on more recent reports.

How Garnacho compares to Ramsey

This might well go down as a worthwhile risk to take on Villa’s end if they do pursue his signature further, with Garnacho at his Theatre of Dreams peak arguably a better talent than Ramsey back at his boyhood employers.

Even when his relationship with Ruben Amorim last season was strained, Garnacho showed more than enough flashes of quality for his beleaguered side.

Indeed, in all competitions across the 24/25 campaign, the 21-year-old fired home a mightily impressive 11 strikes, on top of collecting ten assists, which is a hefty tally Ramsey very much struggled to get to at Villa Park.

Games played

58

46

Minutes played

3569

2326

Goals scored

11

4

Assists

10

5

The Forest-linked attacker would fall short of Garnacho’s total by a worrying 12 goal contributions, with his offering the season before not any better at just one goal and two assists.

On the flip side, the £40m “superstar” – as he was once labelled by football content creator Liam Canning – again reached double digits with 15 combined goals and assists, as one of those strikes even came about on the biggest stage of them all in the Champions League.

Therefore, losing Ramsey might not be the most disorientating development if Garnacho is purchased as his immediate replacement, with the South American also capable of playing in a number ten role like his English counterpart.

That’s not to forget he’s also capable of the spectacular. Remember that ​​​​​​overhead kick at Goodison Park? Of course, you do.

Moreover, if Emery puts his full trust into Garnacho and his confidence becomes sky-high, much like the Marcus Rashford loan situation last season, even more could soon come from the “generational” attacker, as he was once glowingly labelled by football analyst Statman Dave.

Villa have endured a testing summer to date with all their PSR issues, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world if Ramsey soon departs the building, if Emery and Co. have a reinvigorated Garnacho up their sleeve.

Aston Villa step up pursuit of £6m "warrior" who starred at Club World Cup

The Villans are battling Manchester United for the signature of a player who caught the eye in the USA.

ByDominic Lund Jul 15, 2025

Liverpool have now submitted a “concrete offer” to sign a teenage centre-back from Ligue 1, say reports in the player’s homeland of Morocco.

Liverpool expected to complete Wirtz and Kerkez deals

Liverpool appear to be close to capturing not one but two new players in the coming days. Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth are expected to follow Jeremie Frimpong through the Anfield door to become Arne Slot’s second and third signings of the summer.

Liverpool in talks for another club-record signing who's as exciting as Wirtz

Liverpool may need to replace Luis Diaz in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 4, 2025

The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed on Tuesday that Liverpool’s latest Wirtz bid, which was worth £109 million, was turned down by Leverkusen, as they hold out for a British-record fee of £126 million, but a deal is still expected to go through.

And Wirtz appears to have implied things are progressing on his own social media accounts too, posting on Instagram to deny reports he has demanded Alexis Mac Allister’s number ten shirt in order to join.

As Liverpool work on finding an agreement with Leverkusen, club chiefs are also closing in on a deal for a new left-back. According to Sky Sports, the Reds are growing increasingly confident that they will sign Kerkez from Bournemouth.

The Hungary star is keen on the move to Anfield and personal terms are not said to be an issue.

Liverpool submit official bid for teenage centre-back

The Reds don’t plan on stopping there, as according to Morocco’s LE360 Sport, relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool have now made a concrete offer to sign defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal from Stade Rennais.

The 19-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Amiens in Ligue 2, has yet to make his senior debut for Stade Rennais, but that hasn’t stopped Liverpool and Newcastle United from showing significant interest. The Magpies have met with the player already, but the Reds have gone one step further and have already made an offer, though it is unclear what the offer is worth.

OGC Nice and two teams from La Liga are also in the ‘picture’ when it comes to signing Aït Boudlal. The Moroccan is under contract until 2028, but given the significant interest from Europe, it appears his time in Rennes is coming to an end.

Apps

9

Starts

8

Assists

1

Big chances created

1

Interceptions per game

0.7

Tackles per game

1.6

Balls recovered per game

3.6

Clearances per game

7.9

Liverpool’s interest in Aït Boudlal isn’t new, as club scout Kyle Wallbanks was in attendance for the AFCON U20 tournament, where Aït Boudlal helped Morocco reach the final. The Reds have obviously been keeping a close eye on the defender and are now ready to bring him to Anfield.