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The inquest into Newcastle United's disappointing seventh placed finish in the Premier League last season will likely point towards issues in defence as the root cause. With this in mind, the Toon are now in the market for a number of names to bolster their backline.

Defenders are the Toon's top priority this summer

The latest rumours out of St James' Park have all centered around the Toon's search for a new central defender. Fikayo Tomori has been the name most commonly linked with the vacancy in the Magpies' backline with the Englishman rumoured to be leaving AC Milan this summer for a £40 million fee.

Newcastle could land "phenomenal" £35m Anderson upgrade

Eddie Howe’s side could seal a top deal here.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 1, 2024

Joining the former Chelsea man on PIF's wishlist is his current teammate Malick Thiaw. The German defender is slightly cheaper than Tomori with AC Milan only wanting a rumoured £21 million to part ways with the centre back this summer.

Federico Gatti is another name doing the rounds as a target for the Toon. The Italian press have claimed that Newcastle could shortly formalise an offer for the Juventus man with a bid in excess of £25 million supposedly required to get a deal over the line.

Newcastle are evidently fans of Italian top flight defenders with the club now making contact with a Serie A club about bringing one of their players to St James' Park.

Newcastle in contact for Italian defender

As first reported by Sport Witness, the Italian press are claiming that Newcastle have a golden opportunity to place a bid for Torino defender Alessandro Buongiorno.

The outlet states that Napoli recently submitted an offer in the region of £30 million for the Italy international which was just shy of the figure that Torino are looking to receive.

Sport Witness state that Newcastle could then agree a deal for the player if they can match the £38 million fee that the Turin outfit are holding out for. Torino, for their part, are holding off on accepting Napoli's proposal in the hope of that higher offer from the Magpies.

Newcastle have been linked with a move for Buongiorno as far back as May 2023, with these rumours intensifying recently thanks to the Toon making contacts with Torino over a potential transfer this summer.

Whilst remaining in Italy may be Buongiorno's assumed preference, the defender's connection to Newcastle's Sandro Tonali could tip the scales in the Toon's favour. A previous report by Sport Witness states that the two players share the same agent, meaning there already exists a relationship between some of the parties involved in any negotiations.

The defender made 31 appearances for Torino in all competitions last season as his side finished ninth in Serie A. Buongiorno's exploits in Turin saw him earn his first call-up to the Italian national team back in June 2023.

Speaking at the time, former Italy manager Robert Mancini spoke highly of the defender: "He was excellent: he's used to playing in a different way and it wasn't easy to make his debut in such a game. He applied himself excellently."

With Newcastle's need for a new centre back this summer well known, the Toon could do a lot worse than an international defender whose current side are waiting for the Magpies to make a move.

Given his biggest opportunity, Scally reflects on his own path and his place in the USMNT narrative leading to the 2026 World Cup

ST. LOUIS – Joe Scally, at his core, is the perfect complementary piece. That isn't meant as an insult. On the field, he's the type of player that you can plug into a defense just about anywhere and expect it to get better. Off the field, he's a heck of a teammate, one perfectly accustomed to answering questions about the more famous guys he shares the field with.

Yes, he grew up with Gio Reyna and, yes, they're still friends. Yes, he now plays with Christian Pulisic, who is, in fact, a very good player. And, no, he isn't upset or frustrated about being the guy so often asked to highlight how good those around him are. It's part of the job. Not the most glamorous part, but the life of a fullback is rarely glamorous.

That's the problem with being a complementary piece, though: your story is often told through the lens of others. It's told from the perspective of how you fit those around you. Scally's own Wikipedia page offers a glimpse into that fact. His "Personal Life" section only mentions that he's friends with Reyna. That's it.

Scally's story is a fun one, though, and it's one that, like his on-field role, often goes overlooked.

"If someone wants to talk to me, then talk to me," Scally tells GOAL. "I think as you get older, you start to stick up for yourself a bit more. When you're younger, you're not as confident in everything, but I always tell people that you can talk to me. If you have questions about other things, I'll always answer them. That's great, but you can also talk to me about me too, you know."

At just 21, Scally already has a World Cup and Copa America on his resume, with both serving as humbling experiences that now push him forward. As this new Mauricio Pochettino era begins, he's the U.S. men's national team's starting right-back, too, although he faces a fight to hold that spot on the road to 2026. On the club level, he'll make his 100th appearance for Borussia Monchengladbach this weekend, making him one of the youngest in Bundesliga history to reach that century mark.

Now in the midst of his biggest USMNT opportunity, Scally is reflecting on his own path, and his place in the narrative of Pochettino's squad leading to the 2026 World Cup.

"Playing for your country in a World Cup is definitely something that every person dreams about," Scally says. "For the next one, it's something that I have my eyes set on. Even just a little bit of a taste from the Copa America, when you hear the national anthem playing against another country, it's something that gets addicting. That's my main target."

Defending, his national team place, video games, his own peace of mind and, yes, the World Cup – Scally's ready to talk about himself as he embraces the biggest moments of his career.

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  Big USMNT chance

  For all of Scally's characteristics, there's a chance that patience might be his most prominent. It's the one he's shown most often with the USMNT, more than defending, more than crossing, more than anything he's done on the field.

  Since earning his first USMNT call-up three years ago, he's almost exclusively served as a backup. Sergino Dest was always the guy, the attacking dynamo starting ahead of him. Scally was the safety net that the U.S. could turn to in case of emergency. This year was one such circumstance. When Dest went down with a torn ACL, Scally was suddenly elevated to the right-back position for the Copa America and beyond. He's earned 10 caps this year. He'd earned eight over the three years prior.

  "He's come in and he's shown that he can shut wings down," says Antonee Robinson, who starts on the opposite side of the field. "He can be strong and powerful, and he's been, I think, really good. Going forward, I think it's going to build his confidence to try and keep improving as a player and secure that. When Sergino comes back, he's going to make it really good competition for who's going to play."

  This isn't the way Scally wanted to get his big chance. You never want to see anyone get hurt, particularly not the way Dest did earlier this year. Players want to earn chances on merit, not due to necessity.

  Now that he has it, though, Scally has had to embrace it.

  "I always had that confidence in myself, because I've been playing now for the last three years in the Bundesliga," he says. "I always knew I had this confidence, this skill, this belief in my own ability. I really trusted myself, but definitely, as a player, you take it as a chance to prove yourself. I knew I didn't have to go and do things above and beyond, like score three goals or something like that. I'm a defender. That's all second to your main job: to defend, and I know that's the main part of my game.

  "I was super confident going into the summer, going into everything. Yeah, it was an opportunity, and I think I took it well. Everything's been going well this year, but I still have to keep going."

  What makes that right-back battle so interesting has been the difference between the two. Dest has always been the flashy one, the attacker with Instagram highlight reels after every game. Scally is more no-nonsense, a more throwback fullback. There aren't nearly as many Scally highlight reels and, if there are, they feature more tackles than stepovers.

  Because of that, it's apples and oranges when it comes to the USMNT right-back position but, at some point, Pochettino will have to choose which he likes more.

  "We're such good friends," Scally says of his relationship with Dest, "and healthy competition within the team is always good, you know? We both push each other. He's a great attacking player. I'm more defensive-minded, I guess you can say. It's whatever the game demands. Both of us have a bunch of confidence.

  "We're playing different, different styles, so maybe it could benefit both of us on where we play with a three with maybe him in a right wing-back position. With the new coach, we're changing a bunch of things, trying to get best players on the field, and I think it could suit us both well."

  Scally prefers to play as a fullback in a four-at-the-back system. Then again, that's an oversimplification of it all.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Finding himself as a fullback

  Scally, as many fullbacks do, stumbled into the position. As Jamie Carragher once said, "Nobody grows up wanting to be a fullback."

  In his youth days, Scally was actually a No. 10 in the NYCFC academy. An injury forced some reshuffling, and Scally was asked to play right-back for one game. It's lasted a bit longer. He ended up making a career out of the position.

  "At first I didn't want to do it, obviously, but it worked out well," Scally jokes. "I think once you start playing well, then you realize it can be fun. At my first youth national team camp, that's when I realized I liked it. There are perks that come with it, so I'm going to ride with it."

  Scally isn't often recognized for the fun parts of the position, though. He's generally seen as the defensive option, and rightfully so. That's certainly the better aspect of his game, the one that makes him so reliable for both Gladbach and the USMNT.

  It's not the only aspect, though, as Scally feels he's become more impactful with the ball at his feet. There are certain things that are just out of your control, and outside perception is one of them.

  "I think at Gladbach, if there were hockey assists, I think I would have four or five this season," he says. "It's just different things. You can even look at expected assists, where you play great ball and then the striker misses, but with those it's like, who cares?

  "With the national team, people say I only defend, but, even against Jamaica, I think maybe they could watch in a different way. The different passing lines that I do when playing three-at-the-back, I think that's something that that is really my strong suit… I can do the defensive work, the proactive defending, really well, and I can also find the line-breaking passes, which I think benefits the team."

  Scally's versatility is often a blessing and a curse. He's played five different positions for Gladbach in his career. He's started on the left, on the right and in the center. Given a choice, though, it's easy for him.

  "I think I'm a right-back," he says. "I think that's my best position. Right-back, coming into a three, I think that really suits me. Left-back, it's not my favorite. It's opposite-footed, but I feel confident there. For me, my best position is that normal right-fullback."

• Virtual battles

  Scally can be quiet, but always competitive. That extends off the field, too.

  If there's a game on, Scally is often involved. Golf is among the favorite activities of this USMNT group. Ping-pong is up there as well. So, too, are video games. The new Call of Duty has led to some fierce battles. It's Scally and Cade Cowell against Brenden Aaronson and Auston Trusty at the moment, and Scally claims it's pretty one-sided.

  "We're smoking them right now," he says. "Absolutely smoking them."

  Last season, Scally saw video games as a chance to connect with fans and show a bit more of who he is off the field. It's something that streaming on Twitch can provide: a direct link between athlete and fan and a glimpse at what life is like with a headset on rather than a kit.

  Scally loved it. He'd stream Fortnite semi-regularly, playing with teammates and friends while interacting with whoever was willing to talk. It could be complicated, though, as any rough stretch on the field would lead to criticism, along the lines of priorities – shouldn't he be focused on improving his game on the pitch, rather than playing video games?

  "I'd have, say, 100 people in the chat, and it would only be five or six, but it was just nonstop," Scally says. "I wish I was able to overlook it, but it got to be stressful for no reason. I get it, but I don't know what more you want me to do. I'm also human. I'm not just this robot programmed to play soccer."

  Scally offers glimpses of himself on social media, posting pictures of trips or coffee or whatever else he's up to. He's no social media master, but he does enjoy it. Most of all, he enjoys the interactions with others, which is one of the big bonuses that comes with playing soccer at a global level.

  "I just enjoy being out there," he says. "I enjoy connecting with people."

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  Bundesliga vet

  It's a odd thing to look around and suddenly realize you're the veteran – especially at 21. But that's where Scally's at with Borussia Monchengladbach. He arrived in 2021, played a bunch and and is now among the team's longest-tenured players.

  "I'm so young," he says, "and I hang out with all of the young guys on the team, but on the field, I do feel it like I am one of the older guys on the team, even talking with the captains and things like that. I think I'm the second or third-longest serving player there. It's crazy to think about, but I do feel that more veteran role."

  Age is relative, of course, but so is experience.

  "I was talking to David, [the USMNT's barber], and he was like, 'You're like 25, right?'" Scally says. "It's just because I've been playing a lot of the time, things just feel that way. It doesn't feel like that for me, though. I know I'm still so young. It's something that I don't realize in the moment, but something you do stop and realize."

  After spending six months with the second team upon joining in January 2021, he was thrown into the deep end by Gladbach that fall. It was during that 2021-2022 season that he embraced Gladbach as his home, and he hasn't looked back. There were some early struggles, though, and one stands out. It was one of his first few games with the senior team, and he stared down Bayer Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby. It didn't go well. Scally and Co. lost 4-0.

  "I thought I was fast enough," he says. "I'll just play my game. Right in the beginning, he turned me and sprinted right past me. That changed my perspective of what fast is."

  The game has slowed down a bit now, and Scally continues to learn. It's why, at just 21, he's set to make his 100th Bundesliga appearance this weekend. It's why he's among the more trusted players at a club that, just a few years ago, was a Champions League mainstay. And, as he continues to evolve for his club, the hope is he continues to evolve for his country. A World Cup coming.

Former West Ham United forward Frank McAvennie has been left excited about a transfer rumour he's heard involving the Hammers.

West Ham looking at signing new striker

The Irons and technical director Tim Steidten have already made three summer signings ahead of Julen Lopetegui’s first season in charge at the London Stadium, with Max Kilman becoming the latest addition from Wolves. Kilman’s joined winger Luis Guilherme, who arrived from Palmeiras and experienced goalkeeper Wes Foderingham who joined on a free transfer after his contract expired at Sheffield United.

It is shaping up to be a busy summer in the market, just as Steidten predicted during Lopetegui’s first press conference as Hammers boss:

“I can’t tell you specifics, but it will be a busy summer for us for sure. The owner and the board have done a really good job over recent years, so we’re in good shape financially. We’re trying to build up the squad. We’re not limiting ourselves to one position – we’re looking at all areas.”

Next on the agenda for Steidten and Lopetegui appears to be a new striker, with Danny Ings and Michail Antonio the only two o8t and out centre-forward options at the club currently.

Latest West Ham transfer news: £35m ace and La Liga superstar on radar

It’s a new era at the London Stadium – here’s what Julen Lopetegui could be up to in the transfer market…

By
Mark Marston

Jul 11, 2024

Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran appears to be a firm target, with personal terms already agreed with the Colombian. Meanwhile, a bid worth more than £12m has reportedly been submitted for Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana.

Another attacking link has been former Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, with both West Ham and Wolves eyeing up a free transfer for the Nigerian.

McAvennie reacts to West Ham links for Iheanacho

Talking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie gave his reaction to the idea of the Irons signing Iheanacho. The pundit seemed excited at the prospect, calling it a “no-brainer” and Iheanacho a “great player”.

“I like Iheanacho. I think he’s a great player. Oh my god, on a free transfer, I’d take him. It’s a no-brainer for me, though I’m not sure who this new manager will want.”

The 27-year-old has scored 42 goals in 196 games in the Premier League for both Leicester and Manchester City and is currently valued at €12m by Transfermarkt.

Former Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers is also a fan of the striker, previously saying: “Since he has come into the team he has just been fantastic. I am delighted for him because he is such a conscientious guy, such an honest guy, and as you can see now, a very talented player.

"I know when I came here that there were probably times when there were grumbles if he was playing but he has very quickly won over people. That is just through hard work, resilience and talent. What you are seeing is a young player at the top of his game."

A move could be one to keep an eye on, and with a big transfer fee not required, it may make sense to bolster Lopetegui attacking options with the acquisition of Iheanacho.

Manchester United are set for a huge defensive overhaul during the 2024 summer transfer window.

This comes after a season which saw them concede 58 Premier League goals and 15 times in the Champions League group stage, which is the most by a Premier League side in the group stages of a Champions League campaign.

The Red Devils could let up to four defenders leave this summer. Raphael Varane has already departed the club upon the expiration of his contract, with fellow centre-backs Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof also potential departures. Aaron Wan-Bissaka could also leave Old Trafford if the right offer arrives.

Of course, with all of these departures, there must be incomings to balance the books and add depth to the squad. United have been heavily linked with Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich, with the former Ajax captain thought to have agreed terms with the Red Devils. They have also placed a bid for exciting young French defender Leny Yoro, although it remains to be seen if he will pick United over Real Madrid.

However, there is another name on INEOS' list of potential centre-backs, and they have been heavily linked with this player during the entire transfer window.

Man Utd target Premier League defender

The player in question here is, of course, Everton and England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. After a superb season with the Toffees in 2023/24, the defender has been linked with a move to Old Trafford regularly this summer.

Now, according to a report from Graeme Bailey, the Red Devils are currently 'working on making' a third bid for the defender. This comes after United had two previous offers, the most recent one worth around £50m, rejected by the Toffees for the talented England star.

However, despite a tough negotiation at the moment, it might not all be plain sailing for United when it comes to doing a deal for Branthwaite this summer.

Manchester City could challenge their biggest rivals in a bid to bring Branthwaite to the blue side of Manchester instead.

In terms of a price for Branthwaite, Everton have been firm in their stance that he is worth around £80m, in line with deals for Josko Gvardiol and Wesley Fofana. Bailey confirms that United are preparing their third bid, with internal talks finalising 'what level they will come in at' to try and sign the young defender.

Why Branthwaite would be a good signing

Branthwaite was a pivotal player under Sean Dyche for Everton last season. The 22-year-old played 35 Premier League games for the Toffees, helping to keep an impressive 12 clean sheets and chipped in with three goals, including one in the Merseyside Derby, backing up the claim of scout Jacek Kulig that he is an "absolute monster".

He is highly rated by those close to Old Trafford, including one of Erik ten Hag’s soon-to-be coaches, and the club’s legendary striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Dutchman managed Branthwaite at PSV two seasons ago, when the young defender had a loan spell at the Dutch side. Van Nistelrooy called Branthwaite a “great talent”, before explaining that he is a “very complete” centre-back.

Should United sign Branthwaite, he may not just become a superb option for Ten Hag at centre-back, but also at left-back, allowing him tactical flexibility and more depth. This would be bad news for £150k-per-week earner Luke Shaw who is the Red Devils’ first-choice in that position. He has struggled with injuries, and having a player like Branthwaite could be an excellent alternative to the England international.

As is the current tactical trend at the moment, Ten Hag could choose to set up in a 3-2-5 system when his side have the ball. With Branthaite at left-back, it could be the case that he tucks into left centre-back when United are in possession, a role he has superb attributes for. Football analyst H also explained that he believes the 22-year-old is “capable of playing” on the left side and tucking into centre-back with the ball.

He is an excellent wide defender, able to use his long stride to cover wide spaces with ease. This is also somewhat reflected in his stats on Sofascore, averaging 5.2 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, as well as winning 2.5 ground duels each game. He is also a wonderful box defender, which could come in handy at left-back especially when defending the far post.

One issue with Branthwaite playing left-back ahead of Shaw means that the former Southampton man would not be able to strike up his successful partnership with Marcus Rashford. Over the years, the pair have formed a brilliant understanding, and Shaw is deadly on the overlap as Rashford operates in the left half-space.

Rashford discussed his and Shaw’s partnership in 2021, describing that the things they do on the left-hand side are “simple but they’re effective”, before explaining that he thinks the pair are a “threat” when operating together on that left-hand side.

However, with Branthwaite operating at left-back, it would mean that Rashford does not have that overlap from Shaw, or indeed from any left-back, and has to hold the width on the left himself. This is not Rashford’s best role, and he would be better utilised in the left-half space with a flying full-back.

With that being said, it could be necessary for some games to play the Everton man at left-back, and Ten Hag can lean on that aforementioned tactical flexibility to help him get through games and make his side better equipped to beat the best sides.

Whilst it may be an expensive deal to do, Branthwiate could be at the heart of the United defence for the next ten years. He is a wonderful player, as shown by his stats and well-rated by the likes of van Nistelrooy. It could be a superb addition to United’s centre-back ranks this summer.

Better than Branthwaite: Man Utd plot bid for "monster" CB on top of Yoro

This would be a colossal statement of intent from INEOS.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 9, 2024

Many of the world's best players have taken their careers to the next level in the NWSL, with teams establishing record-setting fan bases

In just the 11 years of the National Women's Soccer League existence, many of the world's best players have taken their careers to the next level, teams have established record-setting fan bases, and international superstars have chosen the league for its remarkable competitiveness.

So, how can one sort through all the greats to rank the top 25 players in the NWSL, especially given we're looking at players such as Christine Sinclair – with the league since the beginning – and comparing new faces that have shattered current NWSL records? That's the task.

So, as we approach the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, INDIVISA is on hand to rank the top 25.

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  25Amy Rodriguez

  Amy Rodriguez wasn’t just fast, she was a blur, a nightmare in cleats. Defenses scrambled, and as the clock ticked, she only got better. She took Kansas City to back-to-back NWSL Championships in 2014 and 2015, earning MVP of the Championship Game in the second title run.

  A 2014 First XI selection, she became known for thriving under pressure, a talent that went unmatched for years. Rodriguez left a legacy of resilience, with every goal, assist, and sprint seared into the league’s history.

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  24Ali Krieger

  Ali Krieger’s versatility is unmatched. Outside back, center back, Krieger made both positions look easy. In her last season, she still put up ridiculous defensive stats, showing no signs of slowing down.

  But it’s her leadership that truly resonates, inspiring her teammates with respect and pure grit. Gotham FC gave her the sendoff she deserved, celebrating the player who’s kept them in line and lifted them up.

  Krieger’s influence? Undeniable. Her legacy? Forever. Krieger joined the newly formed NWSL in 2013, playing for the Washington Spirit. She later played for the Orlando pride and NJ/NY Gotham FC, where she captained the team and led them to an NWSL Championship in 2023.

• USA TODAY Sports
  

  23Mallory Swanson

  Ambition, resilience, and a refusal to quit. That’s Mallory Swanson. From one spring season at UCLA to pro-level stardom, Swanson was never about settling. Even three knee surgeries couldn’t stop her; after a year of rehab, she stormed back, turning the NWSL into her personal playground.

  With dangerous set pieces and a killer instinct for scoring from turnovers, she’s a player everyone dreads to face – one touch, and the game could be hers. Swanson joined the NWSL in 2016, playing for the Washington Spirit. She was a finalist in her first season for Rookie of the Year.

  She eventually would go on to play for the Chicago Red Stars, and was voted to a second place finish in the NWSL MVP race.

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  22Emily Sams

  In 2023, Sams was selected in third overall in the 2023 NWSL Draft by the Orlando Pride. She is another name that is just now making herself known in the league, but there's no stopping her.

  She was named to the league's Best XI of the Month for May 2024 following her role in the Pride's unbeaten run that month, including her first professional assist against Racing Louisville and her first professional goal against the Reign.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has provided a concerning update on Reece James' fitness and admitted he doesn't know when the Blues captain will be fit.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• James out injured yet again for Chelsea
• Maresca 'unsure' about return to action
• Chelsea captain's future up in the air

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  James has been struggling with injury issues since the start of his Chelsea career, despite impressing when fit. After returning from a hamstring issue that prevented him from starting the season, James returned to Maresca's squad but missed Chelsea's clash against Leicester City on the weekend after suffering a setback to his earlier injury. Maresca has now admitted that he is unsure about when the right-back will return to the squad.

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  WHAT MARESCA SAID

  Speaking to the media, Maresca said: "Yes [he's had a scan]. The only thing we can say is that he is getting better day by day.

  “We don't know how many days he needs. He's getting better."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Since the start of the 2022-23 season, James – who posted an emotional message on Instagram following his latest setback – has played in just 30 Premier League games. He is now set to miss at least two more clashes for the Blues and as such, the rumour mill has been churning with Chelsea reportedly being open to selling the once highly-rated right back.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JAMES?

  Maresca has confirmed James' absence from Chelsea's Europa Conference League clash against Heidenheim on Thursday, November 28, and it is likely that the Blues captain will miss the Premier League encounter against Aston Villa on December 1.

Aston Villa have enjoyed an exciting transfer window this summer, buoyed and bolstered by the top-four Premier League finish from last season that has paved a route toward Europe's elite club competition.

While there has been much to praise, certain sacrifices have had to be made, with Douglas Luiz joining Juventus last month to put PSR-related fears to bed. Now, record signing Moussa Diaby is on the cusp of signing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in a £51m transfer.

Diaby, 25, was solid if unspectacular last term, though he will need to be replaced. Joao Felix has reportedly been lined up as the perfect replacement, but the Villans must surely prioritise another La Liga sensation.

Aston Villa transfer news

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are weighing up a move for Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, with Emery eyeing more firepower given Jhon Duran has been heavily linked with a Villa Park exit this summer.

Williams, who scored for Spain in the Euro 2024 final against England en route to the trophy, is one of the most coveted targets in world football this summer, with his £49m release clause making him an enticing prospect indeed.

The 22-year-old has been on the Villans' radar for some time, and while Barcelona are hoping to complete the signing, Emery might feel that his side's extensive scouting and promise of a starring role could hold sway.

Why Villa must prioritise signing Nico Williams

Williams completed a stunning season for Bilbao last year, notching 27 goal contributions across 37 matches as he orchestrated his outfit's Copa del Rey triumph – ending a 40-year wait for silverware.

Aside from his playmaking prowess, he also ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The earlier-mentioned Felix might be deemed an excellent choice of replacement for the outgoing Diaby, but Williams is rightly one of Europe's most highly-regarded wingers at the moment and he would be a stunning success.

Diaby, let's not forget, was repackaged into a thrusting attacking midfield position as the campaign went on, traditionally a wide player. Felix, while perhaps typically regarded as a centre-forward, or at least a deeper-lying forward who plays off the focal frontman, performed on the left flank with the greatest regularity with Barcelona.

In that regard, Aston Villa might be looking to sign Felix with the notion of deploying him on the wing, but if that is truly the case, then surely Williams would be a better pick.

Felix scored ten goals and added six assists across all competitions for Barca, starting 24 matches. The Portugal international is a fantastic talent but, at 24, has yet to bag more than eight goals in a single league campaign in a top-five European division.

Having signed for Atletico Madrid from Benfica for £113m in 2019, it's fair to say that he should have done better. Sure, he's got the full gamut in regard to his skillset, but it's difficult to argue that he'd be the better fit than Williams – especially when considering that they would arrive for a relatively similar transfer fee.

Spain's Euro 2024 superstar's potential transfer has seen little headway so far, with negotiations turning protracted despite La Blaugrana's claims that they can pay the release clause.

The Spanish giants' financial struggles in recent years have been well documented, and perhaps, the longer the saga drags on, the greater chance Aston Villa will find of pouncing and completing a monumental deal.

Who knows, Williams could even prove to be Villa's finest winger since Jack Grealish was sold to Manchester City in a British-record £100m transfer in 2021.

Grealish's fleet-footed style of play captured the awe of the Lions faithful and played an instrumental role in the vital success of the Dean Smith era, placing blocks for Emery's thriving project to sit upon.

Almost unplayable across his final two Premier League seasons with Villa, the latter of which he donned the captain's armband, the 28-year-old was actually praised by pundit Micah Richards for having "absolutely everything" needed for high-level success while plying his trade in the Midlands.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has said that Williams is "one of the best wingers on the market", and his words couldn't be more true. If Aston Villa manage to pull it off, it would be nothing short of masterful. Grealish was incredible for his boyhood club, and Williams boasts the quality to match the English trickster and then some.

In La Liga last season, the artful wide forward scored five goals and added 11 assists, averaged 1.5 key passes, 5.2 successful duels and 2.7 dribbles per game and created ten big chances for his teammates. He has showcased that he has what it takes to become one of the game's finest wingers around.

Now, with a host of European outfits pushing for a deal, he simply needs to pick wisely. While Barcelona might be tempting, Emery would roll out a providential carpet that could see Williams rise to giddy heights indeed.

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Liverpool are also interested in signing this rising star.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 23, 2024

Manchester City fans have torn into Ederson after the Manchester City goalkeeper was dropped for their crunch clash with Liverpool.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ederson having difficult season
• 'Keeper dropped for Liverpool clash
• Man City fans pile on Brazilian

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Like City, 'keeper Ederson has had an underwhelming season so far. The 31-year-old has conceded 25 goals in 16 games, keeping just three clean sheets. Now, manager Pep Guardiola has dropped the Brazilian for the huge trip to Anfield against Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday. As a result, City fans have called Ederson "sh*t", a "liability", and joked that they might only lose by two goals rather than five with Stefan Ortega in between the sticks.

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  WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  @4Citytid posted on X: "About time Ederson was dropped. Been a liability at times."

  @FodenPrime tweeted: "Hold on, we might actually lose 2-0 and not 5-0."

  @propsMCFC commented: "We are alive here omg," while @Joshua_MCI added: "WE’RE ONLY CONCEDING TWO GOALS."

  @ScoutingHive wrote: "About time, Ederson has been a liability for a while now. He needs to go in the summer."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ederson looked like he would be heading for a City exit over the summer, only for Guardiola to put on a charm offensive and convince the goalkeeper to stay at the Etihad. Ortega was first choice towards the end of last season and it remains to be seen if this selection switch will be a move to stir Ederson into action and improve his performances, or if this is a sign that Guardiola doesn't see him as his number one anymore. Either way, a big game awaits against Liverpool – who have an eight-point lead over fifth-placed City.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  This is Ortega's first Premier League start of the season. It remains to be seen if he will be in goal for City's next match in the Premier League on Wednesday at home to high-flying Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea are set to lose one of their senior players this summer after he agreed terms on a lucrative exit from the club, it has emerged.

Chelsea busy ahead of new season

With the Premier League season kicking off in just over a week’s time, Enzo Maresca’s side is still taking shape at Stamford Bridge.

So far, the only signings over the age of 20 to arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer have been Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (who joined from Leicester City in a deal worth £30m), Tosin Adarabaiyo on a free transfer and goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who signed from Villarreal.

They kick off their season against Manchester City in just under a fortnight, having fallen to a 4-2 defeat against the reigning Champions to round off a dismal pre-season tour that also included a loss to Celtic and a draw with League One side Wrexham.

The Blues are expected to be busy in the transfer market right up until the transfer deadline of August 30th, with a new striker among the positions that need filling at Stamford Bridge. However, Maresca will have to make do without one of his predecessor’s favourite players.

"Priceless" Chelsea man agrees exit

That comes as midfielder Conor Gallagher has agreed to leave Chelsea this summer, with the Cobham graduate opting to move to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. Gallagher captained Chelsea for much of the 2023-24 season, starting 37 games for Mauricio Pochettino’s side and impressing in the process. After one particular win over Crystal Palace, the Argentine dubbed Gallagher “priceless”.

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“I think he is a player with a great commitment to the team,” said the Chelsea manager. “He is always trying to compensate in every situation, in offensive and defensive situations. It’s priceless to have a player like him.”

However, he was down to the final 12 months of his deal in west London and had turned down a fresh contract from his boyhood club, which meant that the Blues decided to cash in on him rather than lose him for free.

And Gallagher has now agreed terms with Spanish giants Atletico ahead of a 40m euro (£33.7m) move to the Spanish capital, which will see him pen a five year deal according to Fabrizio Romano.

As per The Telegraph, his new deal in Spain could see him take home £200,000 a week (£10m per year) including bonuses, which is a significant increase on his previous £50,000 a week deal at Stamford Bridge.

His departure could see Chelsea move for Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, who is also on the wishlist of Premier League newcomers Southampton and European Champions Atalanta.

Though Chelsea fans will be disappointed to see Gallagher leave, they will be glad that it is to a club outside the Premier League, with the midfielder having previously been linked to Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham.

Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign a £34 million Bayern Munich player this summer, as sporting director Edu Gaspar and the club weigh up more potential signings before deadline day.

Arsenal kick off new Premier League season against Wolves

Mikel Arteta faces a tough first few games of the new Premier League season, with a north London derby, a trip to Champions League side Aston Villa and a mouthwatering clash against Man City awaiting them before the end of September.

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1

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 15, 2024

The Gunners fell agonizingly short of their first Premier League title in 20 years last season, despite pushing Pep Guardiola's eventual champions all the way to the final day. Indeed, Arsenal couldn't quite loosen City's stranglehold on domestic dominance, but Arteta will be aiming to make it third-time-lucky in an attempt to win his side their only league crown in decades.

Wolves await Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium as Arteta gets ready for their first 15:00 kick-off of the new season, all while the transfer window remains open for business, and anything can still happen before it shuts its doors on August 30.

The north Londoners have been linked with bringing in another fresh face ahead of what will be a long and testing campaign. It is believed Arsenal could make an eleventh-hour move for Espanyol's Joan Garcia, once they complete a drawn-out move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

Edu has been attempting to get a deal for Merino over the line for weeks now, with the Spaniard viewed as a player who could come in to complement the likes of Declan Rice and Jorginho in that central position.

Arsenal have also been heavily linked with a potential new attacking option, and Bayern's Kingsley Coman is among the many names mentioned by media sources in the last fortnight.

Arsenal offered chance to sign Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich

The Frenchman, who scored five goals and bagged three assists in 27 appearances across all competitions last term, also suffered from an array of injury problems – with both knee and adductor issues keeping him out for long periods.

Coman's injury record is a questionable one, and it perhaps put Arteta off. According to GiveMeSport journalist Dean Jones, Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Coman from Bayern Munich this summer, but it doesn't appear likely that Edu and co will go down that avenue.

Separate reports last week claimed Coman is actually pretty keen on a move to Arsenal, and he'd cost a maximum fee of around £34 million. Yet, despite these factors and obvious quality when available, the 28-year-old doesn't appear close to a north London switch as things stand.