It’s a step into the unknown for West Bromwich Albion next season with Ryan Mason at the helm.

Appointing the 33-year-old rookie boss is a bold next step that might well pay off for the Baggies, but he will have his work cut out for him from the get-go, with the likes of Grady Diangana, who had been a part of the furniture at the Hawthorns for some time, now heading out the exit door.

After those high-profile departures soured the mood somewhat, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur coach has been backed, notably with Aune Heggebo leaving Brann behind for a fee around the £4.7m mark to join the Championship side.

The additions up top might not grind to a halt here, however, despite the Nordic striker’s lavish fee, as more attacking signings look to be prioritised.

West Brom's next moves in the market

Diangana isn’t the only notable name in attack that could desert the Hawthorns, with Mikey Johnston still likely despondent after a £5m move to Flamengo fell through at the last minute.

Transfer Focus

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

Spurs youngster Mikey Moore might well be on the West Brom shopping list to bolster down this depleted left-hand side, therefore, but Heggebo could also have competition up top very shortly if the West Midlands outfit power on to snap up an EFL-experienced striker for free.

Indeed, a new report by the Sheffield Star has revealed that Rhian Brewster is unlikely to pen a new contract at his current employers Sheffield United, which will open the door for a suitor to snap up the ex-Liverpool forward for nothing.

The Star further indicates that Sunderland are looking at the hit-and-miss Blades striker, but a report by SportsBoom right at the start of July also suggested that the Baggies were keen on a move for the free agent.

This interest might well accelerate back into motion now this exclusive development has come to light, with West Brom perhaps eager to work their Josh Maja magic again on the former Blades number seven in unearthing a goalscoring diamond in the rough.

How West Brom can work their Maja magic on Brewster

Before transforming into West Brom’s number one option in attack, Maja had been through the wringer during his often bumpy playing days.

The one-time Nigeria international would initially come onto the radar of English football fans when rising the ranks at Sunderland, with Maja powering home a promising seven strikes from 29 Sunderland U23 appearances, before taking it up a notch even further when finding the back of the net 17 times in the senior picture.

However, everything started to unravel when he left the comforts of the Stadium of Light behind, with his spell at Bordeaux ridden with injuries, whilst then struggling to find his feet back on English soil with the likes of Stoke City and Fulham.

West Brom have managed to get the best out of the unfortunate 26-year-old again, with an impressive return of 12 strikes coming his way last season in Championship action, but he is still prone to an extended stay in the treatment room.

Brewster has an eerily similar story to Maja’s, considering the 25-year-old once had the world at his feet when leading the line for Liverpool in the U23 scene, before finding the men’s game to be a cruel beast.

He has since found his way back on the horse despite an injury-plagued few seasons in South Yorkshire, with a promising seven goal contributions coming his way last season, which led to his then-Blades boss Chris Wilder heralding him as “amazing” for his perseverance.

He might well be Mason’s very own Maja-like project if a move is sealed, with the London-born forward amazingly ahead of his Nigerian counterpart in terms of second-tier strikes bagged, as seen in his 18 strikes and counting, next to Maja’s 15.

With Brewster missing only seven clashes last campaign through injury, the hope will be that he can kick on and reclaim his former Reds magic – which saw him net a blistering 13 U23 goals at Anfield – only this time around it could secure a promotion in the senior game.

West Brom could land the dream Johnston replacement in "future superstar"

If Mikey Johnston does end up finalising a move away from West Bromwich Albion, this rising star could be a perfect replacement.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 8, 2025

The Russell Martin regime is in full swing at Rangers, with the Ibrox side having already confirmed seven new signings this summer, with 21-year-old Djeidi Gassama the latest of those to arrive.

Following what was a largely miserable 2024/25 campaign for Rangers, excluding an encouraging Europa League run, a real overhaul is needed for the Light Blues, as they bid to close the gap at the Premiership summit.

The defensive unit, in particular, looks set to undergo noticeable change, with Martin having already brought in Emmanuel Fernandez, Nasser Djiga and Max Aarons thus far, with veteran centre-back Leon Balogun having departed on a free transfer.

With John Souttar attracting interest from abroad, alongside Turkish full-back, Ridvan Yilmaz, there looks likely to be further upheaval before the window is out, ensuring there could be a much-needed fresh look to the Gers’ backline next season.

While Martin’s free-flowing brand of football will put greater emphasis on the attacking ranks to shine, having a solid base to build from will be crucial, with recent reports indicating that a deal for experienced centre-back, Conor Coady could be in the works.

Capped ten times for England, the 32-year-old would be a worthy addition to the Ibrox dressing room, albeit with Martin and co perhaps having their eyes fixed on a far more exciting centre-back signing.

Latest on Rangers' search for a centre-back

Reports late last week revealed that the Gers were still showing an interest in bringing Coady to Glasgow, with that coming following prior claims that Rangers were actually in advanced talks for the one-time Wolverhampton Wanderers man.

A deal for the £75k-per-week star – who has a year left on his contract at the King Power Stadium – may not be too far from completion, albeit with the Gers still keeping their options open for potential alternatives in the centre of defence.

Indeed, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Old Firm side are among the clubs interested in signing Xavier Mbuyamba from Dutch outfit, Volendam, with Gent also in the mix.

Transfer Focus

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

Romano reported that the 23-year-old – who was previously on the books at both Barcelona and Chelsea – is available for a fee of just €500k (£434k), having failed to agree to a new contract with his current side.

It is claimed that clubs in England are also keen on the former Celtic target, with the race now on to see if Rangers can secure the signature of a potentially game-changing signing.

Why Rangers need to sign Mbuyamba

As has already been explored, there is certain merit in bringing in a ‘leader’ like Coady, with the Englishman the type of figure who can replace the likes of Balogun, and Connor Goldson before him, as the centre-piece of the defence.

That said, the ageing star would be more of a short-term fix than a long-term solution, having also been part of a dismal Leicester side that slumped to relegation last time out, after making 22 Premier League appearances in 2024/25.

Mbuyamba, however, could be a star both for now and for the future, having previously been hailed as an “elegant and dominant centre-back” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also likened him to ex-Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany.

For those in the Premiership, a more interesting comparison has been drawn in the past between the 6 foot 5 Dutchman and his high-profile compatriot, Virgil van Dijk, with Sky Sports stating back in 2023 that such likeness has been noted by ‘coaches and media in Holland due to his similar playing style and huge potential’.

That link to Van Dijk had come amid claims that Celtic were interested in signing the then-21-year-old, although two years on, it might well be Martin and Rangers who manage to finally bring Mbuyamba to Glasgow.

While he was operating in Holland’s second tier last season, the in-demand defender did enjoy a fine campaign in all, having showcased his brilliance in both boxes, after scoring five times in 34 league outings, while providing one assist and creating five ‘big chances’, as per Sofascore.

Defensively, the towering ace also helped to keep 12 clean sheets, while averaging 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game. That dominance also saw Mbuyamba win 61% of his total duels.

Games (starts)

34 (34)

Goals

5

Assists

1

Big chances created

4

Key passes

0.4

Pass accuracy

86%

Tackles & interceptions

2.8

Dribbled past

0.2

Total duels won

61%

As for Coady, while he was operating at Premier League level, the one-time Liverpool man scored once, while averaging just 1.2 tackles and interceptions per game, alongside winning just 45% of his total duels.

That represents a noticeable drop off from his final season at Wolves in 2021/22, with the then-Old Gold skipper – who was operating as part of a back three at the time – scoring four goals, while averaging 1.5 tackles and interceptions and winning 53% of his total duels.

The dream squad Rangers can build: £19.5m quartet & "sublime" star all sign

Rangers will be eyeing plenty more signings this summer

4 ByRoss Kilvington Jul 5, 2025

Whether, at 32, Coady is merely now on the decline, or perhaps better suited to life in a back three, is up for debate, but either way, his recent woes should have alarm bells ringing for those at Ibrox.

As for Mbuyamba, the former Netherlands youth international still appears to be a player on the rise, with it an exciting prospect to consider whether or not “the new Van Dijk” – as described by journalist Tom Maston – could flourish under Martin’s watch.

On the evidence of his recent form, Coady has already hit his ceiling as a player. Mbuyamba’s potential is yet to be truly explored…

Sima repeat: Rangers working to agree deal for "fearless" star this week

Rangers could repeat their Abdallah Sima blinder by signing this star this summer.

ByDan Emery Jul 15, 2025

Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins and Abhishek Sharma were the first three capped players set to be retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad

Nagraj Gollapudi30-Oct-20243:26

Four big questions from SRH’s retentions

Travis Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy are set to be retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad as their final two capped retained players ahead of the 2025 IPL auction. ESPNcricinfo has learned Head is likely to be be retained for INR 14 crore while Reddy is set to get INR 6 crore.With these two signings, SRH will have completed their quota of five capped retained players before the auction, securing the core group that led them to the IPL 2024 final, and will lose INR 75 crore from their purse of INR 120 crore. ESPNcricinfo reported earlier SRH were set to retain Heinrich Klaasen (INR 23 crore), Pat Cummins (INR 18 crore) and Abhishek Sharma (14 crore). They can now use a right-to-match card to buy back only one of their uncapped players at the auction.October 31 is also the deadline by which the ten franchises have to submit their list of retained players to the IPL. The IPL franchises have been allowed to retain up to six players ahead of the mega auction before the 2025 season, of which a maximum of five can be capped internationals and two can be uncapped. While the IPL has set minimum deductions from the auction purse for each player retained – INR 18 crore for the first player, INR 14 crore for the second, INR 11 crore for the third, INR 18 crore for the fourth, and INR 14 crore for the fifth – the franchises are free to pay more than those amounts to their retained players.Cummins will continue to captain SRH after he, along with the coaching staff led by Daniel Vettori, led them to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.If Klaasen’s price tag, which is INR 5 crore more than the IPL’s slab of INR 18 crore for the first retained player, was a surprise, the amount agreed with Head is likely to raise further eyebrows.Head had his breakthrough season in the IPL with SRH in 2024, smashing 567 runs at a strike rate of 191.55 at the top of the order. In 2024, he also became only the second T20 batter to score 1000-plus runs at a strike rate of more than 175 and average of more than 40 in a year.Related

SRH set to retain Klaasen, Cummins, Abhishek

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IPL retention: How many players can a team keep? And at what cost?

While Head did not have an impact in the IPL final against Kolkata Knight Riders, he has a proven record of performing on big occasions – he scored a hundred against India in both the World Test Championship final in and the ODI World Cup final in 2023. His 137 in the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad played a key role in SRH buying him for INR 6.8 crore ($819,000 approximately then) at the IPL 2024 auction. And though his price tag has more than doubled, it is likely that he may have fetched a higher bid had he entered the auction.Reddy, 21, has also had a huge increase in his value from the INR 20 lakh SRH paid for him in 2023. He was the Emerging Player of the Year in IPL 2024, for scoring 303 runs at a strike rate of 143 and taking three wickets with his seam bowling. He was then picked for India’s T20I series in Zimbabwe but missed the tour because of injury. Reddy eventually made his international debut during the home T20Is against Bangladesh earlier in October. He was part of the reserves for the ongoing Test series against New Zealand and will travel to Australia as part of the India A squad to play two four-day games from October 31 as well as the India squad for the Border Gavaskar Trophy starting November 22.

Nathan Lyon has revealed how he felt it became his duty to keep spin bowling “cool” following the sudden death of Shane Warne.Lyon can join Warne as one of Australia’s top-two wicket-takers in history this season, with five Tests against India and two following that in Sri Lanka.The 36-year-old insists there is no end in sight, eying off the possibility of playing on close to his 40th birthday and the 2027 Ashes series in England.Related

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Lyon said he had not thought about what legacy would be left for future spinners at the end of his career, or who could eventually replace him in the Test team. But he admitted he had felt an extra responsibility to promote the craft since Warne’s passing in 2022, after the legspinner had revived the art in the 1990s and inspired a generation of bowlers.”I do see the responsibility of flying the flag for the spinners around the country, there is no hiding behind that,” Lyon said.  “Especially with the passing of Warnie, I feel like there is a big role for me to ensure that spin stays cool.”I am not cool in any way, but if I can try and promote spin bowling and promote how great it is to be a spin bowler … it’s pretty cool.”Lyon is currently ranked third among all Australian bowlers with 530 career wickets, 33 shy of Glenn McGrath’s final tally of 563.Nathan Lyon will likely have plenty of overs to bowl this season•Getty Images

The spinner’s longevity has been key in Australia’s success in recent years, with Lyon playing 100 straight Tests before a calf injury in last year’s Ashes. But Lyon said it was his father that helped him realise the onus he had to promote spin following Warne’s death.”Just having that conversation and understanding we’re role models in so many different ways to so many different people around the world,” he said.  “And if we can do our little bit to hopefully make people better cricketers or people, we’re doing our job.”Lyon will go head to head with Victoria’s Todd Murphy in the Sheffield Shield this week, while Matthew Kuhnemann is another option to partner him in Sri Lanka.Lyon has also been impressed by legspinnerTanveer Sangha, after playing Shield with him for NSW last week and seeing him out-think Travis Head.”What he can offer for New South Wales and Australia going forward is going to be nothing but amazing,” Lyon said. “I am a big fan of the way he goes about it, he is a class legspinner, he is very confident on his skill set. He’s going to be a superstar of the game. I try and help him get better, and he helps me get better as well.”Lyon, who took eight wickets in the opening Shield game, confirmed he would play one more – against Queensland in Sydney – ahead of the India series which begins on November 22 in Perth.

With Bumrah’s appointment as vice-captain, it is likely he will step in to take temporary charge of the team

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2024

Rohit Sharma’s participation in the early Tests in India’s tour of Australia is in doubt owing to personal reasons.Rohit might not play the first Test – in Perth, from November 22 – and though India played the recent Test series against Bangladesh at home without a designated vice-captain, the selectors were keen on appointing one not on a temporary basis, as has been the norm in the past, but as a long-term choice. They picked Jasprit Bumrah.Rohit has led India in 18 Tests so far, winning 12 of them. He was appointed to the role in February 2022, succeeding Virat Kohli. Although his influence on the limited-overs team is much more identifiable – with a T20 World Cup to show for it – one of Rohit’s biggest challenges came in red-ball cricket when he faced a hyper-aggressive England team at home in 2024 without several of his senior players. India overturned a 0-1 deficit after the first Test into a 4-1 victory with their next generation putting in crucial performances. Shubman Gill grew into his role as a No. 3 batter. Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel showcased their potential at the highest level and Yashasvi Jaiswal was a revelation.Much of Rohit’s success as a Test captain has been at home. In his tenure, India have only gone away twice – to South Africa, where they drew the series 1-1 and West Indies, where they won 1-0. There was the World Test Championship final at the Oval as well, which India lost to the same team that they will be facing in a month’s time. Australia also happens to be one of the places where Rohit has struggled as a Test batter. He averages 31.38 from 14 innings with a highest score of 63 not out.2:16

Bangar: If Shami is unfit, there could be space for Mayank

With Bumrah’s appointment as India’s vice-captain for October’s three-Test series against New Zealand, it is highly likely that he will be in charge of the team in Perth. The fast bowler, who will turn 31 in December, has led India once, in the one-off Test in England in 2022, when Rohit was forced to sit out after having tested positive for Covid-19. It was Bumrah’s first match as captain at any level of representative cricket, and he became the first fast bowler to lead India since Kapil Dev in 1987.Before leading India in the Edgbaston Test, Bumrah was the vice-captain in the two-Test home series against Sri Lanka in March 2022. Later, he served in the position in the two-Test tour of South Africa in 2023-24 and then in the five-Test series earlier this year against England. Bumrah also led India in the T20I series in Ireland in 2023 after returning from an injury layoff. However, Bumrah needs his workload managed, which could mean missing out on certain Tests.Gill, one India’s few all-format players alongside Bumrah, is being viewed as a long-term candidate for Test captaincy. He is said to have impressed the team management with his leadership qualities in the dressing room during India’s home series against England. Gill, 25, has never held any leadership role in Test cricket, but the selectors believe he has the potential to grow in the role.In July, Gill led India in the five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe, which they won 4-1. Gill was then appointed vice-captain in the white-ball home series against Sri Lanka. Recently, Gill led India A in Duleep Trophy in a team that also had Rahul, who has also been India’s vice-captain. Gill also led Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024.

أعلن نادي الهلال السعودي، عن آخر التطورات الطبية الخاصة بلاعبي الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، وذلك قبل المواجهة المرتقبة أمام ناساف كارشي الأوزبكي في الجولة الثانية من بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة.

ويحل فريق الكرة بنادي الهلال ضيفًا على ناساف كارشي مساء الاثنين المُقبل، في اللقاء الذي يحتضنه الملعب الوطني بمدينة قرشي الأوزبكية، ضمن منافسات البطولة القارية.

وأوضح الهلال، عبر حسابه الرسمي على منصة “إكس”، أن قائد الفريق سالم الدوسري غاب عن التدريبات الجماعية بسبب شعوره بآلام في منطقة الحوض، فيما تواجد زميله عبد الإله المالكي داخل العيادة الطبية بعد تعرضه لآلام في الركبة.

طالع أيضًا | رسميًا | قائمة المرشحين لأفضل لاعب في آسيا.. تواجد ثنائي عربي

في المقابل، أكد النادي جاهزية المهاجم الأوروغوياني داروين نونيز للمشاركة في اللقاء، بعدما عاد للمشاركة في التدريبات الجماعية وتعافى تمامًا من إصابة الركبة التي أبعدته عن مباراتي الفريق السابقتين أمام الأخدود في الدوري والعدالة في كأس خادم الحرمين الشريفين.

يذكر، أن الهلال اقتحم المربع الذهبي بجدول ترتيب مسابقة الدوري السعودي للمحترفين، برصيد 8 نقاط في المركز الرابع، وذلك بعد فوزه الأخير على الأخدود بثلاثية مقابل هدف.

🔹 تحديث طبي بخصوص "سالم" و"المالكي" 🩺 pic.twitter.com/J0vCWgLxSQ

— نادي الهلال السعودي (@Alhilal_FC) September 26, 2025

Fabrizio Romano has shared an encouraging Tottenham transfer update after the club unfortunately missed out on a deal for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White.

Tottenham set to make offer for "sensational" £45m star after holding talks

Spurs have been in contact over a deal for a midfielder, with an opening bid now in the works.

2 ByDominic Lund Jul 28, 2025

Spurs head coach Thomas Frank was dealt his first blow as Lilywhites manager with the surprise Saturday announcement that Gibbs-White signed a new deal at the City Ground.

Just over two weeks ago, the England international was on the verge of joining Frank’s side. Chairman Daniel Levy was ready to trigger his £60 million release clause in another quick-fire, statement deal right after they signed Mohammmed Kudus for £55 million from West Ham (ESPN).

The move was so advanced, in fact, that Spurs scheduled a medical for the attacking midfielder on July 11 – but Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis somehow managed to block his transfer in unprecedented fashion.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Marinakis threatened legal action against Tottenham for an alleged ‘illegal’ approach for Gibbs-White, accusing them of both tapping up the player and breaching confidentiality rules surrounding his release clause (Sky Sports).

Since then, Marinakis did what he hasn’t been able to do for the last 12 months – convince the 25-year-old to agree a contract extension.

With Gibbs-White now committing his future, Frank, Levy and technical director Johan Lange are now forced to enter the market for an alternative number 10 – which they’re in serious need of.

Tottenham really struggled for creativity against League One side Luton Town last weekend, and while it’s important not to read too much into pre-season preparations, Frank will be hoping it isn’t a sign of things to come.

James Maddison is still coming back from a knee injury which has kept him out of pre-season so far, but the Englishman has been included in Tottenham’s squad list for their imminent tour of Asia.

Tottenham working on signing Morgan Gibbs-White alternative

According to Fabrizio Romano, writing in GiveMeSport’s newsletter, Spurs are very much still on the look-out for another creative midfielder after missing out on Gibbs-White.

While no names have come up just yet, Romano states that Tottenham are actively “working” on signing a Gibbs-White alternative right now – coming as some much-needed good news after what was a waste of two weeks.

“They’re working on it [alternative targets for Gibbs-White],” said Romano. “As soon as I know, I will tell you.”

In terms of quality candidates, we believe that Spurs should look no further than Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal are believed to be pursuing a deal for Eze, but nothing is done yet, and Spurs have been credibly linked with the 27-year-old this window (talkSPORT).

The England international, who commands a £60 million release clause which could rise to £68 million through bonuses (Sky Sports), would come at a similar price to what Levy was willing to pay for Gibbs-White.

Eze also bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last term, including the FA Cup final-winning goal against Man City, would undoubtedly upgrade Frank’s options, and he’s almost a no-brainer to at least consider.

Former PSV full-back Matteo Dams revealed Al-Ahli’s strong push and financial incentives convinced him to make the move to Saudi Arabia.

Dams moved to Al-Ahli for €10 million in JanuaryAl-Ahli coach and exponential salary reasons for his move Won the 2025 AFC Champions League in his debut seasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Dams completed a €10 million (£9m/$11m) move from PSV to Al-Ahli in January, with his salary receiving a massive boost in the process. The full-back was in the final six months of his PSV contract and negotiating an extension when Al-Ahli swooped in to seal the deal.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Dams featured 15 times across all competitions for Al-Ahli last season, registering one assist and contributing to seven clean sheets. His solid displays were key in helping the club lift the prestigious 2024-25 AFC Champions League title. 

The Belgian admitted that he initially said he would not move to Saudi Arabia if an offer came in, especially at just 20 years old, but the salary on offer was too high for him to turn down, with reports in Netherlands claiming he went from earning €2,500 per month to €250,000.

WHAT DAMS SAID

"It was the end of January. I was in full talks with PSV, where the plan was actually to extend my contract. One phone call changed everything," he told

"I'm not usually much of a caller, but I was in the car and saw a message from Jorik [Benoit], my agent, come in: 'Matteo, I have to call you, this is really important.' On the phone, he told me about Al-Ahli's interest. At first, I thought it was a joke. It turned out to be serious. I initially assumed it was a summer transfer, but they wanted me right away. So I barely had a week and a half to think about it.

Honestly? I was already convinced after the phone call with Jorik. Obviously, because I knew what I could earn in Saudi Arabia, but also because Al-Ahli really wanted me. I felt that immediately, and I thought that was very important. The coach was completely behind my arrival. I was just afraid of what people, especially those around me, would say. You know the prejudices: that I'd choose the money, that I'd throw my career away, that the level here is terrible. But in the end, it was me who had to come here to play football, so I had to be completely committed to my decision. So I said yes."

Asked for his reaction after seeing the contract, he said: "I just started laughing. Because those were ridiculously high amounts for a 20-year-old. Not just for a 20-year-old. I never discuss amounts. I understand why people ask the question; I would have been curious too if one of my friends went to Saudi Arabia. But actually, the questions about that aren't that bad. It's rarely, if ever, discussed in the locker room.

Take Riyadh Mahrez, for example. Of course, all his teammates know he earns an incredible amount of money, but it's never discussed."

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR DAMS AND AL-AHLI?

Dams will be aiming for another successful season with Al-Ahli, chasing more trophies while also hoping his performances secure him a spot in Belgium’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Aston Villa have now reached a “verbal agreement” to sign a new player for Unai Emery after having a big-money “bid accepted”, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Aston Villa’s quiet summer so far

The Villans, Monchi and NSWE have been unusually quiet so far in the transfer window, bringing in four new players. Yasin Ozcan, Zepiqueno Redmond, Marco Bizot Brest and Modou Keba Cisse have been brought in from Kasimpasa, Feyenoord, Brest and LASK respectively.

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Ozcan has since been sent on loan to Anderlecht, and transfer activity looks set to increase between now and the September 1 deadline.

However, Emery has recently admitted that Villa “don’t have the same power economically” as some of their rivals at the top of the Premier League.

“We need to join some players in the level we want to achieve, but we don’t have the same power economically like seven other teams in the Premier League.

“We must be more intelligent and anticipate something. It is very exciting, the work for me and the club. We are really improving and meeting our objectives, but there is still work to do. We have to be demanding and intelligent.”

Despite Villa’s constant PSR concerns, they now look set to splash the cash on one particular target in their most expensive deal of the window.

Aston Villa have £30m+ "bid accepted" for Evann Guessand

Transfer expert Romano took to X on Monday to share a big transfer breakthrough out of Villa Park. He revealed that Aston Villa have reached a “verbal agreement” after having a “bid accepted” to sign Evann Guessand from OGC Nice.

Guessand now has permission to travel to the Midlands, with a medical and contract signing the next steps ahead of a €35m (£30.4m) transfer.

An Ivory Coast international, Guessand is primarily a centre-forward but can also play on either wing if required, so he’ll provide Emery with a versatile attacking option.

The 24-year-old is valued at a career-high €25m by Transfermarkt, so although Villa are paying over that figure, they are getting a forward who has just enjoyed his best season in front of goal.

He netted 12 Ligue 1 goals and registered nine assists in 33 appearances, while also playing in the Europa League, scoring once.

The Athletic’s Alex Barker has called Guessand an “unpredictable” attacker who is a “real physical handful”, while adding that he is “capable of knocking the ball past opponents and overtaking them through pace”.

It looks as if Villa will soon have an exciting new forward on the Villa Park books, providing real competition to Ollie Watkins in the process.

Tottenham are in the market for a new number 10, which has been made all the more imperative by James Maddison’s nightmare injury, and Thomas Frank is also in need of a replacement for club legend Son Heung-min.

It was a night of both beauty and heartbreak in Seoul last Sunday as Son bid adieu in what was his final ever appearance.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The Seoul World Cup Stadium brimmed with 64,773 fans as he received a guard of honour from both Spurs and Newcastle players, before being subbed off in the 65th minute. Tears streamed down his face as he walked off, overwhelmed by chants, tributes and heartfelt ovations in his homeland.

The now-former Lilywhites captain, who helped to end Tottenham’s trophy drought whilst etching his name into folklore with 173 goals in 454 games, has arrived in Los Angeles after sealing a near-£20 million move to LAFC as per PA Media – drawing the curtain on an incredible last decade in north London.

In what was a major blow for Frank, the occasion was unfortunately somewhat marred by James Maddison’s horrific-looking knee injury. Maddison, having finally returned from a knee issue that kept him out of the Europa League final, entered the fray late only to collapse off the ball clutching that same knee.

He was stretchered off around seven minutes from full-time, later seen leaving the stadium on crutches, with Maddison now joining fellow chief creative outlet Dejan Kulusevski on the sidelines.

Kulusevski and Madders were Tottenham’s standout attacking outlets when fit and available last term, and Frank now faces the overwhelming headache of being without them both for the start of 2025/2026 – alongside the departed Son.

It makes signing a new attacker absolutely non-negotiable, and chairman Daniel Levy would ideally have at least one before they face off against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13.

Technical director Johan Lange has displayed a tendency to operate in silence, as we’ve seen previously with his out-of-nowhere moves for Wilson Odobert last summer and Morgan Gibbs-White this window, so the Dane may have something brewing.

Their deal for the latter unceremoniously failed in almost ‘Spursy’-like fashion, with Gibbs-White joining the likes of Paulo Dybala and Jack Grealish on Levy’s list of transfer near-misses.

Lange is still in the market for a new playmaker as a top priority for Tottenham, as per reliable media sources like Alasdair Gold, and GiveMeSport claim that they have registered an interest in Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

Tottenham given response as Levy eyes Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers

Rogers lit it up at Villa last season with his dynamic runs, direct dribbling and eye for goal – earning both their Young Player of the Season award and a PFA Young Player of the Year nomination.

The England international can operate on both the left-hand and right-hand sides, as well as in the 10 position, meaning he could step into both Maddison and Son’s shoes.

The 22-year-old’s 14 goals and 16 assists in all competitions were absolutely vital for Unai Emery, so much so that Villa are demanding around £100 million to let Rogers leave the Midlands before deadline day.

As per GMS, Tottenham are eyeing a move for Rogers, but Villa have responded to this with a ‘not for sale’ stance with London rivals Chelsea also thought to be admirers.

It would take Levy to completely smash the club’s transfer record to even get Villa talking, but time is running out for Spurs to sign a new playmaker and replacement for Son, so they’ll need to make a decision very soon.