Hoping to land their biggest deal of the summer transfer window so far, Leicester City have reportedly tabled a fresh £21m bid to sign a Serie A star for Steve Cooper.
Leicester City transfer news
The Foxes have created some much-needed positive headlines in recent weeks following a disastrous start to the summer, which saw manager Enzo Maresca and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall complete moves to Chelsea. Since then, Steve Cooper has arrived alongside four fresh faces, with those at the King Power hoping to build a squad capable of avoiding Premier League relegation in their first season back in the top flight.
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Steve Cooper would love to have this new signing at his disposal next season at Leicester City.
ByKelan Sarson Jul 19, 2024
More arrivals could yet be on their way. Reports have linked the likes of Alexis Saelemaekers and Richard Rios with moves to Leicester in recent days, with the Foxes looking to use the next month to add further additions. The Championship winners do have to be careful on that front given that they've already run into trouble with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules once and face potential sanctions.
Nonetheless, those potential sanctions are seemingly not set to stand in the way of one big-money move this summer. According to John Percy of The Telegraph, Leicester have tabled a fresh £21m bid to sign Matias Soule from Juventus and are pushing to agree a deal for the young winger next week.
The Foxes' interest in the Serie A star is an open secret these days, and their £21m move would be their most expensive yet this summer, not to mention a statement of intent ahead of their Premier League return. That said, even if it is their biggest move, it remains to be seen whether Juventus will deem their £21m bid enough to show Soule the door next week.
Still just 21 years old, the Argentinian would undoubtedly be an impressive coup.
"Fantastic" Soule can replace Dewsbury-Hall spark
Following Dewsbury-Hall's exit, welcoming a player who can replicate the Englishman's impressive output and creative spark should be at the top of Leicester's priority list this summer – and that should align with their ambitions to sign Soule.
The Juventus gem enjoyed an excellent season out on loan at Frosinone last term, providing the bright spark in a campaign to otherwise forget for the relegated Serie A side. Following a "fantastic start", as described by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, Soule only got better, ending the season with 11 goals and 3 assists in all competitions.
A player who still has plenty more to offer, Soule would quickly become a vital part of Cooper's side if he completes a summer switch to Leicester. For just £21m, he may even be looked at as one of the bargains of the window if he hits the ground running in the Premier League.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have now been offered the chance to sign their fifth and arguably biggest arrival of the summer, according to reports, as Gary O'Neil aims for another comfortable campaign away from the bottom three in the Premier League.
Wolves transfer news
Whilst the departure of Max Kilman to West Ham United has undoubtedly left Wolves with quite the gap to fill, their summer so far could still be deemed a success. They've welcomed four fresh faces in the form of Jorgen Strand Larsen, Pedro Lima, Tommy Doyle on a permanent deal and Rodrigo Gomes, with things potentially getting even better before the summer transfer window slams shut at the end of August.
Lima arrives looking to compete with Nelson Semedo for O'Neil's right-back spot. Wolves' sporting director Matt Hobbs is certainly a big fan too, telling the club's official website: “I’m really happy we’ve been able to add Pedro to the first-team squad. There was lots of competition for him, but we’ve been working on bringing him to Wolves for a while now, and he’s fully invested in our project.
“He’s a person with huge ambition, but Gary and the coaches know where he wants to get to and they will be working with him – like they do all our players – to be better and improve. He has a massive desire to be the best player he can be and we’re going to help him meet his goals."
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Gary O’Neil could sign a teenage sensation in the next few weeks…
ByRoss Kilvington Jul 22, 2024
What's more, Lima may yet be joined by a veteran South American in the Midlands. According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Wolves have been offered the chance to sign James Rodriguez this summer following the decision to rescind his contract at Sao Paulo. Fresh from an impressive Copa America campaign, where he helped Colombia to the final before they suffered heartbreak against Argentina, Rodriguez is arguably one of the most in-form free agents around and Wolves have been contacted over a deal.
"Fantastic" Rodriguez could finally replace Nunes
A year after Matheus Nunes' exit, the one part missing from Wolves' attack is arguably a replacement for the current Manchester City man. Rodriguez, however, could provide that and far more. What could undoubtedly help a deal take place too, is the fact that the former Real Madrid star is represented by the same agency as current Wolves man Pedro Neto, handing those in the Midlands quite the boost.
Starts
21
32
Goals
6
2
Assists
4
2
Key Passes
40
30
Of course, it is worth noting that Rodriguez is now 33 years old and would be a short-term investment more than anything, but he proved at the Copa America, winning the player of the tournament, that he still has one more move into European football left, perhaps allowing Wolves to swoop in.
James Rodriguez for Colombia.
Once described as "fantastic" by former manager Carlo Ancelotti, Rodriguez may yet get the chance to complete some unfinished business in the Premier League before the window slams shut next month.
New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to sit down with a £35 million member of his squad who the club are working to sell by next week, with another high-profile exit after Conor Gallagher beginning to take shape.
More Chelsea sales expected after Conor Gallagher
England international and Cobham academy graduate Gallagher has joined Atletico Madrid for around £38 million, with Chelsea agreeing to sell Gallagher after the player rejected two new contract offers.
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The Blues have been very busy this window.
ByEmilio Galantini Aug 8, 2024
Indeed, the 24-year-old had proposals to remain at Stamford Bridge, having been offered two-year deals with the option of an additional season – which would've put him in line with Chelsea's top midfield earners according to David Ornstein.
Considering Chelsea put pen to paper on a deal for Samu Omorodion, a relatively unproven young striker, and offered him a long-term seven-year contract (Fabrizio Romano), you can understand why Gallagher felt the club's attempts to keep him were below par.
Cole Palmer
7.48
Conor Gallagher
7.13
Nicolas Jackson
7.07
Moises Caicedo
6.85
Noni Madueke
6.84
The move to sell him to Atletico has been met with fierce criticism from both supporters and critics alike, with World Cup winner and former Chelsea star Emmanuel Petit calling the transfer "very sad".
"They’ve put him under pressure. They gave him an ultimatum, which was sign the contract or we’ll sell you," said Petit.
"If I was Gallagher, I would be screaming with anger. He gave everything for the club and fought for the badge. He saw other players coming in who had achieved nothing getting better terms. I think it’s very sad and I feel sorry for the player."
Following one of Chelsea's most unpopular transfers since Todd Boehly and BlueCo's takeover in 2022, more players are expected to leave Stamford Bridge before deadline day.
Romelu Lukaku is still waiting to join Napoli after agreeing a three-year deal, which will have a direct effect on Chelsea's pursuit of Victor Osimhen. Meanwhile, two more strikers are expected to leave the club soon in David Datro Fofana and Armando Broja.
Fofana has agreed to make the move to Leicester City, while Broja's attracted interest from Juventus and other clubs.
Maresca set for crunch talks with Broja
Daily Mail journalist Kieran Gill has claimed that Broja is set for crunch talks with Maresca over his Chelsea future, with both Everton and Wolves believed to showcasing interest alongside Juve.
However, fellow reliable reporter Ben Jacobs says the club have already made a decision. It is believed Chelsea are working to find a buyer for Broja by next week, but it is unclear whether any side would come close to his reported £35 million asking price.
The 22-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham, where he endured a difficult spell, and could barely get a look-in ahead of the in-form Rodrigo Muniz.
Over the past couple of days, Chelsea’s transfer business has taken another turn with the news of Sami Omorodion’s deal collapsing.
The striker looked set to move to Stamford Bridge for £35m this summer, but the deal failed to materialise at the 11th hour, with former loanee João Félix now rumoured to be making a remarkable return to the Blues.
Felix spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan in West London, making 20 appearances, scoring four goals in the process – in a loan deal that cost the club a whopping £9.7m.
After his lack of impact at Atlético Madrid, the Portuguese international could make a permanent move to join Enzo Maresca’s side – but it’s unknown how much any potential deal would cost to sign him from Atletico, who forked out £113m for his signature just five years ago.
He would be the latest big-money signing to arrive at the club after compatriot Pedro Neto, but Maresca’s side might be better off signing another attacking talent who is set for a move during this transfer window.
Chelsea's potential Joao Felix alternative
Although interest in Felix appears to be progressing quickly, Chelsea could reignite interest in Juventus winger Federico Chiesa this summer, after previously expressing their desire to sign the forward.
The Italian winger has been told that he’s not in the plans of new boss Thiago Motta, with the 26-year-old allowed to leave the Serie A outfit before the end of the window on August 30th.
Chelsea, along with Arsenal and Tottenham, have registered interest in a move, with the attacker – who scored nine league goals last season – potentially able to leave the Italian giants for just £25m. A bargain in today’s market.
It’s a shock to see the talented winger out of favour after his impressive season in 2023/24, with Chiesa a better option than one first-team asset currently plying his trade at Chelsea.
Why Chiesa would be better than Sterling for Chelsea
It’s safe to say that winger Raheem Sterling hasn’t had the impact many would’ve expected after his £50m move to Stamford Bridge during the summer of 2022.
He’s only scored 19 times in 81 appearances after his big-money move, even being booed and jeered off the pitch following his abysmal display against Leicester City in the FA Cup last season.
Raheem Sterling
However, despite his poor recent form, Juventus have registered interest in signing the one-time England international in recent days, with the move presenting an opportunity for the Blues to cut their losses on the 29-year-old.
The deal between the two clubs could see Chiesa being included in a swap plus cash move from the Italian side, with the current Juve man undoubtedly a better option for Maresca’s side for the 2024/25 campaign.
When comparing the duo in FBref, Sterling is unable to match the 26-year-old in various key areas – showcasing why the Blues must look to try and sign the Italian in any sale of the former Manchester City ace.
Games played
33
31
Goals + assists
11
12
Shots taken
3
2.3
Shot-creating actions
4.8
3.9
Take-on success
37%
34%
Shots on target
1.02
0.95
The “extraordinary” ace, as described by David Trezeguet, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but he did manage more shot-creating actions and shots per 90 than Sterling, demonstrating the quality he has in the final third.
He also has a higher take-on success rate whilst managing to get more shots on target per 90 – proving that he’s more accurate with the changes presented than the current Chelsea man.
Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.
This summer is huge for new boss Maresca as he looks to make an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge, with it being crucial that he gets the recruitment spot on.
Chiesa would provide a lot of qualities that could allow the Blues to push for a return to a Champions League place, whilst also allowing the club to conduct a deal that would see joint-highest earner Sterling leave the club – freeing up vital funds for the final weeks of the window.
With Felix having already tried and failed to sparkle in west London, seeking out a quality alternative like the Juve outcast could prove a far wiser move.
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Arsenal, having just made it two wins from two in a tough victory against Aston Villa, could yet turn their attention straight back to the transfer market after holding talks to sign a Premier League winner.
Arsenal transfer news
With Riccardo Calafiori already settling in and Mikel Merino on his way, Arsenal have focused on adding quality to their squad this summer rather than welcoming excessive incomings. Merino will come in and likely take Thomas Partey's place in Mikel Arteta's starting line-up, even after the midfielder scored his side's second at Villa Park this weekend.
The change that brought Arsenal to life against Aston Villa was the introduction of Leandro Trossard. The former Brighton & Hove Albion winger came from the bench in the 65th minute and opened the scoring in the 67th, making the impact that Gabriel Martinelli failed to do in the first hour of proceedings.
Whilst that left-wing spot remains in question too, the Gunners could turn to the transfer window and experience to answer those questions at long last. According to Graeme Bailey for HITC, Arsenal have held talks to sign Raheem Sterling after his camp made contact with the North London giants alongside the likes of Aston Villa and West Ham United.
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He’s one for the future…
ByTom Cunningham Aug 25, 2024
Offering the Gunners the chance to reunite Sterling and Arteta for the first time since their spell together at Manchester City, which was full of success, Arsenal could yet end their summer with a bang.
Amid the speculation, Arteta recently spoke about his previous work with Sterling, saying via Sky Sports: "My time with Raheem was exceptional. We built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at that time.
"He taught me a lot as well, about individuals, how the players think, how we help them and support them. He is someone I have really strong feelings about."
"Unbelievable" Sterling could increase Martinelli questions
It's arguably reaching a point with Martinelli where a blip is turning into serious question marks over whether he should be Arteta's starting winger on the left-hand side, especially with Trossard pushing the Brazilian all the way from the bench. And the arrival of an experienced option in Sterling would only add to those question marks.
Goals
8
6
Assists
4
4
Take-ons Completed
45
40
Key Passes
30
46
One of the driving forces behind Manchester City's dominance over the years, Sterling has since been cast aside at Chelsea. But Arsenal could yet come swooping in, even with his reported £325,000-a-week salary.
His output levels in a poor Chelsea side were better than Martinelli's in an Arsenal side firing on all cylinders last season. The Premier League has seen what the England international can do with quality around him and it usually results in silverware. Now, in the final five days of the window, Arsenal could take full advantage of his current situation at Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a promising start to the campaign, drawing away to Leicester City on the opening week before coolly dispatching Everton in north London.
Ange Postecoglou will be well aware that his squad made a blistering start to the 2023/24 season, however, and has strengthened throughout the summer to put Spurs in a better place to restore a spot in the Champions League and challenge for silverware.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou
The likes of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, elite teenage talents both, will hope to stake claims at No. 6 after arriving down north London, especially with something of an air of uncertainty surrounding Yves Bissouma.
What's going on with Yves Bissouma
He might have scored as Tottenham claimed their first victory of the season, but Bissouma has got plenty to prove if he is to establish himself as one of Postecoglou's instrumental players this season.
Yves Bissouma scores for Tottenham
An immense, technically proficient player, the Malian ranks among the top 2% of central midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 12% for progressive passes, the top 4% for tackles and the top 10% for interceptions per 90, as per FBref.
But last season he suffered a string of on-field disciplinary issues, receiving three separate suspensions in the Premier League, lacking composure and control.
As such, he cannot be trusted to thrive at the heart of the Spurs side throughout the duration of the campaign – especially with the return of Europa League football now looming.
As such, Tottenham are mulling over concluding their summer spending spree with one final piece to complete the engine room.
Spurs eyeing new midfielder
According to GIVEMESPORT earlier this week, Tottenham are keeping tabs on Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, who is valued at about £25m.
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
The Championship side are unwilling to part with their prized midfielder before next week's deadline, but Spurs are persisting in their interest and are even willing to play the long game, should Boro's resolve prove unwavering.
However, with multiple top-flight outfits keen on a move, Tottenham might want to consider launching a move, especially given the need to strengthen the base of the midfield.
What Hayden Hackney would bring to Spurs
Last season, Hackney scored the winning goal as Middlesbrough defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the Carabao Cup. Sure, the Blues breezed into the final after confidently overturning the semi-final deficit in the second leg, but the Englishman's quality was illuminated.
It was the 22-year-old's first showcase of his talents against Premier League opposition, with his manager, Michael Carrick, hailing him for the "immense" performance.
Last season, in the Championship, Hackney played a key role in helping the Riversiders push toward the upper end of the table, ultimately falling short but coming on leaps and bounds and finishing eighth, four points off a promotion spot.
Hayden-Hackney-and-Michael-Carrick
The fast-flowing style of football saw Boro rank fourth for progressive passes made throughout the campaign (2050), behind only the three sides relegated from the Premier League. Hackney, anchored at the base of the midfield, was essential to the success.
Indeed, as per FBref, he ranked among the top 13% of midfielders in England's second tier last year for pass completion, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 13% for shot-creating actions per 90, emphasising the level of his ball-playing ability.
Matches (starts)
21 (20)
Goals
1
Assists
0
Touches*
90.0
Pass completion
88%
Key passes*
1.2
Dribbles*
0.8
Ball recoveries*
7.1
Tackles*
1.7
Total duels won*
4.1
He'd be a wonderful addition and one who could be integrated into a strong mix of players, allowing him to get to grips with life down N17 without feeling overburdened.
After all, Spurs know all about landing an exciting talent from the EFL and nurturing them to the fore – just ask Dele Alli.
Hayden Hackney could be Ange's own Dele Alli
Postecoglou could repeat Tottenham's Alli masterstroke by securing this deal, having welcomed the former wonderkid to the club in 2015, signing him from MK Dons for £5m and beating off fierce competition from clubs such as Liverpool.
The 28-year-old had posted 16 goals and 11 assists across all competitions during his final campaign in League One before making the leap right to the top of the pyramid, aged only 18.
He scored 67 goals and supplied 61 assists across 269 appearances for Tottenham, and though his output declined toward the end as he headed toward dark days, the England international performed at an obscene level at the start, notching 97 goal contributions over his opening three top-flight campaigns alone.
Jose Mourinho claimed that he would become "one of the world's best", and while external factors have led to a demise for the current Everton player, who has not played for the Toffees since the start of the 2022/23 season, there is hope that he will one day grace the Premier League pitch again.
He was crowned the PFA Premier League Young Player of the Year across both of his opening terms, very much highlighting the reward that can be found in plucking one of the finest talents from below England's topmost division.
Former Spurs star Dele Alli.
Hackney might not be the potent attacking superstar that Alli proved to be throughout several blistering years of success as a Lilywhite, but he could be a most impactful signing from a lower division to replicate Mauricio Pochettino's success in the past.
Slotting him into the base of the midfield, Tottenham could well and truly hit the jackpot, replicating their masterful signing from nine years ago.
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Chelsea's transfer activity throughout the summer has been interesting, to say the least. That hasn't stopped on transfer deadline day either.
Trevoh Chalobah looks like he's on his way to Crystal Palace at the 11th hour and there could be arrivals too, with talks ongoing over the acquisitions of two forward players.
One of those happens to be Jadon Sancho…
Chelsea's transfer deadline day business
Erik ten Hag stated this afternoon that he expected Sancho to stay at Manchester United. That may still happen but the Blues have been trying to complete a deal for the wide player today.
David Ornstein reported earlier on deadline day that talks had centred on an initial loan deal that would include an option to buy.
He's not the only player Chelsea have been trying to wrap up a last-gasp move for with Victor Osimhen a star they're hoping to get through the door before things close at 11pm.
With a move to Saudi Arabia now looking unlikely, Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol provided the latest on their ongoing pursuit this evening.
He took to social media to reveal the following: "Chelsea have not walked away from a deal for Victor Osimhen. They are waiting to hear if the deal can proceed but time is running out. Chelsea are still keen to complete the deal but it is being held up by negotiations over incentives in the player contract."
How Sancho and Osimhen would fit in at Chelsea
You may well argue that due to the sheer number of forwards at Chelsea's disposal, they do not need a player like Sancho.
There is no doubting the club's need for a striker like Osimhen. Nicolas Jackson was impressive last term, finding the net on 14 occasions in Premier League action but the feeling is that they need more, even despite Cole Palmer's ludicrous haul of goals and assists.
In the Napoli forward, they would be signing "one of the best players in the world" per Adriano Del Monte, someone who once found the net on a whopping 31 occasions during the 2022/23 season.
2021/22
18 (63)
2022/23
31 (50)
2023/24
17 (92)
Total
66 (205)
The thought of a player like that playing alongside Palmer is wonderful, but just envisage that alongside someone such as Sancho too.
His form may have deteriorated from his days at Borussia Dortmund but you only need to look at what he was capable of producing in Germany to realise why the two could be so dangerous together.
During the 2019/20 campaign, the Englishman registered a whopping 20 assists, numbers that would have any striker in the world, let alone someone of Osimhen's calibre, salivating.
To combine a natural goalscorer with someone so creative should, on paper, be a made match in heaven and it could well be one that powers Enzo Maresca's side up the table.
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The Blues’ transfer window is going to the eleventh hour…
Leeds United have come out the other side of a turbulent summer with a bit between their teeth still, eager to kick on and return back to the Premier League under Daniel Farke.
Farke nearly steered the Whites to an instant return to the top-flight last season, but his unlucky side ultimately came unstuck in the Championship playoffs to Southampton, as an Adam Armstrong strike at Wembley was enough for the Saints to taste promotion over the West Yorkshire outfit in what was a nail-biting final.
Leeds did wave goodbye to many of their stars from the season off the back of this crushing loss, who all moved up to the Premier League, with Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter notable departees.
Archie Gray also left the building, having been given his first big shot in the Whites first-team under the German manager, when he was once just a wide-eyed youngster keen to learn the first-team ropes someday under previous regimes.
Gray's rise at Leeds
Gray would end up becoming a very key part of the Leeds team that so nearly got over the line and returned to the promised land of the top-flight last campaign, as the much talked about teenage talent went on to make 47 league appearances.
He would pick up two assists from those games too, helping to fix a selection headache that bothered Farke towards the start of the season in the process, with Gray more often than not filling in at right-back instead of playing in a more naturally suited central midfield spot.
Gray's importance to the Leeds cause rising rapidly also resulted in his transfer value rocketing up, with the homegrown Whites product worth just £1.3m up until Farke's arrival in the summer of 2023, when his minutes were restricted to just playing for the U21s.
After announcing himself onto the Championship as a cool performer under pressure though, even when regularly playing in an unorthodox position in the Leeds defence, Gray's value would soar all the way up to a ridiculous £16.7m by May 2024, according to Football Transfers.
It did feel like only a matter of time, therefore, before Gray was snapped up by a bigger club in the wake of Leeds failing to clinch promotion, with Tottenham Hotspur eventually winning his coveted services ahead of other interested parties such as Bayern Munich.
Any deal to snap up the wonderkid was going to cost a bomb, however, as Spurs ultimately splurged the necessary cash on Gray to make him a statement summer buy.
Gray's value in 2024
Gray would cost Ange Postecoglou's Spurs an eye-watering £30m to get in through the door during the busy transfer window, a remarkable rise in price from when the 18-year-old ace was worth just a paltry £1.3m.
That means his price tag had shot up by a staggering 2207%, in just a short two-year span, as Postecoglou and Co continue to pray that their new mega-money buy acclimatises to the Premier League well.
He did shine in pre-season for his brand new North London outfit against the likes of Bayern Munich, with Gray lining up at both full-back and in a holding midfield role in these games, whilst the former Leeds star has also featured in two Premier League games so far.
If he does go on to find a starting spot in the Spurs XI week in and week out, his value will shoot up even more undoubtedly, with Leeds left wondering if they could have got more out of the top-flight side as a result.
Leeds have managed to adjust to life without Gray rather well, however, as Junior Firpo continues to breathe life back into his once rocky Whites career at left-back, with an assist coming his way last time out versus Hull City sealing a second league win on the spin.
Farke's job will be on thin ice if he doesn't deliver promotion this time around for the Whites, even with all of the high-profile departures his side have had to contend with in the bumpy window.
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The Whites raked in a huge fee for the player who struggled to produce in front of goal.
Aston Villa return to Premier League action on Sunday following a midweek victory over Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup.
Unai Emery’s men won comfortably to secure progress into the fourth round, giving some academy graduates minutes in the first team.
The likes of Kadan Young, Sil Swinkels and Aidan Borland all played a part in the 2-1 win, proving that Emery has plenty of talent at his disposal.
Having enjoyed a solid start to the Premier League campaign, winning all but one of their matches, it is likely that the Spaniard will rotate his starting XI to bring back his big-game players.
This could mean several youngsters drop out, but positive signs are there for the future, no doubt about that.
Ipswich have yet to win on their return to the top flight, but there are some encouraging signs from the Tractor Boys after three successive draws.
With this in mind, here’s a look at the starting XI that Emery could unleash to secure yet another three points in the league, with seven changes from the side that saw off the Chairboys on Tuesday…
1 GK – Emiliano Martínez
The goalkeeper was given the night off against Wycombe in midweek, which gave Joe Gauci the chance to shine.
He performed well in the Argentinian’s place, making five saves during the clash while succeeding with 87% of his passes. For the Ipswich tie, however, Martinez will return to the starting XI.
The World Cup winner is yet to keep a clean sheet in the league this term, something which he hopes to change tomorrow.
2 RB – Kosta Nedeljkovic
Kosta Nedeljkovic.
The right-back area looked like it could be a problematic area when Matty Cash suffered an injury against Arsenal, but several players have filled in the position.
Lamare Bogarde started the previous two league games on the right side of defence, while Nedeljkovic played against Wycombe. Emery should stick with the Serbian, who completed 89% of his passes while succeeding with 100% of his dribbles in midweek.
3 CB – Ezri Konsa
Konsa was another player who was given a rest by Emery in midweek, as he didn’t even feature in the full matchday squad.
The Englishman has started every single Premier League fixture of the campaign, scoring his first goal against Wolves last week to seal a 3-1 victory.
He has formed a solid partnership alongside Pau Torres, one that Emery will once again deploy against Ipswich this weekend.
4 CB – Pau Torres
Of all the signings Emery has made during his Villa tenure, Torres is arguably the standout. Domestically, Torres has won 72% of his ground duels this term, while averaging an 86% pass success rate.
The duo may not have kept a clean sheet as yet, but the building blocks have been put in place for a successful defensive partnership.
5 LB – Ian Maatsen
The summer signing has played a part in every game for Villa this term, yet has started just once, the 2-1 win in midweek.
The left-back was in solid form, succeeding with 94% of his passes, while no opposition player managed to dribble past him during his time on the pitch. This surely merits him securing a start in the Premier League.
6 CM – Youri Tielemans
Losing Douglas Luiz during the summer was a blow, but Emery has certainly found a more than adequate replacement in Tielemans.
Described as “underrated” by Premier League Panel last term, the Belgian has emerged as a key member of the starting XI this term and will take his place back in the side to play Ipswich.
7 CM – Amadou Onana
Onana started in the EFL Cup clash in midweek but was brought off in the 62nd minute. The summer signing has already scored three goals for Villa this season, netting twice in the league and once in the Champions League.
While splashing £50m on the midfielder may have been seen as a bit of a gamble by the manager, Onana is certainly living up to his lavish fee, that’s for sure.
8 RW – Leon Bailey
Leon Bailey
The winger hasn’t found the back of the net so far this season, which is surprising given how effective he was in the final third during the 2023/24 campaign.
Against Wycombe, he did register one key pass and created one big chance, while succeeding with two of his three dribble attempts, but he couldn’t get on the scoresheet.
He will be given another start this weekend.
9 AM – Morgan Rogers
Rogers has been in excellent form this term for the Midlands side. He may not have scored in the top flight yet, but the youngster has created four big chances, averaging 1.8 key passes per game along with registering 2.2 dribbles per game.
Impressive stats indeed and the player should be fresh after he was rested in midweek. Can he finally get on the scoresheet for the first time this term? Only time will tell.
10 LW – Jacob Ramsey
The academy graduate struggled with injuries last season but appears to have gotten over his problems.
The Englishman even managed to get on the scoresheet in the Champions League, proving his worth to Emery, and he will return to the starting XI against the Tractor Boys.
A significant behind-the-scenes update regarding Erik ten Hag has emerged at Manchester United, regarding his treatment of two Red Devils players.
Ten Hag fighting to save Man Utd job
This season has been a largely dire one at Old Trafford to date, with Ten Hag failing to kick on from last season’s FA Cup success, which included beating Manchester City in the final. Many felt the Dutchman may have been sacked if he had lost that game at Wembley, but INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe instead retained him and gave the manager a new deal.
It hasn’t been close to good enough from United this time around, however, with 3-0 defeats at home to both Liverpool and Tottenham summing up their struggles, not to mention failing to win either of their opening couple of Europa League group stage matches.
Ten Hag has still been bullish about keeping his job, but replacements have been constantly linked in recent weeks, including Thomas Tuchel, who was most recently in charge at Bayern Munich.
Former Juventus boss Max Allegri has also been mentioned as a potential appointment, having enjoyed so much success during his stint with the Turin giants, winning five Serie A titles and Italian Cups apiece, as well as picking up one league crown in charge of AC Milan.
Concern from Man Utd on Ten Hag and £155,000-a-week duo
According to a new report from Caught Offside, INEOS are concerned and surprised about Ten Hag’s treatment of Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho respectively.
It is claimed that “while results and performances have clearly not been good enough, there is also real concern behind the scenes” about the Dutchman’s inability to get the best of the £155,000-a-week-combined pair.
That especially applies to Zirkzee, whereas the biggest issue surrounding Garnacho is why he isn’t being played more, given the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony aren’t exactly firing on all cylinders.
This is just the latest concern about Ten Hag and the job he is doing at United, and it surely raises huge question marks over whether he is the right man for the job in the long run.
Zirkzee has struggled since arriving at United in the summer, failing to justify the fee that the Red Devils paid Bologna for his services, with the 23-year-old only scoring once in his first six appearances in the Premier League, coming on the opening night of the season against Fulham at Old Trafford.
As for Garnacho, he still looks like one of his side’s biggest attacking threats when he plays, bagging two goals and assists apiece in the 7-0 win over Barnsley in the EFL Cup, and it seems strange that he isn’t being used more.
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The manager is arguably the one to blame for such failings, and it is one of many reasons why a lot of United supporters want to see a change in the dugout.