Aston Villa suffered a poor 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in midweek which could derail the momentum they were building following the international break.
Despite trailing just 2-1 heading into the interval, Phil Foden scored twice more during the second half to condemn Villa to their eighth league defeat of the campaign.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery during a Premier League game.
With seven games left, they hold a two-point advantage over Tottenham Hotspur in fourth place, albeit Spurs have a game in hand.
The Midlands side takes on Brentford this afternoon and Unai Emery will likely rejig his starting lineup, dropping a midfielder who was poor against City.
Tim Iroegbunam’s game in numbers vs Man City
The youngster was given his first Premier League start of the season against the champions yet failed to really showcase his talent during the match.
The midfielder was deployed alongside Douglas Luiz in the heart of the midfield but completed just 12 passes during his time on the pitch, managing to take only 28 touches of the ball too, as he failed to really get involved.
Iroegbunam also won four of his ten ground duels contested, lost possession six times and succeeded with just one of his three dribble attempts, while being dribbled past on two occasions.
Accurate passes
12/14
Touches
28
Ground duels won
4/10
Tackles made
3
Possession lost
6
The midfielder was utilised due to John McGinn serving the last match of his three-game suspension, but with that ending, the Scot is in pole position to reclaim his position in the starting XI.
Iroegbunam will learn from this experience, but with much at stake over the coming weeks, unleashing McGinn against Brentford will be the most logical thing for Emery to do.
John McGinn’s season in numbers
McGinn was sent off against Spurs a few weeks ago due to a poor challenge on Destiny Udogie, subsequently receiving a three-match ban.
Prior to this, the former Hibs gem had played every single league match for the club, scoring six goals and grabbing three assists, proving to be one of Emery’s best players.
John McGinn
Not only that, but McGinn also ranks fifth in the squad for big chances created (9) in the top flight, along with ranking third for key passes per game (1.4), third for successful dribbles per game (1.6) and fourth for tackles per game (1.7), showing how effective he is across a range of metrics.
The £120k-per-week maestro had previously been described as a “relentless creature” by journalist Mat Kendrick during his first season at Villa Park, going from strength to strength ever since.
His availability ahead of the Brentford game will give Emery a massive boost as he aims for three points.
John McGinn
McGinn has shown time and time again – for both club and country – that he can make a difference when it really matters. The next seven games in the league are all must-win if Villa are to qualify for the Champions League next season.
With the Scot back in the starting XI alongside Luiz, Emery has his first-choice midfield partnership available and raring to go against the Bees this afternoon.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Since the Sir Alex Ferguson era, every manager of Manchester United has failed to return the club to its glory days.
Unfortunately, it seems that Erik ten Hag will be the next boss to face the sack, having coached the Red Devils to a current seventh-place position in the Premier League with a goal difference of -1.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag watches on.
Although it’s been reported that the Dutchman won’t part ways with the club until the end of the season, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will likely start his rebuild with a new boss at the helm.
But who are the options? Well, one is particularly eye-catching having proven himself to be a serial winner.
Ratcliffe has drawn up a manager list for Man United
According to a claim from Ben Jacobs via GiveMeSport, Zinedine Zidane could feature on Man Utd's manager list this summer.
Jacobs said: "Zinedine Zidane will almost certainly be on the succession planning list. Being on the succession planning list doesn't necessarily mean you'll get any contact or get offered the job. It just means that you're part of a collection of names that are there to explore. Then, if a change is made, that list will be whittled down.”
This was confirmed following a report from French outlet L’Equipe via GiveMeSport, who mentioned that the former Real Madrid boss would favour a move to Old Trafford over Bayern Munich.
Zidane is reportedly keeping an eye on the current situation at the Red Devils, as well as the circumstances at Bayern.
Zidane’s managerial career so far
Being widely regarded as one of the best players of all time is such a prestigious honour in itself, but to also go on to become an elite manager is a feat very few achieve.
Zidane started his career in the coaching department as an assistant manager for Real Madrid back in 2013, but just a year later, he took on the role as Real Madrid Castilla boss.
zinedine-zidane-manager-tottenham-hotspur
However, it wasn’t until January 2016 that he really developed as a coach, becoming the boss of Madrid and boasting one of the most impressive records around.
Over 149 matches, Zidane’s Madrid won an unbelievable 105 matches, losing just 16 times, while also winning three consecutive Champions League titles from 2015/16 to 2017/18, which proves he’s a master of the competition.
Champions League
3
World's Best Club Coach
2
FIFA Club World Cup
2
Spanish Champion
2
UEFA SuperCup
2
Spanish Super Cup
2
The 51-year-old is the true definition of a winner, which is exactly the type of manager missing at United right now.
A reason why the Frenchman may be preferred over other managers' is simply due to the fact that his preferred system and formation is a 4-3-3, which fits the current United squad like a glove.
The most important aspect to the success of Los Blancos under Zidane was the midfield trio of Casemiro, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos, and a midfield trio of Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, and a new defensive midfielder could replicate that, due to the two ball-playing eights and a destroyer behind them.
However, on top of being “tactical genius,” as called by pundit Steve McManaman, Zidane is also a brilliant man-manager who knows how to get the best out of every individual on the field, which is an aspect Ten Hag has struggled with in particular this season, with the Jadon Sancho situation rather epitomising that.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag
Furthermore, the mentality of not accepting anything below the supposed standard of Man United has slipped away under Ten Hag, and the hiring of Zidane would certainly put an end to that. He knows exactly what it means to be the boss at a top European club.
Despite the fact that the three-time Champions League-winning coach has been out of action since 2021, he would instantly improve the Red Devils if he were to join, at least ensuring that the foundations for success are laid out, which they currently aren’t under the Dutch boss, as shown displayed against Coventry City on Sunday.
Man Utd could turn Ten Hag signing into a "monster" by hiring Tuchel
Erik ten Hag’s position as Manchester United manager is under threat.
Everton have been in a state of ebb and flow for quite some time now, and while Sean Dyche's tenure has been far from seamless, there is a sense that the squad could enter the ascendency if cards are played right.
Of course, the plane of uncertainty that lies ahead for Everton is beyond the control of Dyche and the players, who have navigated through a tumultuous year to perch in 15th place in the Premier League with two fixtures still ahead, 11 points above the dreaded dotted line.
Having been stripped of eight points due to breaching Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules on separate occasions, the Toffees are in troubled waters, with the conundrum compounded by prospective buyers 777 Partners, a Miami-based investment firm, facing a lawsuit in the USA, facing allegations of fraud, facing the prospect of ruination.
But the unflappable fight from the Evertonian squad has instilled a sanguine sense of hope that this club could rise again. After all, points deduction aside, Everton would be just three points away from the top half of the division.
Only the top three teams have conceded fewer goals than Dyche's Blues, with the defensive axis of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite working wonders.
Branthwaite's emergence, in particular, has come at the perfect time following Yerry Mina's departure on a free transfer last summer, ravaged by injuries that stopped his chances of succeeding at Goodison Park. It all could have been so different.
Yerry Mina's Everton career
Picture this: it's 2018, Marco Silva's Everton have just completed the £27m transfer of centre-back Mina from none other than Barcelona following the Colombian's terrific performances at the 2018 World Cup.
Everton had recorded successive top-eight finishes under Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce and would finish eighth again in Silva's only full term at the helm – Mina's first, in 2018/19 – but everything unravelled soon after, Everton started to sink toward the lower levels of the English top-flight, where they fight at present to free themselves from.
22/23
7
7
2
21/22
13
11
0
20/21
24
23
2
19/20
29
25
2
18/19
13
10
1
Unfortunately, the Colombia international managed to play only an intermittent role in the Toffees' campaign, starting just ten Premier League matches as he battled against foot and hamstring issues.
He enjoyed more frequent roles across his second and third campaigns on English shores, with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm since the 2019/20 term's midpoint.
But his niggling problems precluded him from ever finding a prolonged run of form to live up to the £27m price tag, with his wages rather hefty too.
1.
Jordan Pickford
£125k-per-week
2.
Yerry Mina
£120k-per-week
3.
Abdoulaye Doucoure
£120k-per-week
4.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
£100k-per-week
4.
Amadou Onana
£100k-per-week
4.
James Tarkowski
£100k-per-week
The fact that he earned more than Dominic Calvert-Lewin highlights just how influential Mina was supposed to have been for the Merseysiders.
Calvert-Lewin has hardly been injury-free himself while on the Everton books but he has scored 68 goals and supplied 17 assists across 245 appearances, having been praised as a "monster" by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his success as the focal frontman.
In fairness, Mina has earned an effusive remark or two throughout his career too, with The Athletic's Patrick Boyland hailing the "absolute colossus" for one excellent Everton display.
At least the 6 foot 5 titan managed to play a pivotal part in Everton's closing stage last season, starting the final four Premier League fixtures and scoring an all-important, last-gasp equaliser in the campaign's penultimate fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He salvaged a draw, he might just have salvaged top-flight status, with the team then fuelled to beat Bournemouth on the final day – a game, by the way, that saw a Herculean defensive effort form Mina toward the 1-0 victory, playing the full 90 minutes and winning a whopping eight duels.
It's unfortunate that Mina has suffered such a tough time on the fitness front, with Silva speaking on his "unlucky" record back in 2019 – unaware of the mounds of problems yet to materialise, like a dark, infiltrating stain on his career.
Former Everton player Yerry Mina
But it can't be looked past, Mina failed to live up to the price tag at Everton and it's ultimately a move of bitter regret, with the funds probably better placed elsewhere back when he signed – had the powers that be got it right, the rot might just have been stopped before it spread.
Yerry Mina's transfer value in 2024
Oh to drift back to the halcyon days of 2018. Mina must certainly look back on this stage of his career with wistful longing, having now fallen by the wayside with damage that threatens to be irreparable.
The ball-playing defender has all the skills to be a high-level defender; his erstwhile stint with Barcelona proves his natural ability. But injuries have ravaged his chances of building a career of true prosperity, with his current market value a gloomy reflection of such issues.
According to Football Transfers' Player Valuation model, the South American is marked with a £1.7m worth in 2024, with his inability to put his time on Merseyside to bed after transferring to Fiorentina sending his career into more of a detrimental spin.
After ending his career with Everton last summer, the rangy defender's move to Florence was supposed to be beneficial, with the ostensibly slower pace of Italian football better suited to his athletic fragilities.
Former Everton star Yerry Mina celebrates for Cagliari
But after featuring just four times – all from the bench – in the opening half of the current Serie A campaign, La Viola's newly-promoted divisional rivals Cagliari canvassed a proposal and welcomed the injury-riddled giant to their ranks in January.
Admittedly, he has found a small measure of success over these past few months, starting 11 of 13 league fixtures since his cross-state switch, scoring in each of his past two matches and winning 69% of his duels, as per Sofascore.
Given that Jarrad Branthwait has won 67% of his duels in the Premier League this season, it's clear that a different tale would have been painted were Mina's injuries not so… incessant.
A talented defender, a wonderful player, a commanding leader. Mina's move to Everton can only go down as a failure but given the nature of his troubles, the Evertonian faithful would be all smiles if he could sustain a positive run of form over the coming campaigns.
6/10 Everton star who lost 100% duels might not play again after Luton
He produced a poor display during the draw last night.
Celtic are back in Scottish Premiership action once again on Saturday afternoon as they play host to their closest rivals at Parkhead in the Old Firm.
The Hoops have a chance to all but secure the top-flight title for the third season running as a win would see them move six points clear with two games left to play.
That would leave their rivals needing to win both of their last two matches and the Bhoys would have to lose both of their outings, having only lost three of their 35 league clashes so far.
Brendan Rodgers' side ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against Hearts in Glasgow last time out, as Kyogo Furuhashi scored twice and Matt O'Riley netted from the penalty spot.
Despite that emphatic victory, the Northern Irish boss could still make some changes from his starting XI against the Jam Tarts. With this in mind, here is FFC's predicted Celtic lineup for this clash with Rangers…
1 Joe Hart
Joe Hart
Between the sticks, there is no glaring reason for the head coach to drop former England international Joe Hart from the starting XI in what looks set to be his penultimate Old Firm clash.
The meeting with Rangers in the SFA Cup final at Hampden Park is set to be his final derby clash before his retirement, whilst this game on Saturday will be his last one at Parkhead.
2 Alistair Johnston
At right-back, Canada international Alistair Johnston should retain his place in the lineup ahead of Scotland international and academy graduate Anthony Ralston.
The 25-year-old star has the quality to provide an attacking threat from the full-back position, with nine 'big chances' created and four assists in 30 Premiership matches this season.
3 Cameron Carter-Vickers
Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.
There is little doubt that Cameron Carter-Vickers will be named in the starting XI for this clash with Rangers after the USA international's colossal showing last time out against Hearts.
The former Tottenham Hotspur enforcer made five clearances, two interceptions, one tackle, and one huge block to stop the Jam Tarts from finding the back of the net.
4 Liam Scales
Celtic defender Liam Scales.
Liam Scales could continue his pairing with Carter-Vickers at centre-back for Celtic, after both players were named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year.
The Ireland international offers a left-footed balance to the team in possession on the left side of the pairing that the right-footed Stephen Welsh, Maik Nawrocki, and Gustaf Lagerbielke do not.
5 Greg Taylor
Celtic defender Greg Taylor
Greg Taylor is Celtic's only senior left-back option, as Alexandro Bernabei was allowed to leave on loan earlier this term, and that makes him a simple selection for the manager.
The Scottish full-back, like Johnston, has created nine 'big chances' and registered four assists in the Premiership so far this season, which speaks to the attacking thrust he can provide down the left flank.
6 Tomoki Iwata
Tomoki Iwata
The first change to the starting XI could come at the base of the midfield set-up for Rodgers as Tomoki Iwata could replace Japan international Reo Hatate.
FFC suggested that Rodgers should drop the central midfielder down to the bench after he lost possession 25 times and lost all six of his duels against Hearts.
Iwata, who has only lost possession 5.1 times per game on average in the Premiership, is more reliable in possession and offers more physicality off the ball, with a duel success rate of 51% in the division this term.
This means that the 27-year-old ace could be a better option for this huge game against Rangers, as Hatate's loose play on the ball and struggles with the physical side of the game could cost them in a tight contest.
7 Callum McGregor
Callum McGregor
Another player who should keep their place in the starting XI is the captain Callum McGregor after his strong performance against Hearts last time out.
The Scotland international won seven of his nine duels against the Jam Tarts, to go along with a fantastic pass completion rate of 92% in the middle of the park.
8 Matt O'Riley
Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley.
Matt O'Riley should start in the Hoops midfield for this big clash with Rangers alongside the skipper McGregor and Japanese ace Iwata at the base of the trio.
The Denmark international has been in fine form as an attacking force throughout the Premiership campaign, racking up 14 goals and 12 assists so far.
9 Daizen Maeda
Celtic's Daizen Maeda.
The second change to the starting XI should come on the right of the attacking trio as Daizen Maeda should be unleashed ahead of Nicolas Kuhn.
Although the Japanese dynamo typically plays on the left of the three, the form of the player who we will later predict to make the XI means that he should be brought in on the right.
Kuhn managed one key pass and zero shots against Hearts and has gone five Premiership games without a goal or an assist to show for his efforts.
Maeda, who was once hailed as "incredible" by Rodgers, scored in the opening minute against Rangers at Ibrox and won an eye-catching six tackles on the wing.
The hard-working forward should, therefore, be unleashed from the start on Saturday as Kuhn has not been in productive form, whilst the Japanese whiz recently stepped up to the mark against the Gers.
10 Kyogo Furuhashi
Kyogo Furuhashi
In the number nine position, Kyogo Furuhashi should keep his place after an impressive display against Hearts last time out in the league for the Hoops.
The Japan international positioned himself perfectly to score a header from Hatate's cross to make it 1-0 before beautifully connecting with O'Riley's ball over the top to finish into the bottom corner on the volley for his second.
Adam Idah has scored seven goals in 12 Premiership starts for Celtic, including one off the bench against Rangers at Ibrox, and could be kept as a super sub option for Rodgers.
Manchester City are considering signing a £150,000-a-week playmaker as Pep Guardiola begins his preparations for next season.
Man City transfer rumours
City have become one of the most dominant teams in English football under the guidance of Pep, thanks in no small part to his insistence on refreshing the team constantly, refusing to let sentiment take precedence in matters of squad planning.
The Sky Blues have notched five league titles under the Spaniard (six with a win on Sunday), won two different trebles, and if they win the league again this weekend, Pep will be the first manager in Premier League history to win four consecutive titles in a row – beating the current record held by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Despite Pep having already done everything there is to do in the Premier League with the Manchester outfit, it does not appear as though he is looking to take his foot off the gas anytime soon, with City already being linked with a number of names heading into the 2024 summer transfer window.
David Ornstein, speaking over the weekend, claimed that Manchester City are rivalling Liverpool for the signing of Anthony Gordon this summer. However, the Newcastle United ace is expected to remain at St James' Park.
Anthony Gordon.
Elsewhere, it was reported recently that Manchester City "have spoken to Jeremie Frimpong" and that the defender "has opened discussions" about a move back to his former side, in a far more senior role than when he left. Arsenal are also said to have joined Manchester City in the battle for Newcastle and Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
With Arsenal now an established Champions League club, they may have a decent chance of pipping the Cityzens to the signing of Bruno. Should that happen, though, it appears City have another midfield option lined up anyway.
Man City considering "perfect" star for Pep's project
The player in question is another Brazilian in the form of West Ham's Lucas Paqueta. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, speaking to Caught Offside, Manchester City are considering Lucas Paqueta as a potential transfer target as he is seen as a "perfect" signing for Pep Guardiola’s project.
West Ham's Lucas Paqueta in action
“Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City could remain a story to watch, as some fans have been asking me again about links with the West Ham United midfielder," Romano said.
“I have no idea of the betting stuff and of the legal situation surrounding the player, but in terms of transfer market, Paqueta remains high on Man City’s list for the summer. The player would also be keen on the move and City keep considering him one of the perfect players for Pep Guardiola’s project. But again, we have to see what happens with that issue before understanding Paqueta’s future.”
Romano does not mention a transfer fee for Paqueta but the South American is unlikely to come cheap. He is under contract at the London Stadium until 2027 earning £150,000-a-week and is valued at around £60m by Transfermarket.com. The 26-year-old has made 88 appearances for West Ham in all competitions, scoring 13 and assisting 14 in that time.
Fabrizio Romano has provided Leeds United a big transfer boost on a target the 49ers Enterprises are "desperate" to sign once the season is concluded on Sunday.
Leeds vs Southampton playoff final
The Whites and Daniel Farke are preparing for a Championship playoff final at Wembley against Southampton, as both clubs look to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Leeds have actually tasted defeat in both games to Russell Martin’s side in the second-tier, with the Saints winning 2-1 at Elland Road on the final day of the season after winning 3-1 at St Mary’s back in September, with the home fixture certain to have left a sour taste in Leeds' mouths.
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ByDan Emery May 20, 2024
If the Whites manage to get the better of Southampton this weekend, though, then it will help when it comes to transfer targets, such as Borussia Dortmund defender Marius Wolf. It has been claimed that Leeds are looking to sign the experienced right-back if they win promotion back to the top flight and have already made an approach.
Another defensive target is Joe Rodon, with a promising update for Leeds and the 49ers now emerging regarding his future.
Joe Rodon transfer update
Should Leeds win at Wembley this weekend, then loan Rodon would have played a big part for the Whites during his season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
The Wales centre-back has been a regular for Farke at the back, striking up a partnership with fellow countryman Ethan Ampadu, who joined on a permanent transfer last summer.
Leeds defender Joe Rodon.
Promotion to the Premier League will more than likely result in Leeds pursuing Rodon in a permanent deal. In fact, recent reports have claimed that the Whites are "desperate" to sign Rodon on a full-time basis and think he could be a “massive” addition, making him a top target.
Now, Romano has provided an update on the defender's future, saying he is one of a plethora of Spurs players who is “set to leave” this summer.
In the summer, Rodon, on £35,000-per-week, will be into the final 12 months of his Tottenham deal, so a permanent transfer could be on the cards, should things go to plan on Sunday. Rodon has clearly enjoyed his time at Elland Road as well, saying back in March:
“I haven’t had much game time over the last couple of years. But this season, coming in, playing every minute and not looking back, yeah maybe…all I wanted was game time. Now that I’m having that it’s only going to make my confidence grow. I’m enjoying every minute and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given by the gaffer. Long may it continue.”
When you think of Aston Villa’s Premier League icons, several names spring to mind. Throughout the duration of this era, there have been some legendary figures to have graced the hallowed turf at Villa Park, and don that famous claret and blue shirt.
Perhaps the most iconic is the 1992/23 PFA Player of the Year winner, Paul McGrath. He played 142 times in the Premier League for the Villans, which included helping them to second place in the competition’s inaugural season. Off the back of that, he was named as the PFA Player of the Year, a superb achievement for someone who didn’t even win the title.
Gareth Barry is another legendary Villa figure who springs to mind. The defensive midfielder was a stalwart at the base of their midfield for years. He played for Villa for over ten years between 1997/98 and 2008/09, before departing the club for pastures anew at Manchester City. He has the most ever Premier League appearances to his name, although could be overtaken by another former Villa man, James Milner, next season.
Former striker Dwight Yorke is another player you think of. He made 179 Premier League appearances for the Villans, scoring 60 times and registering 31 assists. Nowadays, Villa’s talismanic striker is Ollie Watkins, who himself has had a stellar campaign. The England international has scored 19 times and registered 13 assists in 37 Premier League games for Villa in 2023/24.
However, there is one other name that you might think of, someone who Villa have recently been linked with bringing back home; Manchester City and England international Jack Grealish.
The 28-year-old has been linked with a sensational move back to Villa Park, just three summers on from his £100m departure to the Etihad Stadium.
Villa eyeing Premier League midfielder
Grealish’s return to his boyhood club could well only come to fruition if a proposed move for Conor Gallagher from Chelsea did not come about. The Villans have been linked with the England international in recent days and could make an offer.
At least, this is according to highly reputable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic. Ornstein reports that Villa have recently held “preliminary talks” with Chelsea over a move for the 24-year-old, and are also “in contact” with his camp.
Gallagher has been heavily linked with a departure from Stamford Bridge this summer, and Unai Emery’s Aston Villa could offer the Englishman a way out of his boyhood side. As per Fabrizio Romano, it could cost up to £50m to prise Gallagher away from Chelsea.
However, if Villa do not deem this deal, they could well turn their attention to the former club captain Grealish. Emery’s side could hope to bring him back over the summer to strengthen their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign next season.
How Grealish would benefit Aston Villa
There is no doubt that a return to Villa Park for Grealish would be seismic. Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey explained in an article last month that it is a possibility, with the Villans supposedly “plotting a sensational bid” which would see their former number 10 return to the club this summer.
According to the report, Emery’s side would “jump at the chance to make a move” for their former captain. He left as a Villa legend, a "world superstar", as Dan Bardell called him, amassing 213 appearances for his boyhood club in all competitions, scoring 32 goals and registering 41 assists. He has featured in 170 Premier League games so far in his career and has scored 26 goals, registering 28 assists.
2013/14
Villa
1
0
0
2014/15
Villa
17
0
1
2015/16
Villa
16
1
0
2019/20
Villa
36
8
6
2020/21
Villa
26
6
10
2021/22
Man City
26
3
3
2022/23
Man City
28
5
7
2023/24
Man City
20
3
1
The 28-year-old former Villa captain was one of the most flair players in the Premier League during his time in the Midlands. However, he is in a more restricted system at the moment under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium and has less of a chance to express himself. With that being said, he is still an exceptional player, who may excel with some more freedom as a number 10 in Emery’s famed 4-2-2-2 system that he employs at Villa Park.
The England international is a wonderful ball carrier, one of the most exciting features of his game. As per Fbref, Grealish averages 7.24 progressive carries per 90 minutes, a stat which ranks him in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe. He also averages 3.92 carries into both the final third and the penalty area. This ranks Grealish among the best top 3% and the best 2% respectively across Europe.
Another feature of Grealish’s excellent ball-carrying skills is how good he is at winning fouls. Whilst this may seem unimportant, it is an extremely effective part of his game. In 2019/20, he won 167 fouls in the Premier League, which is a record number for a player in a single season, as per Squwaka. Within the last year, he has won an average of 3.43 fouls per 90, which ranks him in the top 1% of attackers.
By signing the City star over Gallagher, you lose lots of versatility in deeper areas. That is to say, Gallagher can operate comfortably in deeper areas and is better off the ball than Grealish, The Chelsea man averages 3.68 tackles and interceptions per 90 as per Fbref, compared to Grealish’s 1.44 per 90.
Aston Villa winger Jack Grealish.
However, passing up on a modern-day club legend like their former skipper may be too good to turn down. He is well-liked by the Villa squad too, with current club captain John McGinn once describing him as “one of the best I've played with” during an interview in 2019.
Grealish himself admitted last month that he still gets to “watch them all the time when they are on TV”, and declared that they “are like family to me” and that he always wants Villa “to do well”.
Given his connection with the club and the fact he is a boyhood Villa fan, a reunion would be seismic, even bigger than any proposed deal for Gallagher. Should he return to Villa this summer, he will get to represent them in the Champions League, and that might be an opportunity that is too good to turn down. What a story this would be.
After Barkley: Aston Villa eye "monster" Gallagher alternative for £0
Newcastle United are looking at alternatives to Crystal Palace's Michael Olise as they consider selling a £60,000-a-week fan favourite to make room for a new arrival, according to reports.
Newcastle transfer rumours
Newcastle were plagued with injury issues in the 2023/24 season, and this was very much reflected in their form across the campaign. The Magpies were eventually able to put together a string of positive results to secure a 7th-place finish in the Premier League, but Manchester United's FA Cup win means that there will be no European in the North East next term.
Newcastle can replace Bruce signing with deal for £28m "goal machine"
Newcastle are looking to make more additions after the arrival of Lloyd Kelly.
ByEthan Lamb Jun 15, 2024
In turn, Eddie Howe and co. are no doubt eager to strengthen this summer as they battle it out to once again finish inside the Premier League's top four. Newcastle's summer plans are already in full swing, with the club having already signed out-of-contract Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, who is understood to have penned a five-year deal with the club.
In terms of further potential incomings at St James' Park, former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi is believed to be of interest, Ferran Torres has been linked with a move to St James' Park, with Barcelona potentially willing to move him on, and Juventus' Samuel Iling-Junior has also been backed to join the Magpies before the 2024/25 season gets underway.
Former Arsenal player Matteo Guendouzi
Newcastle eye Michael Olise alternative to replace £60k-p/w star
Another star who has been linked with a move to St James' Park of late is Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, with recent reports claiming Newcastle, Chelsea and Bayern Munich had all made contact with the Eagles regarding a move for the Englishman.
However, given Newcastle have no European football in 2024/25 and both Bayern and the Blues are more established top European sides, the Magpies may face a tough battle when it comes to persuading the player, who has a reported £60m release clause, to join them.
In turn, it is not too surprising to see alternative transfer targets emerging for Newcastle. Give Me Sport report that the Magpies know Olise may be too "ambitious" of a target, but definitely want to sign a right-winger this summer, so are looking at Juventus and Italy star Federico Chiesa instead.
Chiesa has already earned high praise from England, including from Manchester United and Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand, who previously labelled the winger as "fantastic".
"He’s just a fantastic footballer," he said. "The intensity with which he plays with, we saw in the Euros he was the main goal threat for the Italians who went on to win the tournament."
The report adds that Chiesa could be available for half the price of Olise, which would put his transfer fee at about £30m.
This is perhaps seen as a low sum for a player of his quality, but his contract is set to expire in 2025, which means the Turin-based out may need to sell this summer or risk losing him for free. To help fund a move for the Italian, the Magpies are said to be willing to part ways with Miguel Almiron, who is currently earning £60,000-a-week on a deal that runs until 2026.
This summer, plenty of movement will occur at Manchester United now that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS can get to work.
Incomings and outgoings are guaranteed to occur, but there’s a handful of players who won’t be going anywhere, including Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez.
The duo are integral parts of Erik ten Hag’s team, and they are two players that the Dutch coach will be desperate to build around next season.
However, with the fantastic duo in mind, let’s take a look at a Man Utd player who earns far more than them, despite not having a future at Old Trafford.
Jadon Sancho’s time is up at Man United
According to a report from The Mirror, Jadon Sancho could very well be on the move this summer, especially after Ten Hag remains at the club.
It’s said that United are ‘attempting to move him on’ before next season, but their £50m asking price is too steep for most clubs.
Jadon Sancho in action for Man United in the Premier League.
This means that the Red Devils may have to give in to a loan move, which is why Barcelona are interested in signing the English winger.
As per Spanish outlet Sport, via The Mirror, Sancho’s high wage demands could prove to be an issue even in the event of a loan deal.
What Man Utd pay Jadon Sancho
It’s fair to say that the signing of Sancho for £73m back in 2021 has been nothing short of a disaster, pretty much from day one.
However, it was last season when things took a turn for the worse, with the winger being banished from first-team training because of a social media post following his absence from the matchday squad against Arsenal.
Sancho’s refusal to apologise meant that he was sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund in January, where he helped his former aide reach the Champions League final.
Throughout his time back at Signal Iduna Park, the “disappointing” flop, as dubbed by football creator Liam Canning, played 21 times, scoring three goals and providing three assists in the process.
1. Marcus Rashford
£300k
2. Antony
£200k
3. Jadon Sancho
£195k
4. Rasmus Hojlund
£85k
5. Alejandro Garnacho
£50k
Nonetheless, despite making just 21 Premier League starts in the last two campaigns, Sancho is still one of the highest earners at Man United according to Capology.
As you can see, the 24-year-old is currently receiving an income of £195k-per-week, which equates to £10.1m per year without adding his bonuses of around £5.2m per year.
Jadon Sancho
Sancho is still contracted to the Red Devils until 2026, which puts them in a rather difficult position due to his salary being so high.
For context, his wage is £75k more per week than Martinez and almost ten times more than Mainoo’s £20k per week, and unlike Sancho, they will be at the club next season.
In the current United squad right now, only Antony and Marcus Rashford are on a higher wage than the number 25, which means the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho both earn significantly less.
Overall, the signing of Sancho has been a true howler from Man Utd, and the only way Ratcliffe can fix the situation is to let the attacker leave this summer.
What Man Utd's dream XI could look like after £230m spending spree
It's been over three weeks since the transfer window swung open, and while there has been some movement here and there, it feels like clubs are waiting for the European Championships to end before really splashing the cash.
In the case of Arsenal, they have made two permanent signings thus far, welcoming 18-year-old Lucas Nygaard to the team and executing the option to buy in David Raya's loan deal from Brentford.
However, based on recent reports, Mikel Arteta looks set to welcome a player who has caught the footballing world's attention recently and shares many similarities with the Gunners' star right-back, Ben White.
Arsenal transfer news
According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are edging closer to securing the services of Bologna's star defender Riccardo Calafiori after agreeing personal terms with the Italian.
Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori
The journalist revealed that the Gunners are now the clear favourites to land the player's signature, as there have been no talks with Paris Saint-Germain, Bayer Leverkusen, or Chelsea Football Club.
An earlier report from Romano revealed that the North Londoners have agreed to a five-year deal with the 22-year-old that will see him earn €4m-per-year, the equivalent of around £3.4m.
Reports over the last week or so claim that the transfer fee will cost Arsenal around £42m, and while it's a lot of money altogether, Calafiori looks like an incredibly exciting defender, and the fact he shares some similarities with White is undoubtedly reassuring.
The similarities between Calafiori and White
So, while Calafirori enjoyed an exceptional Serie A campaign with Bologna last season and helped them qualify for the Champions League, he really caught the eye of the wider footballing world thanks to his impressive displays for a lacklustre Italy team at the Euros this summer.
He started and starred in all three group games for the Azzurri in Germany and only missed the round of 16 match against Switzerland – the game that saw the team eliminated – due to picking up two yellow cards.
In the three games he did feature, he played as a centre-back, but across his career, he's started more games at full-back, in the first fundamental similarity he shares with White.
Left-Back
49
Centre-Back
207
Centre-Back
43
Right-Back
100
Left Midfield
9
Defensive Midfield
13
Right-Back
2
Left-Back
4
For example, in 129 appearances, he has started 49 games at left-back and two at right-back while starting 43 at centre-back. The Englishman, who is four years his senior, has now reached 100 starts at right-back, and with how his career has progressed in recent seasons, he seems destined to surpass his 200 starts at centre-back within a few years.
Alongside their positional versatility, the two stars are also progressive and forward-thinking defenders. For example, last season, the Italian "monster," as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, scored two goals and provided five assists in 33 appearances for the Rossoblu, equating to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 4.71 games.
Likewise, the former Brighton & Hove Albion gem scored four goals and provided five assists in 51 appearances for the Gunners, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 5.66 games for the Premier League runners-up.
Ultimately, if Arsenal are to go on and finally overtake Manchester City as the best team in England, they will need a squad bursting to the seams with talent. While they already had the best defence in the league last season, adding a player like Calafiori can only be a good thing, especially as he already seems to have a lot in common with the incredible White.
Arsenal struck gold on a star who's worth more than Calafiori & Gyokeres
The “phenomenal” talent has has been unreal for Arteta.