Tourists yet to make a call on whether Stokes will play first Test
Valkerie Baynes28-Nov-2021England’s cricketers are hopeful that the discovery of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19 in Australia won’t impact the Ashes Tests – or their families’ travel plans, Ashley Giles says.But Giles, the managing director of England men’s cricket, admitted the touring party were at the mercy of the Australian authorities ahead of talks on the issue on Sunday.”We’re obviously hoping it won’t affect anything,” Giles told reporters via Zoom from Brisbane. “There are going to be changes to those border controls in terms of our families being able to travel and we clearly hope that’s not going to affect us. But we are in the hands of national and local governments.”Related
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England’s players had expressed concerns before leaving for Australia over beginning the tour with 14 days’ quarantine in Queensland and the effects on them and their families. Different states have now introduced new travel restrictions in response to the latest variant and Western Australia Cricket Association chief executive Christina Matthews has described the chances of the fifth Test going ahead in Perth as “50-50″ given the state’s stringent rules on travel.”We always knew things could change,” Giles said. “I guess we hoped things would change positively as we went through the series but as we’ve been aware over the last two years with variants, things can also change negatively.”Can we prepare for everything? It’s not really possible actually because of the big moving parts even around quarantine times and rules around different states. We will do everything we can to make sure the families are accommodated and of course that the players are happy.”The England squad plan to play a four-day warm-up match against England Lions on Tuesday, with the Test players who were involved in the T20 World Cup due to travel to Brisbane from their quarantine base on the Gold Coast on the morning of the match, along with head coach Chris Silverwood.Rain ruined England’s first, three-day, warm-up against the Lions, with further thunderstorms forecast for Brisbane this week.”It’s not perfect preparation and it’s been extremely strange having some of our group so close but yet so far away,” Giles said. “They’ve been in bubbles now for a long period with the World Cup and then coming here for 14 days. They’ve been very well looked after here but it is still a bubble and it’s still quarantine down there for them.”I’m certainly looking forward to getting the head coach here. Chris particularly must feel a real strange detachment being so close but so far away from a squad that’s preparing for an Ashes. [It’s] not ideal but the Australians are in the same boat and we’ve just got to try and do it better than them.”Ben Stokes looks on during an England Ashes Squad nets session at The Gabba•Getty ImagesGiles said England were yet to make a call on whether Ben Stokes would play in the first Test, starting on December 8, after nearly five months out of the game to prioritise his mental health, during which time he was also nursing a serious finger injury.”Ben seems to be going well and it’s just great having him around,” Giles said. “We’ve still got to be steady with him, he hasn’t played a lot of cricket lately and, going back to that prep period, it’s not ideal for anyone, but particularly the guys who haven’t had a lot of cricket under their belt. We’ll just keep building him up and see where we are at the end of this four-day game.”I’m hopeful and I would always like to be confident. We’ve just got to treat Ben carefully, as we would with anyone else who has been in that position of not having a lot of cricket under their belts. He will be a difficult man to hold back if he is ready to go.”
Attempting to make up for a disappointing summer transfer window, Newcastle United are now reportedly battling the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea to sign a young gem they’ve been desperate to welcome to St James’ Park since he was just 16.
Newcastle transfer news
Whilst the Magpies deserve credit for how they’ve started the season, losing just once in the Premier League, it hasn’t taken long for their squad depth – or lack thereof – to catch up to them. Without Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson against Everton at Goodison Park, Eddie Howe was forced to rely on former Toffee Anthony Gordon to lead the line, who missed from the penalty spot to send Newcastle on their way with just a point rather than all three.
It’s depth that Newcastle must solve when 2025 arrives in a problem that sporting director Paul Mitchell seems well aware of, given recent rumours. Ahead of the January transfer window, the Magpies have already been linked with moves for the likes of Antoine Semenyo and now a star for the future.
According to O Jogo via Sport Witness, Newcastle are now battling to sign Roger Fernandes from SC Braga, who they were desperate to sign in 2022 when the winger was just 16 years old. Now 18 years old and even better, Fernandes has attracted the interest of Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa, among others, in a race that Newcastle will hope to win when 2025 arrives.
Isak will love him: Newcastle will look at signing elite PL winner in 2025
He could be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2025.
By
Joe Nuttall
Oct 8, 2024
A player who is even reportedly on the radar of Portugal manager Roberto Martinez ahead of a potential call-up at just 18 years old, Fernandes could quickly emerge to become the ultimate replacement for Miguel Almiron at St James’ Park.
"Exciting" Fernandes would replace Almiron for years to come
Whilst the likes of Jacob Murphy have stepped up to offer Howe an upgrade on the out-of-favour Almiron, Newcastle would be wise to turn towards a future star in Fernandes if they want to sign a permanent solution on the right-hand side. Just 18 years old, the Portuguese winger is already making his mark on senior football, with two goals to his name so far this season to follow last campaign’s total of six goals and 11 assists in all competitions.
Dubbed “one of the most exciting talents in Portugal” by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig last season, Fernandes remains one to watch amid such high interest from around European football.
As Almiron potentially bows out, Fernandes could arrive to hand Howe an attacking boost for years to come at St James’ Park.
O torcedor do Palmeiras já pode adquirir o seu ingresso para acompanhar presencialmente a estreia da equipe na temporada, contra o Novorizontino, no próximo dia 23, às 16h (de Brasília), no estádio Jorge Ismael de Biasi, em Novo Horizonte (SP), pelo Campeonato Paulista.
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Estão à venda pela internet, através do site www.totalticket.com.br/novorizontino, e na loja Sport Billy, na cidade interiorana, os bilhetes para o jogo. A comercialização no palco do duelo começa na próxima terça-feira (18).
A carga total colocada a venda é de 11.800 ingressos. Os palmeirenses ficarão no setor destinado aos visitantes, cuja entrada é feita pelo portão 3 do estádio. O valor da entrada é de R$ 100 (inteira) e R$ 50 (meia).
Para entrar no estádio, os torcedores deverão portar o comprovante de esquema vacinal completo contra a Covid-19 (dose única ou duas doses).
Já quem tiver apenas a primeira dose (no caso de vacinas que precisam de duas doses) precisa apresentar resultado negativo do teste PCR realizado até 48 horas antes do jogo ou resultado negativo de teste antígeno com até 24 horas de antecedência.
Para crianças com idade abaixo da autorizada para vacinação, deve ser apresentado resultado de exame RT-PCR (feito até 48 horas antes do jogo) ou antígeno (feito com até 24 horas de antecedência).
O uso de máscara é obrigatório durante a partida.
Serviço:
>Loja Sport Billy Endereço: Rua Quinze de Novembro, 737 Centro – Novo Horizonte/SP Telefone: (13) 99609-1928 Horário de Funcionamento: segunda a sexta-feira, das 9h às 11h30 e das 13h às 17h, e sábado, das 9h às 13h
>Estádio Jorge Ismael de Biasi (a partir de 18/01) Endereço: Av. Domingos Baraldo, 2870 Vila Patti – Novo Horizonte/SP Horário de Funcionamento: terça a sexta-feira, das 9h às 18h, e sábado, das 9h às 15h.
TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Paulistão-2022 clicando aqui
> Confira o caminho do Verdão no Mundial de Clubes-2022 clicando aqui
There's a worrying sense of Groundhog Day creeping into the Premier League – none more so than for Manchester United.
At the summit, a Rodri-less Manchester City look as imperious as ever, while at the bottom, the three newly promoted sides – all of whom are yet to record a win – appear destined for the drop.
As for Erik ten Hag's men, the start to the current campaign has been little different from the last few years, with the Red Devils already playing catch up after winning just one of their opening three league games.
Season
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3
2022/23
2-1 loss vs Brighton (H)
4-0 loss to Brentford (A)
2-1 win vs Liverpool (H)
2023/24
1-0 win vs Wolves (H)
2-0 loss vs Spurs (A)
3-2 win vs Forest (H)
2024/25
1-0 win vs Fulham (H)
2-1 loss vs Brighton (A)
3-0 loss vs Liverpool (H)
It would be unfair to write the Dutchman off so soon into the new season, yet in this City-dominated era, a poor start is simply terminal for any slim hopes of a title challenge.
Not that anyone is expecting United to compete for the league crown, yet with over £600m spent under Ten Hag's watch, you'd like to think that the club would be progressing toward the end of their 11-year barren run. As evidenced on Sunday, however, they couldn't be any further away.
In truth, that 3-0 loss to a dominant Liverpool side was a humbling and bordering on embarrassing one for the former Ajax boss, with his opposite number and compatriot, Arne Slot, already fashioning a serious-looking outfit after only three games in charge. Ten Hag, meanwhile, is now into his third season.
With six of his signings in the starting lineup at Old Trafford, there's no getting away from this being a Ten Hag team, with the 54-year-old – who was, for most, rightly kept on following the FA Cup final – inevitably feeling the heat having come so close to the axe over the summer.
It's fair to say that INEOS' public dalliance over the manager's future has not been helpful, with the one-time Utrecht coach – who also saw his backroom staff ripped up this summer – now looking like a dead man walking.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after winning the FA Cup.
There is still a chance to turn things around, although for one Ten Hag's key lieutenants, Casemiro, time already looks to be up…
Casemiro's game in numbers vs Liverpool
There was a real sense of irony that arguably the difference in the game came down to the two men operating in the number six berth for their respective sides, with one of the few ex-Ajax players not to have reunited with Ten Hag – in the form of Ryan Gravenberch – stealing the show in the centre of the park.
While the Netherlands international looked composed and controlled as the heartbeat for the visitors, Casemiro was anything but, with the Brazilian hauled off at half-time following two costly errors in possession.
Stat
Gravenberch
Casemiro
Minutes played
90
45
Touches
61
45
Pass accuracy
84%
70%
Key passes
0
0
Big chances created
0
0
Ground duels won
6/9
2/5
Aerial duels won
1/1
1/1
Dribbled past
0
2
Successful dribbles
1/2
1/1
Error leading to goal
0
2
Possession lost
11x
14x
Having fired an aimless pass in the direction of Kobbie Mainoo for the game's opener, the former Real Madrid great then meekly ceded the ball to Luis Diaz for the away side's second, collapsing onto the ground in the slim hope of earning a foul.
Despite looking leaner and sharper against the likes of City and Fulham in the early weeks of the campaign, this latest performance was a reminder of just why the club were so keen to move him on earlier this window, with only a waning interest from Saudi Arabia having prevented his departure.
There is perhaps a sense that the 32-year-old is merely being left exposed by the manager's tactics, although not even the harshest Ten Hag critic could blame the Dutchman for Casemiro looking so utterly panicked in possession.
What is worrying is that with new man Manuel Ugarte potentially set to take "months" to get up to speed – as per Ten Hag – the five-time Champions League winner may have to remain in the side due to a lack of alternatives, with Christian Eriksen the only other fit, senior midfielder, outside of Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
That lack of depth is an issue on its own, as too are Casemiro's lingering woes, although the one-time Porto man's shortcomings could be masking an even bigger problem that is brewing at the Theatre of Dreams – the lack of quality and consistency in attack.
Man Utd's bigger problem than Casemiro
Casemiro was culpable for gifting the lead to the Merseysiders on Sunday, but it is worth remembering that it is goals that win games – and United just can't muster any.
Last season, the Red Devils finished with a negative goal difference for the first time since 1989/90, having scored just 57 times in the top flight, ranking them tenth in the division in that regard.
Those shortcomings in front of goal don't look to have changed even after the £36.5m addition of Joshua Zirkzee this summer, with the Manchester side only netting three times in four games so far this term.
While the loss of new number nine Rasmus Hojlund to injury in pre-season hasn't helped matters, the young Dane is himself hardly a surefire guarantee of goals, even despite ending 2023/24 as the club's top scorer with 16 in all competitions.
Even with the caveat of the former Atalanta man not being named on the bench at the weekend, the distinct lack of attacking options who could come on and change the game was undoubtedly concerning, with Ten Hag left with a trio of Amad, Antony and teenager striker, Ethan Wheatley.
In the case of Wheatley, the club's 250th academy debutant is yet to score for the first-team, while for Antony, there had even been rumours of a late exit on deadline day, with the £86m man continuing to stink the place out having registered just 16 goals and assists in 83 games for United to date.
Dan James, for instance, chalked up 18 goal involvements in 74 games.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
As for Amad, while excitement is brewing over the Ivorian starlet – having scored against Brighton and Hove Albion – the 22-year-old remains a player of potential rather than guaranteed, consistent output, after making just 25 first-team appearances for the club in three-and-a-half years.
The lack of experienced attacking depth has only served to heighten the pressure surrounding the likes of Marcus Rashford, although on the evidence of the season so far, the Englishman may never get close to those highs of 2022/23 again, where he netted 30 times across all fronts.
Simply looking devoid of confidence – as shown by his unwillingness to take on Ibrahima Konate in the second half – the once-breathtaking winger is now a sad sight, with Ten Hag needing to take him out of the firing line.
In his defence, however, Rashford could well have had two assists on Sunday had the aforementioned Zirkzee taken his chances, with the 23-year-old heading straight at Alisson, before guiding an effort wide soon after.
After scoring only 12 times in Italy last season, the 6 foot 4 marksman is arguably not the out-and-out goalscorer that was required, ensuring much will once again have to be asked of young Alejandro Garnacho, albeit with even the dynamic Argentine 'only' netting ten times in 50 appearances in 2023/24.
Not that there should have been any doubts over dispensing with Jadon Sancho – who only scored 12 times in 83 games for the club – but it would seem as if United have left themselves rather short in the attacking ranks, with it difficult to see just where the goals will come from this season.
At the weekend, Liverpool, by contrast, had the likes of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo to call upon off the bench – with new man Federico Chiesa watching on – while even Sancho's new side, Chelsea, look to have a wealth of attacking talent at their disposal, with the likes of Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson.
Quite how United have been left in this predicament after their mammoth spending in recent times is rather headscratching, with the continued failure to fire likely to ensure that we are in for another long season at Old Trafford.
Fingers crossed that things truly ignite following the international break, but this all feels very much like the beginning of the end, rather than the start of something new for Ten Hag under the INEOS regime.
Let's hope he can prove us wrong…
Not just Casemiro: Man Utd must drop 4/10 star who lost 100% duels
Manchester United were in dismal form as they were brushed aside by Liverpool.
Gary O'Neil and his Wolves side have had a tough start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, losing to Arsenal and Chelsea already, before getting a draw against Nottingham Forest to gain their first point of the season.
One area Wolves were looking to recruit over the summer was midfield, once dominated by a Portuguese trio of Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho and Matheus Nunes. The central department at Molineux has certainly lost a lot of quality in the past few years.
Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves.
Neves made 48 appearances for Al-Hilal last season in all competitions last season, scoring seven goals, and providing 12 assists in 4,073 minutes.
While Andre was signed from Brazilian shores, they must lust after the return of one player, in particular. That man is midfield sensation Vitinha.
Vitinha's time at Wolves
Vitinha spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan with Wolves, making 22 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing one assist in his 711 minutes played. That sole goal – a long-range stunner – came against Chorley in the FA Cup.
The midfielder played alongside the likes of Neves and Moutinho under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, finishing 13th in the Premier League that season.
The Portugal international initially came through the ranks at Porto, making 59 appearances for their senior team either side of his loan to Wolves, before earning a move to PSG in 2022, joining the club for around €40m (£33.7m).
vitinha-wolves
Since then, he's certainly become a fine young talent, one that's currently valued at £76m by the Parisiens.
Vitinha vs Neves comparison
Vitinha is now a key figure at PSG, making 46 appearances last season for the French giants in all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing five assists.
It's safe to say he's been pretty good. So good in fact that he's incredibly among the Ballon d'Or nominees for 2024. That's a far cry from that wintery night in Chorley, isn't it?
Whilst Vitinha is now entering his prime years, his ex-colleague Neves is currently spending his final playing years in Saudi Arabia. The duo are playing at different levels, but Wolves could certainly do with the passing qualities of either one of these midfielders right now. Here's how they compare…
Stats (per 90 mins)
Vitinha
Neves
Goals
0.23
0.14
Assists
0.13
0.02
Progressive Carries
1.86
0.84
Progressive Passes
7.84
6.51
Shots Total
1.80
1.80
Key Passes
1.66
0.96
Passes into Final Third
7.10
6.03
Tackles
1.60
2.36
Interceptions
1.11
1.54
Vitinha has really started to establish himself as one of the best passers in Europe, completing 7.84 progressive passes per 90, thus ranking within the top 7% of midfielders on the continent for that statistic.
Neves, in his final season at Wolves, averaged fewer progressive passes per 90 (6.51), fewer passes into the final third per 90 (6.03), and fewer key passes per 90 (0.96). Those are number which shows the level Vitinha is currently performing at in France.
An area Neves still outperformed the former loanee when comparing these two seasons is on the defensive end making more tackles and more interceptions per 90. To put those statistics into context, we can compare them to the current duo at Molineux.
Wolves' midfield pairing consists of Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes, who are both brilliant players in their own right. However, Lemina is better known for his off-ball work, averaging 2.82 tackles per 90, whilst Gomes also offers similar assets going box to box, leaving them with a lack of passing quality in the middle.
Vitinha is the exact type of player Wolves could use in midfield to balance things, control games better, and bring their talented attackers such as Matheus Cunha into the game more.
Wolves could unearth the next Ruben Neves in "gifted" academy midfielder
Monday’s IPL 2021 match between the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Royal Challenges Bangalore in Ahmedabad has been rescheduled after the Knight Riders’ spinner Varun Chakravarthy and seam bowler Sandeep Warrier tested positive for Covid-19.This is the first instance of positive Covid-19 cases within an IPL team bubble since the 2021 season started.It is believed that Chakravarthy recently left the IPL’s biosecure bubble through the official green channel to get a scan on an injured shoulder and that is where he might have been exposed. An IPL statement on Monday said the two players had been “found to be positive in the third round of testing in the last four days”. Barring Chakravarthy and Warrier, the rest of the Knight Riders contingent’s latest tests came out clear.The IPL confirmed the developments, saying in a statement that “Knight Riders have now moved towards a daily testing routine to identify any other possible cases,” and that its “medical team is also determining the close and casual contacts of the two positive cases during the 48 hours” prior to testing. The entire Knight Riders’ contingent has been put in a five-day quarantine in their hotel rooms in Ahmedabad, starting yesterday. That will be over on May 6, two days before their next match, on May 8 against the Delhi Capitals.Related
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Under the IPL’s “green channel” protocol, a player requiring treatment – usually scans – is taken in a vehicle (which is in the bubble with a driver), clad in PPE, to the hospital. The testing/treatment is done by medical personnel with PPEs and masks and the player returns in the same bubble vehicle.The latest development came almost a week after Hemang Amin, BCCI’s interim chief executive officer, had reassured all teams that they were “totally safe” in the IPL bubble. The BCCI has also reassured all players and franchises that the 2021 IPL would carry on despite India being caught in the grip of a deadly second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.Amin had added that, “to be extra vigilant”, the IPL had “strengthened” the testing process, increasing its frequency from every five days initially to every two days for the second leg of the tournament, during which the teams shifted from Chennai and Mumbai to Ahmedabad and Delhi (matches began at the last two venues on April 26).The Knight Riders are currently seventh on the points table, having won only two of their first seven matches and go up against the high-flying Capitals next. The Capitals were also their opponents when they last played, on April 29. The Capitals, who played the Punjab Kings on Sunday evening, were tested a day after that Knight Riders contest, with everyone coming out clear.
After years of poor dealings in the transfer market under former owner Mike Ashley, Newcastle United hit the jackpot with the Saudi PIF takeover, which has seen increased transfer funds and improved recruitment.
The ownership, coupled with the job conducted by boss Eddie Howe, has taken the Magpies to a place they could’ve only dreamed of before the takeover – reaching the Champions League group stages for the first time in 20 years during the 2023/24 season.
Key first-team signings such as Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes have played crucial roles in the club’s success, proving to be worth every penny of their respective transfer fees.
However, they’ve also invested in youth, with Yankuba Minteh joining last summer for £6.5m before being sold to Brighton for £33m this window without playing a single minute for the first team.
Despite recent success, the board and Howe are on the hunt for more new additions to help provide more competition and depth within the squad, allowing the Magpies to become a consistent top-four challenger in the years ahead.
Newcastle United transfer news
Since the opening of the transfer window, the Magpies have been linked with a whole host of players in numerous different positions as Howe aims to increase his squad depth to prevent a repeat of last season’s injury crisis.
A centre-back and a right-sided forward have been two of the key positions that the Newcastle boss is aiming to strengthen, with endless targets rumoured in recent weeks.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.
Noni Madueke is a player who has constantly been touted with a move to Tyneside over the last seven days, with fresh reports over the weekend claiming the Chelsea forward has agreed personal terms over a move to St James’ Park.
The 22-year-old registered seven goal contributions in his 23 Premier League appearances last season, proving to be a potential upgrade on any options currently available at Howe’s disposal.
Malick Thiaw is another talent who has been frequently mentioned over a move to Tyneside, with the Magpies rumoured to have submitted a bid for his services in recent weeks.
Newcastle boss Howe confirmed just a couple of days ago that they were still in the market for reinforcements, with AC Milan centre-back Thiaw potentially one player who could be a Magpies player come the start of the season.
However, whilst it’s unclear how much they will have to pay for his signature, he’s currently valued lower than one star who joined the club after the Saudi PIF takeover.
Sven Botman’s market value in 2024
Centre-back Sven Botman joined the club with high expectations after his £32m move to Tyneside during the summer of 2022.
He’s since made a huge impact at the back, registering 66 appearances in all competitions, before an ACL injury towards the back end of last season which could rule him out until 2025.
Sven Botman's Newcastle stats since joining in 2022
Statistics
Tally
Games played
66
Minutes played
5,489'
Clean sheets
22
Goals
2
Assists
2
Yellow cards
6
Stats via Transfermarkt
However, his injury hasn’t had an effect on his market value, with the “sensational” Dutchman, as dubbed by scout Antonio Mango, still valued at £38m, as per Transfermarkt – a £6m increase on the fee they forked out for his services two years ago.
For perspective, that valuation is still ahead of the €40m (£35m) price tag that has been touted for Thiaw – the man who could partner the Dutchman upon his return from injury, should a deal be completed for his services.
Newcastle defender Sven Botman.
The Botman deal is evidence of the excellent business conducted by the current owners, with their big-money signings undoubtedly worth a huge amount more than what they paid for them.
Thiaw could be the latest player to follow the trend, with the defender potentially making a huge impact on Howe’s backline in the 2024/25 campaign.
Forget Thiaw: Newcastle could sign their own Guehi in move for £30m ace
The club have been targeting a new centre-back during the transfer window.
Aston Villa's transfer business is showing no signs of slowing down despite the new Premier League season being just around the corner, with Unai Emery's side now looking to add another top talent to their ranks.
Transfers not slowing down at Villa Park
As it stands, Aston Villa have added eight new faces to their side this summer as they look to build a squad capable of challenging in the Champions League this season.
Amadou Onana was the headline arrival in a £50m move, while Ian Maatsen also set them back in excess of £30m this summer. Elsewhere, they have utilised buy back options for both Cameron Archer and Jaden Philogene, while Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea arrived as part of the agreement to send Douglas Luiz to Juventus, albeit in seperate deals.
Aston Villa's new signings (summer 2024)
Player
Fee
Amadou Onana
£50m
Ian Maatsen
£37m
Cameron Archer
£14m
Jaden Philogene
£13.5m
Lewis Dobbin
£8m
Samuel Iling-Junior
£11.8m + add-ons
Enzo Barrenechea
£6.7m + add-ons
Ross Barkley
£5m
Now, their attention is set to turn to departures, with Lucas Digne having been approached over a move to Galatasaray, only to turn down the opportunity to leave Villa Park as he heads into the final two years of his contract in the Midlands.
It means that with Maatsen's arrival, Aston Villa have three left-backs to choose from with Digne having fought it out with Alex Moreno for a spot in the first XI last season and both now likely to play second fiddle to the summer arrival.
Meanwhile, attempts to sell Jhon Duran have failed despite interest from Chelsea and West Ham United. One player who could still leave however is centre-back Diego Carlos, with Emery keen to offload his £100,000 a week wages and Fulham thought to be keen on signing the Brazilian this summer. Should he depart, Emery's side have already identified their replacement.
Villa eye move for "leader" at the back
That comes as Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Villans have shortlisted Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida as a potential replacement for Carlos this summer. HITC go even further, claiming that Emery's side have 'opened talks' over a potential move for the 24-year-old, who captained Feyenoord to Eredivisie success last season under now Liverpool boss Arne Slot.
Lutsharel Geertruida for the Netherlands.
It had been suggested that Slot would try and take his compatriot to Anfield this summer, but that has not transpired and now it is Aston Villa who are thought to be keen on bringing him to the Premier League ahead of the new season.
Down to the final year of his £42,000 a week deal in Rotterdam, Geertruida could be available at a low cost and would bring plenty of experience to the Villa backline, having travelled to EURO 2024 as part of the Netherlands squad and also having appeared 40 times in various European competitions.
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He is one of his nation’s most highly-rated talents.
ByBen Browning Aug 9, 2024
The defender, who can play right-back, centre-back, left-back and as a defensive midfielder, was described as a "leader" by football analyst Ben Mattinson on X, who added that he is both "technically secure" and "aerially strong".
The report adds that Geertruida had been valued at £25m 12 months ago, and that the pricetag is only likely to have come down in the time since in light of his contract situation, which could allow Villa to land the 24-year-old at a bargain price.
Julen Lopetegui and his West Ham United side are gearing up ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign. Having finished ninth last season, the Hammers are looking to return to the European qualification spots.
Reinforcements so far include Wolves central defender Max Kilman, who has already played under Lopetegui, and highly-rated Brazilian winger, Luis Guilherme.
niclas-fullkrug
But West Ham continue to be linked with more transfer activity, including countless striker rumours, one of which is Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug, who scored 16 goals in 46 appearances last season.
West Ham transfer news
According to a report from Sky Sports, West Ham are interested in Villarreal striker, Alexander Sorloth. This comes in a report that states West Ham are advancing for Dortmund striker Fullkrug, but Sorloth has been mentioned as another forward of interest for the Hammers.
This comes after West Ham were unable to find an agreement with Aston Villa for talented forward Jhon Duran, with their previous proposal being rejected. Interest remains in Duran, but there is currently a big gap in valuation.
Villarreal striker Alexander Sorloth
Sorloth made 41 appearances in all competitions for Villarreal last season, scoring 26 goals, providing six assists, and totalling 2,954 minutes of football.
Sorloth vs Duran comparison
Duran made 37 appearances for Aston Villa in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals in 1,103 minutes. However, Duran of course was playing second fiddle to Ollie Watkins, therefore his chances mostly came in the UEFA Conference League.
Sorloth scored more goals than Fullkrug and Duran combined last season, and also beat the record of West Ham's top scorer last campaign, Jarrod Bowen, who scored 20 goals in 44 appearances – the Englishman scoring six fewer goals than Sorloth.
Stats (per 90 mins)
Sorloth
Duran
Fullkrug
Non-Penalty Goals
0.82
0.95
0.42
Shots Total
2.87
3.79
2.36
Assists
0.19
0.00
0.26
Shot-Creating Actions
2.46
2.27
2.52
Progressive Carries
1.73
1.71
0.76
Touches (Att Pen)
5.58
5.12
4.46
Aerials Won
2.84
3.79
3.49
The "stellar" Villarreal striker, as dubbed by Zach Lowy, comes out on top for progressive carries per 90, and touches in the penalty area per 90. However, Duran's metrics are slightly misconstrued, due to his limited minutes for Villa.
Duran takes a high volume of shots in the minutes he plays and has converted at a good rate, actually having a 0.25 Goals/Shot metric, which ranks in the top 7% of strikers in the top five leagues in Europe.
However, Sorloth provides a ready-made product, compared to the potential ability of Duran, as Sorloth performed to these metrics over his 2,954 minutes last season. Despite not winning as many aerials per 90 as Duran or Fullkrug, Sorloth standing at 6 foot 4 still wins 2.84 aerials per 90, and is a major box threat.
If West Ham want a ready-made goalscorer, Sorloth could be their man, having 26 goals last season, and having scored 16 the season prior. The 28-year-old would also come with a point to prove, after his failed spell at Crystal Palace, only scoring one goal for the Eagles back in 2018/19.
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