All posts by n8rngtd.top

With the summer transfer window in full flow, Aston Villa have made just one signing so far – Yasin Ozcan.

The Turkish youngster might not be the most exciting of signings, but aged 19, he is certainly one for the future.

With Unai Emery keen on ending the club’s near 30-year wait for a major trophy next season, bringing in several high-profile players is a priority.

Players such as John McGinn and Morgan Rogers helped the club secure a place in the Europa League next season. Could Emery potentially sign someone who is a hybrid of the two this summer?

Aston Villa transfer news

Villa have been linked with their fair share of attacking players this summer. Indeed, the likes of Jack Grealish, Nicolas Jackson and even Malick Fofana have been targeted by Emery.

Transfer Focus

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

Much will depend on the funds Villa have to spend, especially as they seek to comply with Profit and Sustainability regulations throughout the summer.

According to reports in Brazil, however, the club have made contact regarding a move for Porto winger Pepe, with it said they have opened talks for the 28-year-old.

The Portuguese giants are willing to sell him this summer in order to sign other targets, and a price tag of €25m (£21m) has been set. A more than affordable figure by Emery’s standards.

Both McGinn and Rogers enjoyed plenty of success last season and by signing Pepe in the coming weeks, Villa could be landing a player who is similar to both.

Why Aston Villa must sign Pepe

Last season, McGinn registered ten goal contributions for Villa, while Rogers recorded 29 goal involvements in all competitions for the club.

This highlights how vital the pair were. Both players excel at dribbling and playing through balls during matches, supporting Ollie Watkins incredibly well.

With McGinn staring on the left at times, with Rogers operating in a more central role, will Emery manage to sign a player like them for the right flank ahead of next season?

Pepe certainly fits the mould. According to FBref, Rogers is the ninth-most comparable player to the Porto winger, while McGinn is the seventh-most comparable when taking into account their statistics from the Champions League last term.

In this competition, he ranked in the top 16% for assists per 90 (0.31), while also ranking in the top 14% for tackles (1.86) per 90.

In comparison, McGinn recorded 0.25 assists and made 1.23 tackles per 90, while Rogers registered 0.18 assists and 0.79 tackles per 90 in the Champions League.

It is more the manner in which all three tend to have similar playing styles which could make a move for the winger an important one.

South American football expert Tim Vickery hailed the wideman a couple of years ago, saying: “I certainly remember him as a winger with Gremio, little mosquito kind of winger, who can do either flank.”

For the sort of fee Porto are demanding, bringing Pepe to the Midlands might be an interesting piece of business indeed.

An eye for goal while being able to create chances indicates that he could shine alongside players such as McGinn and Rogers next season.

Rashford upgrade: Monchi looking to sign £68m "superstar" for Aston Villa

With Marcus Rashford seemingly unlikely to be returning to Aston Villa next season, has Unai Emery identified a “phenomenal” star as an alternative?

By
Ben Gray

Jun 26, 2025

Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign FC Nordsjælland forward Benjamin Nygren, whose contract expires at the end of this year, on a permanent deal this summer.

The right-sided attacker could become the second official signing for the Hoops in the off-season, after the club confirmed Kieran Tierney’s arrival on a free transfer from Arsenal earlier this week.

Celtic's transfer priorities this summer

Following the much-needed signing of Tierney to fill their gaping hole at left-back, with Greg Taylor out of contract this summer, Celtic appear to have turned their attention to the wide areas.

Nygren is ‘expected’ to sign for the Scottish giants to bolster their options on the right flank, but they are also looking for a new forward on the left side of the pitch.

It was recently claimed that the Hoops are in talks with left-winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s representatives over a move from Royal Antwerp, and the Scottish Premiership champions are in negotiations with Sarpsborg over a move for Norwegian flanker Sondre Orjasaeter.

This makes it clear that Celtic are after a right-footed left-winger – Balikwisha or Orjasaeter – to go along with the signing of Nygren, who is a left-footed right-winger.

New wingers are not the only signings on the agenda for Brendan Rodgers this summer, though, as the Northern Irish head coach is also looking to improve the depth of his midfield.

Celtic believe they can land bargain deal for Premier League star

According to West Ham United-focused outlet Claret & Hugh, Celtic are interested in a deal to sign Scotland international Andy Irving, who is for sale, in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hammers are open to offers for the 25-year-old central midfielder, as ‘almost everyone’ is for sale at the Premier League side.

It reveals that the Hoops believe that they can land the left-footed maestro for a ‘bargain’ fee, although no exact price tag is mentioned, because he was rarely used by Graham Potter in the 2024/25 campaign, playing just ten times in the top-flight.

Irving showcased his quality in possession, as shown in the table above, by ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of key passing and possession-based metrics in the limited minutes that he had on the pitch.

Claret & Hugh adds that the Scottish midfielder is ‘open’ to a move away from the Premier League club in order to go in search of regular first-team football, which is why a transfer to Parkhead could be one that ‘suits all parties’.

Irving, who made his Scotland debut earlier this month against Liechtenstein, appears to have the on-ball qualities to perfectly suit playing in a Celtic team that averaged 75.1% possession per game in the Premiership in the 2024/25 season.

His desire to constantly get on the ball and make passes, short and long, whilst being efficient in doing so, could make him a good fit for Rodgers’ dominant Hoops midfielder, which is why this is a deal that could make a lot of sense for both clubs and the player.

More exciting than Tierney: Celtic expected to complete "no-brainer" deal

Celtic are expected to seal the signing of a star who would be more exciting than Kieran Tierney.

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By
Dan Emery

Jun 14, 2025

In an attempt to get their summer business going, Aston Villa have reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign a defensive target for Unai Emery whose release clause expires soon.

Aston Villa set for tough Newcastle opener

If Aston Villa are keen to find out where their squad is at in the early stages of next season then their opening day Premier League meeting with Newcastle United will hand them the perfect chance to do exactly that. The Villans have been handed a tough start against one of last year’s top five, but Emery will also be well aware that victory over the Magpies would send quite the statement.

Once the Midlands club have got Newcastle out of the way, they have the chance to enjoy a far more routine run on paper. Away trips to Brentford, Everton and Sunderland represent realistic opportunities for three points, whilst the visit of Crystal Palace should also be seen as a game that the Villans are favourites to win.

It’s the type of start that Aston Villa could need following what could be a difficult summer amid PSR concerns. Despite their growing success over the last couple of years, Villa’s spending in the years prior could yet force them to sell at least one key man in the coming months before they can focus on potential incomings.

That said, their PSR concerns have not stopped the rumours from arriving when it comes to additions. Names such as Jesus Rodriguez have already threatened to steal the headlines and now those at Villa Park have also reportedly set their sights on signing a defensive addition.

Aston Villa submit opening Lucumi offer

According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa have tabled an opening offer to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer. That initial bid was below the defender’s reported €28m (£24m) release clause, however, and is unlikely to be entertained by Bologna anytime soon.

Aston Villa make contact to sign £400,000-a-week player ahead of Arsenal

He’s a Premier League winner…

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By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 17, 2025

Whether the Villans go again in pursuit of the defender remains to be seen. Bologna certainly hold all of the cards if those in the Midlands decide against triggering Lucumi’s release clause, which reportedly expires on July 10.

Given that they need to be in the market for bargain deals amid their PSR concerns, Aston Villa should think again about returning for Lucumi this summer. For just £24m, until July 10, they can sign a “composed” centre-back who can play with both feet to an “excellent” standard, according to analyst Ben Mattinson.

Sunderland are back by popular demand and could now look to make a statement signing to kick off their latest Premier League era in style, according to a report.

Sunderland look to establish themselves in the Premier League

The Black Cats are a recognisable force in the top-flight, albeit their lengthy absence from competing against the elite may mean consolidation will be needed before thoughts of further progress under Regis Le Bris.

Unfortunately, Jobe Bellingham’s move to Borussia Dortmund has created a sizeable void in midfield, something that has left ex-Sunderland man Darren Williams feeling a tinge of regret.

He stated: “We brought him in at a low cost and two years later we’re making a good amount on him – I’d have love to see him play for us in the Premier League and test himself.”

Later, he added: “I wish him all the best. It’s fantastic money. The club has made good money from the last four players sold.”

It can’t be disputed, an initial £27 million sale is good business for Sunderland, but who do they bring in to replicate his impact? Reports suggest Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra could be on his way to the Black Cats to strengthen their engine room.

Everton fighting Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland for free agent signing

The Toffees are lining up a bargain transfer…

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By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 11, 2025

On the same token, Sunderland want to complete a transfer for Tommy Doyle from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Cherry-picking targets from familiar environnments will be important to ensure the North East giants are ready for the top-flight, though they will want to balance that with finding value for money on the market.

Speaking of which, the newly-promoted side have now put their hat in the ring for a defender who has won four back-to-back titles and featured in the Champions League.

Sunderland looking to sign Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers

According to journalist Graeme Bailey in conversation with 67 Hail Hail, Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers is a target for Sunderland and could be on the move for a fee between £25 million to £30 million this summer.

He explained: “As we know, every player has his price in this Celtic squad. And I think there’s a real danger that Carter-Vickers leaves.

“That won’t go down well, but Celtic could probably get good money for him. What would he cost, £25-30m to sell him?

“That’s a lot of money for a centre-half at the moment. And I think there’s a real chance that he’s not at Celtic come the start of September. Leeds like him a lot, and Sunderland. I know that he was on West Ham’s radar as well. To be fair, he’s got three, four, even five (clubs interested).”

Lauded for his ‘exceptional’ few years by Bailey, Carter-Vickers is Celtic’s joint-highest earner on £37,000 per week and definitely wouldn’t come cheap given he has four years left on his deal at Parkhead.

Nevertheless, Sunderland, alongside Leeds United, have faith that they can land him, so it remains to be seen how this one plays out.

Nottingham Forest have Europa Conference League football to look forward to next term and are now progressing in their attempts to bring a highly-rated forward to the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest transfer targets as they prepare for Europe

It wasn’t to be for Nottingham Forest in their pursuit of Champions League football, though a place in Europe’s third-tier continental tournament could offer a realistic prospect of silverware next season.

West Ham United and Chelsea’s previous exploits in the Europa Conference League will offer Nuno Espirito Santo all the encouragement he needs, but the Portuguese boss knows signings will be necessary to balance their trophy bid with domestic endeavours.

According to reports, Nottingham Forest are interested in a permanent deal for Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, though there could also be a possibility of a loan agreement in the eyes of former scout Mick Brown.

Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes is a surprise target for the Tricky Trees, lending credence to the notion that they will go all out this summer following an impressive Premier League campaign.

Intriguingly, Espirito Santo stopped short of confirming he would be in charge next term after his side missed out on Champions League qualification, stating: “We are in good place and now it’s time to reflect and focus on the future. This is not a moment to speak about me. It’s about the club.”

Nottingham Forest make contact with ex-PSG ace as Marinakis eyes £20m move

They’re already thinking about the summer transfer window.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 22, 2025

Either way, there is plenty to be positive about on reflection. Nottingham Forest have shown they are a force that can compete with the best after conducting a mass overhaul across the last couple of years in the East Midlands.

Sparing no expense, the Tricky Trees are now advancing in their pursuit to sign a talented forward who has likened himself to Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.

Nottingham Forest in advanced Igor Jesus talks after £18.5m offer

Per Fogao Net, Nottingham Forest have made an offer to sign Botafogo forward Igor Jesus for £18.5 million and talks are now believed to have progressed to an advanced stage.

Negotiations between all parties are moving along nicely, leaving the final decision down to the Brazil international, who has previously pointed out similarities between himself and countryman Vinicius Jr.

Enjoying a bright start to the year, Jesus has netted seven goals and laid on a solitary assist in 23 appearances across all competitions for Brazil’s reigning top-flight champions.

Chris Wood has been a talismanic figure at the City Ground of late, though his age may work against him moving forward and securing an alternative option would make sense to bolster squad depth.

Now, it remains to be seen if Nottingham Forest can push a deal over the line as they look to build on an impressive campaign by keeping pace with contenders for European football in 2025/26.

Crystal Palace have now joined the hotly-contested race to sign a “brilliant” new striker on a free transfer this summer, according to a recent report.

Nketiah reaches 50 goals in Crystal Palace win over Wolves

The Eagles followed up their amazing 1-0 triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday with an impressive 4-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their final home game of the season, reaching a club record 52 Premier League points.

Crystal Palace now plotting quick deal to sign "aggressive" £20m midfielder

The Eagles are now eyeing a move for an attacking midfielder.

By
Dominic Lund

May 20, 2025

Oliver Glasner decided to hand striker Eddie Nketiah a rare start, and it was a move that paid off as he netted twice in a five-minute window to help the South Londoners on their way to victory. It meant Tuesday night’s game was a special landmark for the 25-year-old, as he netted his 50th career goal. After the game, Nketiah revealed he wants to contribute more next season.

“It is nice to reach that landmark. I know I can do much better and help the team. It’s a nice way to end the last home game, and I want to contribute more next season.”

Nketiah joined the Eagles last summer having decided to leave Arsenal in search of regular football. His move to Selhurst Park probably hasn’t quite gone the way he expected, as he’s made just nine starts in the Premier League, scoring only three goals, perhaps understandably struggling to get ahead of Jean-Philippe Mateta in the pecking order.

Crystal Palace join Leeds in race to sign £140k-p/w star on free transfer

Nketiah will hope next season he can contribute more, but his chances of doing so could be dealt a further blow, as according to Football Insider, Crystal Palace have made contact with Jamie Vardy over a move to Selhurst Park.

Football Insider reports that contact has been made between the South Londoners and Vardy’s camp, as they try to get an understanding of whether he would want to move to Selhurst Park. The 38-year-old, who scored in his final game at the King Power Stadium as a Leicester City player on Sunday, is planning to continue playing at the highest level.

Palace don’t have a clear run at signing the Englishman, as it’s already been reported that Wolves are already plotting a move to sign the striker, while Leeds are also advancing on a deal, and Everton are said to be leading the race to sign Vardy.

The 38-year-old, who has been hailed as “brilliant” by Gary Lineker, has scored nine goals in 35 Premier League games this season, taking his total top flight tally to 145, a number any striker would kill to achieve in one of the top leagues in Europe.

It isn’t clear if Vardy would be interested in a move to Palace, but if the Eagles have any chance of signing the striker, they are going to have to pay around the £140,000 mark for wages, as that is what Vardy currently earns at Leicester.

There may well be two Premier League games left to play, but that hasn’t stopped what’s now a pretty consistent stream of transfer rumours regarding Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side are set to end the campaign trophyless for the fifth year running, so it’s no surprise that the board are already seemingly hard at work looking for the player who can get them over the line next season.

The first player set to come through the door once the window opens next month looks set to be Martin Zubimendi, with transfers expert Fabrizio Romano giving the move the ‘here we go treatment’ late last week.

Adding the Spanish international will undoubtedly improve the North Londoner, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club are now targeting another international who’d be an even more exciting signing.

Arsenal looking to sign exciting winger

The last few weeks have seen Arsenal linked with several incredibly talented internationals, such as Ollie Watkins and Antoine Semenyo.

Transfer Focus

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

The former was a surprise target for the club in January, and while they failed with a £50m offer then, they are still fans of him ahead of the summer, and as he’s racked up a haul of 30 goal involvements in 52 games this season, it’s not hard to see why.

Likewise, with 11 goals and seven assists to his name in 40 games for Bournemouth this season, it’s not hard to understand why Arteta and Co might be keen to add Semenyo to the squad, who could be available for around £42m.

However, for a player to be an even more exciting addition to the team than Zubimendi, they’ve got to be one of the most sought-after in their position, such as Nico Williams.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Athletic Bilbao monster going into the summer.

In fact, the report has revealed that Andrea Berta has made the Spaniard a ‘top priority’ and that with him believing it’s a time for a change of scenery, the Gunners are in a ‘fierce battle’ with Chelsea for his signature.

The report does not mention a transfer fee, but stories from earlier this week have reiterated claims that the 22-year-old has a release clause in his current deal worth around £48m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Williams’ immense ability, it’s one Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he’d be an even more exciting acquisition than Zubimendi.

Why Williams would be such an exciting signing

Now, as we’ve already said, signing Zubimendi is undeniably exciting, as not only is he one of the most important players for a club the size of Real Sociedad, but he’s also a Spanish international and was reportedly on the radar of Real Madrid.

However, there are several reasons why Williams would be even more exciting, such as his attacking output.

For example, in just 37 appearances last season, the Pamplona-born “level-raiser,” as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, scored eight goals and provided 18 assists.

Then, so far this year, he’s scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 44 appearances, coming out to an average of 1.42 and 2.44 goal involvements per game, respectively.

Moreover, he’s also an incredibly dynamic player to watch, with FBref placing him in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, for successful take-ons per 90.

Finally, not only has he won nine more caps for the senior Spanish side, but he also scored the opening goal in the final of the European Championships last summer, showing that the big occasions do not bother him.

Ultimately, Zubimendi will be an excellent signing for Arsenal, but there is no doubt that Williams would be even more exciting.

He's a dream for Saka: Arsenal doing lots of work to sign £67m "monster"

The sensational striker would be a game-changer for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 13, 2025

Whilst boss Arne Slot claimed the Premier League title during his first season as Liverpool boss, the club have wasted no time in turning their attention towards the summer window.

Signings are expected in various areas of the pitch to try and bolster the ranks and improve the Reds’ chances of retaining their top spot throughout 2025/26.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is already one player who’s set to depart Anfield at the end of the season, with supporters voicing their anger after he announced he would leave on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract.

The contract extensions handed to Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are arguably the two best pieces of business the hierarchy will conduct this window, but that’s not to say new players won’t arrive.

One department in particular looks set for huge investment from the hierarchy in the coming months, looking to hand the manager the added depth he needs.

An update on Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Current Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez has struggled to make a huge impact this campaign, notching just seven goals in his 44 appearances across all competitions.

As a result, he’s expected to depart Merseyside this summer, with Atlético Madrid leading the race to secure his signature, potentially departing for just £35m.

Such funds could be used to land a new talisman in the form of Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres after the Swede emerged on their shortlist, according to talkSPORT.

The report claims that the Reds are pondering a potential move for the 26-year-old who’s managed to score 52 goals in his 49 appearances throughout 2024/25.

It also claims that Slot’s side will face stiff competition from Manchester United and Arsenal for his signature, with previous reports saying it could be available for £64m this summer.

Why Liverpool’s £64m target would be better than Sesko

Over the last couple of days, rumours have picked up over a potential deal to see Benjamin Sesko complete a switch to join Liverpool in the coming months.

The Slovenian international has been in superb form for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, registering 13 goals in his 31 appearances to date – including an excellent effort against Bayern Munich last time out.

It has previously been reported that the 21-year-old has a £55m release clause in his current deal, making him a cheaper alternative than other targets like Gyokeres.

However, if the club had to decide between a deal for one of the aforementioned pair, it’s pivotal they prioritise a move for the Swede, with the Sporting CP talisman a much better option for Slot’s men.

When comparing their respective stats from the current campaign, Gyokeres has massively outperformed Sesko, having the edge in numerous key areas over the Leipzig ace.

The 26-year-old, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has massively outscored Sesko, whilst also posting a much higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – highlighting his clinical edge in the final third.

He’s also achieved more shot-creating actions per 90, whilst registering a higher tally of shots on target, handing Slot the added attacking threat he’s been craving.

Gyokeres’ dominance doesn’t stop there’s completing more progressive carries per 90, along with a higher pass completion rate – allowing the likes of Salah to increase their own tallies in the process.

£64m may appear to be a huge sum of money, but given his dominance in various key areas, it could be an addition that massively bolsters the club’s already impressive attacking department.

If the Reds are to sustain such a high level of performance going into 2025/26, it’s pivotal that the club backs the manager to make the additions needed for further success – with Gyokeres a player who would certainly do just that at Anfield.

Best CF since Suarez: Liverpool prepare bid for "ridiculous" £60m star

Liverpool expect to replace Darwin Nunez in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 7, 2025

This summer is massive for Ruben Amorim if he is to succeed as Manchester United manager, needing to oversee a huge transformation of the first-team squad.

Their lowly Premier League standing this campaign is evidence that changes are desperately needed if they are to return to their former glory in the years ahead.

Whilst they still have a chance to claim a trophy in the form of the Europa League, it has undoubtedly been a disappointing year for the Red Devils – recording their lowest points tally in the Premier League era.

However, with a couple of weeks left of the season, the hierarchy have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements for Amorim, aiding him in his quest of being a success at Old Trafford.

One area of the pitch in particular has been the subject of keen interest in the last couple of days, with the side in desperate need of reinforcements to take the Red Devils to the next level.

An update on United’s pursuit of new attackers this summer

Matheus Cunha has been the main target for United within the final third, with his move edging closer to completion, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is the latest player to emerge on the club’s shortlist, potentially linking up with the Brazilian at Old Trafford should they both move.

The Frenchman isn’t the only striker currently on their shortlist, with Liam Delap also a key target after his £30m release clause became active after Ipswich Town’s relegation was confirmed.

However, Lyon star man Rayan Cherki has been touted with a summer switch to Manchester, with CaughtOffside reporting Amorim’s men are leading the race for his signature.

The 21-year-old has notched 12 goals and 19 assists across all competitions this season, and could be available for as little as £25m during the upcoming window.

Why Cherki could be even better than Amad

Winger Amad Diallo has become a key player during the Amorim tenure at United, notching 11 combined goals and assists since his arrival, but injuries have massively halted his progress.

The Ivorian has been missing for the last three months with an ankle issue, with the side massively missing his presence within the final third – leading to their lowly league standing.

However, he could be about to provide a huge boost to the side between now and the end of the season, as it’s been confirmed that he’s set to return to training after his lay-off.

Such a situation will undoubtedly improve their chances of claiming the Europa League, but his place in the side could be under huge threat going into the 2025/26 campaign.

A move for Cherki would massively boost the forward line in Amorim’s side, offering an upgrade to Amad and pushing the side closer to success in the near future.

When comparing his stats with those of the Ivorian from the ongoing season, he’s massively outperforming him in numerous key attacking areas – with the £25m fee touted appearing to be a bargain.

The Lyon star, who’s been labelled “one of the best in the world” by one analyst, has registered more combined goals and assists to date, whilst also having a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical nature in the final third.

He’s also managed to complete way more progressive passes and completed more of the dribbles he’s attempted – having the skillset to provide other players within attacking areas.

Cherki’s talents don’t end there, completing more crosses and managing to achieve more carries into the final third – with the youngster excelling with the ball at his feet.

The United side has been devoid of flair and entertainment within the attacking department in recent years, with a deal for Cherki providing the excitement the supporters have often failed to see in their recent demise.

He could feature alongside Amad at the top end of the pitch under Amorim for many years to come, having the tools to push the club one step closer to the glory days they once endured.

Big Garnacho upgrade: Man Utd set to open talks to sign "extraordinary" star

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be a big upgrade on Alejandro Garnacho.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 29, 2025

Newcastle United missed the chance to reinforce their lofty Premier League position as they were given a thorough hiding against Champions League-chasing rivals Aston Villa.

A switch flicked in December and United charged their way into the ascendancy, winning the Carabao Cup off Liverpool in March and underlining their elite-level credentials.

Still third in the top flight, Eddie Howe’s side now need to regroup ahead of the crucial final stretch of the season, their six-match winning run snapped.

However, this was a bruising display that will have left stand-in manager Jason Tindall seething. So often so strong, the centre-halves were taken to the shops against Villa Park’s slick frontline.

Newcastle's defence falls against Villa

Newcastle have been in emphatic form in recent weeks, turning Crystal Palace over 5-0 in midweek. However, the relentless fixture list, having forced United into three games over six days, claimed a top outfit in this one.

Fabian Schar equalised before twenty minutes after connecting with the in-form Harvey Barnes’ whipped delivery, but it was not a good evening for the long-serving Swiss centre-back, who disappointingly lost all five of his duels.

Likewise, Dan Burn has been a pillar of strength this term but he failed to produce his best performance, skewing Youri Tielemans’ lunge into his own net to all but seal the hosts’ victory. He also struggled to impose himself against a lively frontline, winning just one of five duels.

Both Schar and Burn will recover over the coming days and gear up for next weekend’s crucial clash against Ipswich Town at St. James’ Park.

Options have been sparse in defence, but there’s one man who may be dropped going forward after being exposed against Unai Emery’s men.

Newcastle must now drop stalwart

Even with Lewis Hall sidelined for the rest of the season, Kieran Trippier surely needs to be benched for the tough run-in, with Howe perhaps shifting Tino Livramento back into his natural right-back berth and giving Matt Targett some rare game time from the outset.

Following the loss, the experienced full-back was branded with a 4/10 match rating by The Chronicle Live, who noted that he was run ragged by the Lions.

Ceding possession 16 times despite only making one key pass, as per Sofascore, Trippier’s ball-playing skills weren’t at their best, but more concerningly he only won one of his four contested ground duels, having a tough time against the dangerous Ollie Watkins.

Newcastle writer Thomas Hammond even made the scathing comment that “Trippier’s legs gave up on him.” Aged 34 and a true veteran of the game, it’s hardly surprising that this might be the case for the vice-captain.

Schar and Burns suffered rare off-days and you’d think that all of a Magpies persuasion will be able to rally ahead of the stretch ahead, but if faced with such intensity again, Howe and Tindall might want to consider dropping Trippier, who was already at risk of being sold during the winter transfer window and may well be in the coming months.

The concern, of course, is that the Toon face a testing finish to the season, one which they will need to pass with flying colours if a place back at the continent’s prized tournament is to be achieved, lifting a stunning campaign even higher.

Best signing since Isak: Newcastle hit the jackpot on "world-class" star

Newcastle’s signing has turned into one of the best players in the Premier League.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 18, 2025