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Portugal failed to wrap up 2026 World Cup qualification after conceding a late Hungary equaliser to draw 2-2 in Lisbon. Roberto Martinez's side had initially come from behind to get in front, courtesy of two Cristiano Ronaldo goals that set a new all-time World Cup qualifying record, and were on the brink of booking their ticket to North America thanks to Armenia's defeat to Ireland providing the extra nudge required. But Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai intervened at the death and it means Ronaldo and co. must now wait until November for their next chance instead.

Portugal knew that only a win could seal qualification on Tuesday, but while Ronaldo fired a shot over in the first few minutes, they got off to the worst possible start when Attila Szalai gave Hungary an early lead as goalkeeper Diogo Costa flapped at Szoboszlai's whipped in-swinging corner and Szalai headed in at the far post.

Ronaldo soon had Portugal's first shot on target when striking from distance, before equalising from close-range midway through the first half. That was his 40th goal in World Cup qualifying, a new all-time record surpassing the previous tally of 39 held by Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz. Both sides continued to miss the target or see efforts blocked, until Costa saved from Roland Sallai towards the end of the first half. But Ronaldo ensured Portugal took a lead into the break with another close-range finish, coming in first-half stoppage time after Nuno Mendes crossed into the box.

Portugal hit the post twice in quick succession within 15 minutes of the restart, Ruben Dias thwacking the woodwork from distance and then Bruno Fernandes also hitting the upright via the slightest of touches from Hungary goalkeeper Balasz Toth. As pressure built, he saved again from substitute Joao Felix in outstanding fashion.

It was a slender lead, though, and Szalai almost equalised from another set-piece, heading against the bar. Hungary continued to attack into the final stages and eventually got their reward through Szoboszlai, finishing at the far post after Portugal failed to deal with a low cross into the box.

GOAL rates Portugal's players from Estadio Jose Alvalade…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Diogo Costa (6/10):

Should have done better in the moment Hungary went ahead early on. Needed to be more commanding of his six-yard box. Later showcased his superior skills as a shot-stopper.

Nelson Semedo (7/10):

Made the Portugal equaliser with some excellent play down the right and a precise cutback for his captain to tap in.

Ruben Dias (5/10):

Almost netted the best goal he'll ever score in his career, but his long-range strike cannoned off the post instead of rippling the net. Had to cut out the ball across the box that gave Hungary their last-ditch equaliser.

Renato Veiga (5/10):

Left Chelsea after a matter of months because he wanted to play consistently as a centre-back. This was his first start for Portugal since June but he might need to do more to earn himself the position consistently.

Nuno Mendes (8/10):

The best left-back in the world? It was his sumptuous first-time cross that gave Ronaldo his second to put Portugal ahead. Solid defensively.

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Ruben Neves (7/10):

Controlled things from his deep-lying position, which helped Portugal find a foothold and move towards a dominant display after conceding from an early set-piece.

Vitinha (7/10):

Deserves credit for the 'pre-assist' for Ronaldo's first goal, splitting the Hungary defence with a pass that played in Semedo.

Bruno Fernandes (6/10):

Created a number of chances that never quite materialised into anything proper. Withdrawn just over an hour in, which will probably please Manchester United.

AFPAttack

Bernardo Silva (7/10):

Had plenty of the ball and used it well enough to create chances that weren't taken.

Cristiano Ronaldo (9/10):

Still completely irrepressible, even pushing 41 years of age. By half-time, Portugal had registered three shots on target, all were him, and he'd scored twice. The fact that both were 'easy' chances from close-range is irrelevant.

Pedro Neto (7/10):

Looked a threat with quick feet in wide areas and was involved in the go-ahead goal specifically. Drew several fouls and also tested Toth himself shortly before coming off.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Joao Felix (6/10):

Almost made an instant impact, but for a top save. Peaked in that moment.

Joao Palhinha (6/10):

Like for like swap for Neves and continued that role to decent effect.

Francisco Conceicao (6/10):

Had a shot that narrowly missed, but his threat was consistent enough.

Nuno Tavares (4/10):

Was a serious downgrade when Mendes went off. Too easily allowed Lukacs the space to cross for the tying goal.

Goncalo Ramos (N/A):

Touched the ball four times in 12 minutes.

Roberto Martinez (5/10):

Encouraging his adventurous full-backs to go with their natural instincts proved decisive. Might need to reconsider the second-half changes he makes in future.

UEFA have been presented with a final proposal for the Super League project that would include dramatic evolution of the current Champions League format. According to Mundo Deportivo, the project has been under tight wraps for the past eight months, with UEFA, Super League backers A22 Sports Management, and key powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid conducting secret negotiations to hammer out a deal that could end football’s civil war.

• Carl Recine
  

  From war to peace: a secret deal in the making

  Since the infamous Super League breakaway fiasco in 2021, tensions between UEFA and Europe’s elite clubs have simmered beneath the surface. But now, after seven rounds of discreet meetings, some even taking place inside UEFA’s own headquarters, both sides are finally edging toward a compromise. The goal? A revamped European competition that keeps UEFA in charge, satisfies the big clubs’ financial ambitions, and prevents the re-emergence of a rogue Super League.

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• The final offer: Free global tv and a supercharged format

  The Super League’s latest and perhaps last proposal includes two revolutionary ideas designed to win UEFA’s approval.

  1. A free global streaming platform, making top-tier European football accessible to fans everywhere.

  2.  A revamped tournament structure that mirrors the Champions League but promises more thrilling, high-stakes clashes from day one.

  The free streaming service, named UNIFY, would feature both ad-supported and premium options, offering global access to every match while keeping viewing costs low. It’s being hailed as a modern, fan-first approach that could revolutionise football broadcasting, bringing in bigger revenues and broader reach than existing TV deals.

• Getty/GOAL
  

  A new “super” champions league format

  Under the proposal, the Champions League would remain by name, but with a bold new look. The current 36-team setup would stay, yet the structure would be split into two separate groups of 18 clubs each. The top 18 clubs, ranked by UEFA coefficients, would face off in eight blockbuster first-phase matches against fellow heavyweights. Meanwhile, the lower 18 clubs, ranked 19th to 36th, would play their own eight fixtures, a mix of competitive, evenly matched encounters determined by draw. Qualification for the tournament would still come via domestic league performance, keeping national competitions relevant.

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• Knockout chaos: A fresh twist to the finals path

  The knockout stages would also get a makeover. The top eight teams from the elite group would automatically qualify for the round of 16. The remaining 16 spots would be filled through a dramatic playoff round, with teams ranked ninth in Group 1 battling lower-ranked qualifiers from Group 2 in what promises to be explosive, winner-takes-all ties. Once the round of 16 begins, the structure will follow the familiar knockout route to the grand final. The goal? To keep the essence of the Champions League intact while supercharging the competitiveness and unpredictability of every round.

With Giovanni Leoni already on his way, Liverpool and Richard Hughes are now reportedly very keen to accelerate another summer deal before the deadline at the start of next month.

Slot confirms Leoni agreement

Sitting down for his first Premier League press conference of the season, Arne Slot had some good news for Liverpool fans. The Dutchman confirmed that an agreement has been reached with Italian side Parma to sign defender Leoni, who is reportedly set to be presented in front of Anfield before the Reds square off against Bournemouth tonight.

Slot told reporters: “The clubs have agreed a deal but he hasn’t signed. The moment he signs I can go into more detail.”

In a deal worth around £26m, the 18-year-old will replace Jarell Quansah at the home of the Premier League champions following the defender’s earlier departure to Bayer Leverkusen.

Following their Community Shield defeat against Crystal Palace on penalties, there were some concerns about Liverpool’s centre-back problem, but that has only sparked the Reds into life in the transfer market once again. And with Leoni, their window has only reached new heights.

Whilst the Italian is unlikely to have an immediate starting place ahead of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, Arrigo Sacchi’s praise suggests that Liverpool have got themselves a future star.

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Liverpool run the risk of losing one of Slot’s biggest stars to a divisional rival this month.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 15, 2025

The legendary manager wrote in Gazzetta Dello Sport: “We’ll see if the deal goes through, but in any case, I’d say the Reds would be making a great move by signing this young man, whom I followed with interest and curiosity in the second half of last season.”

Even after Leoni, however, Liverpool are still not done. Reports are now suggesting that Hughes has already shifted his focus towards another top target.

Hughes now keen to accelerate Guehi move

According to Caught Offside, Hughes is now very keen to accelerate a move to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The two clubs reportedly remain far apart in their valuations, with Palace demanding around £50m and Liverpool currently willing to pay as much as £40m, but the fact that the defender is into the final year of his contract will hand the Reds the advantage.

As for the player, himself, Guehi reportedly wants to complete a summer switch to Anfield and join up with the Premier League champions, a far cry from reports earlier this summer that he would “run across London” to join Arsenal.

The England international shouldn’t have too many concerns about game time, either. As things stand, Ibrahima Konate is set to depart as a free agent next summer, allowing a player of Guehi’s calibre to take hold of the position next to Van Dijk on a permanent basis.

Minutes

3,059

2,560

Progressive Passes

134

115

Ball Recoveries

146

98

Aerial Duels Won

68

74

Described as “great” by Manchester City’s John Stones and “world class” by Ezri Konsa, Guehi has only pushed on ever since and should now be at the top of Liverpool’s wishlist.

New Zealand chased down their target of 179 with nine wickets and 23.4 overs to spare

Andrew Fidel Fernando04-Jan-2025

Matt Henry picked up 4 for 19 from ten overs•Getty Images

New Zealand’s fast bowlers tore through Sri Lanka’s top order to set up a big win, before their own top three clinched it, Will Young hitting 90 not out off 86 balls in a nine-wicket victory.On a grassy Basin Reserve pitch, on a cold day beset by biting southerlies, New Zealand had had Sri Lanka 23 for 4 by the end of the powerplay. There were resurgent innings from the likes of Avishka Fernando especially, but Sri Lanka never seemed headed to a healthy total. They were out for 178 in the 44th over. New Zealand ran that total down with 23.4 overs to spare.It was Matt Henry who set the tone for the early exchanges with his first spell, and claimed the first wicket on his way to figures of 4 for 19 from ten overs. He caught Pathum Nissanka’s leading edge with a full away-seamer in the fifth over, the ball floating out to mid-off for a simple catch. In his first five overs, Henry seamed the ball substantially, and conceded only six runs.At the other end, Jacob Duffy was delivering probing overs as well. He took the second wicket with a short delivery that surprised Kusal Mendis, and which he inside edged into his leg stump. Three overs later, Kamindu Mendis – batting at No. 4 now – was run out attempting a suicidal single. Dropping a ball towards cover he called his partner through for a run, only for Mitchell Santner to swoop on the ball, and fire in an underarm throw that hit the base of the only stump Santner had to aim at. In general, New Zealand’s fielding was exemplary, with Mark Chapman also outstanding in the point region. On the rare occasions, New Zealand’s quicks strayed in the early overs, an act of spectacular fielding would tend to ensure the pressure stayed on Sri Lanka.The last wicket to fall in the powerplay was that of captain Charith Asalanka, who initially only seemed to be beaten by a sharply rising Nathan Smith delivery outside off stump, only for Smith to insist on the review, and for Snicko to show that the ball had brushed the shoulder of the bat. Asalanka, so often the batter who arrests Sri Lanka collapses, was out for a duck.This brought Janith Liyanage to the crease to join Avishka, and the pair set about the repair work, finding boundaries square of the wicket after much of the seam movement of the early overs had disappeared. Avishka played the short balls well through the middle period, as New Zealand’s seamers switched occasionally to that mode of attack. In any case, the pair put on 87 together, Avishka scoring his ninth ODI fifty, before Liyanage miscued a Mitchell Santner ball to deep midwicket and was out for 36.Sri Lanka had contributions from Wanindu Hasaranga, who hit 35, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who made 22. But New Zealand always had Sri Lanka by the collar – no passage of retaliation lasted very long.Given the trouble New Zealand’s quicks had given Sri Lanka, the chase was exceptionally smooth. Rachin Ravindra was strong on the front foot early on, finding six boundaries in the arc between backward point and mid-off. Young, meanwhile, was excellent whenever Sri Lanka’s bowlers pitched short, playing a number of powerful pulls and hooks. New Zealand were 70 for no loss at the end of the powerplay, Sri Lanka’s seamers guilty of a little indiscipline. There were no serious wicket chances, aside from one missed run-out by Asitha Fernando, who had fielded the ball in his follow-through.Ravindra would be dismissed attempting an ambitious leg-side flick off a full delivery down the leg side, but the remainder of the chase was straightforward. Young continued to find those leg-side boundaries and sped past his tenth ODI half-century. Mark Chapman was a steady presence at the other end. Their unbeaten stand of 87 took the hosts home.

كشفت تقارير صحفية اقتراب نادي برشلونة  من التعاقد مع أحد لاعبي الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول الفترة الماضية.

ليفربول كان قد تعاقد مع إيزاك خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الأخير، قادمًا من صفوف نيوكاسل يونايتد مقابل أكثر من 150 مليون يورو وفي عقد مدته 5 سنوات.

وحارب إيزاك كثيرًا من أجل الانتقال إلى ليفربول، وضغط كثيرًا على إدارة نيوكاسل حتى تمكن اللاعب البالغ من العمر 26 عامًا من تحقيق حلمه باللعب للفريق الأحمر.

ويزعم هنريك لارسون، مساعد كومان بين عامي 2020 و2021، أنه هو من اقترح بعد ذلك على الدولي السويدي، لاعب ليفربول الآن، الإنضمام إلى نادي برشلونة.

اقرأ أيضًا | لتعويض إينيجو مارتينيز.. برشلونة يراقب مدافعين لضم أحدهما الصيف المقبل

ولم يستمر كومان سوى موسم وبعض أشهر من الموسم الثاني، استطاع أن يتوج بلقب وحيد وهو كأس ملك إسبانيا بعد الفوز على أتلتيك بلباو 4/0.

وقال لارسون في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية: “تحدثت إلى برشلونة بشأنه عندما كنت هناك، طلبوا مني قائمة بالمهاجمين، فاقترحت ألكسندر إيزاك”.

وأضاف: “روبرت ليفاندوفسكي كان أيضًا ضمن تلك القائمة، وبالنسبة لتوجيه نصيحة له فأنا لا أملك نصيحة محددة لـ إيزاك”.

وأردف: “الأمر ليس بيدي، إنه موهوب منذ أن كان في الخامسة عشرة من عمره، اللعب مع نيوكاسل ليس سهلًا، وقد قدّم أداءً رائعًا، الآن سينتقل إلى ليفربول، وهذه هي الخطوة التالية”.

Aston Villa are beginning to pick up pace in the transfer window and have now put themselves in position to bring a proven Premier League midfielder back to English shores, according to reports.

Aston Villa look to retain key stars under Unai Emery

Unai Emery has needed to remain patient this summer due to the Villans’ ongoing battle to address their PSR concerns, which has stalled the bulk of their business from occuring early on in the window. Only Yasin Ozcan and Zepiqueno Redmond have arrived so far.

Despite Manchester United’s apparent interest in Ollie Watkins, David Ornstein has confirmed Aston Villa have ‘no intention’ of selling the England international to a direct rival, which will come as a relief to supporters.

He stated: “Ollie Watkins, as reported by our colleague Laurie Whitwell, is among those on Manchester United’s recruitment list. I’d be surprised if he wasn’t on the recruitment list of top clubs.

“He’s such a good striker and a good lad, and they’ve maybe held some enquiries with his camp. I’m not sure if that’s gone to Villa directly.

“From my conversations with Villa, they see themselves as having no intention to part with Ollie Watkins. They want him to continue with him up front for them.”

Aston Villa looking to sell £100k-a-week star and sign quality replacement

NSWE need to offload players.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 5, 2025

Marcus Rashford’s departure following a successful loan spell last season has opened the door for Aston Villa to make a move for Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, though he is also the subject of interest from Atletico Madrid and Nottingham Forest.

Frustration has been encountered by those who want to see the Villans pull off early deals. Nevertheless, their luck could be about to change following recent developments in connection with a midfield target.

Aston Villa could advance for Douglas Luiz

According to Tuttosport, Aston Villa could look to complete a sensational move for ex-midfielder Douglas Luiz following his frustrating time at Juventus.

Saudi Arabian clubs are also in the picture to sign the Brazil international. Still, he is said to have no interest in moving to the Gulf region or Turkish Super Lig despite the Old Lady being keen to offload him as soon as possible.

Douglas Luiz at Aston Villa – should he return to the West Midlands?
Appearances	204
Goals	22
Assists	24

Como are keen suitors willing to offer Luiz an escape route while remaining in Serie A. Meanwhile, Leeds, Everton and Manchester United all have their eye on his current situation.

Aston Villa sporting director Monchi has previously shared his admiration for Luiz, stating: “Would I take him back? After his departure, we made investments and our midfield is well-stocked with Tielemans, Onana, Kamara, Barkley. But I would always take Douglas back, at any club: he’s top class.”

Indeed, the Rio De Janeiro-born man was a revelation at Aston Villa, though he wasn’t able to hit the ground running at Juventus in 27 appearances last term.

Now, with the door open for a new career chapter, £138,000 per week earner Luiz could well complete an unexpected return to the scene of his former glories.

سقط فريق الكرة بـ الأهلي في فخ التعادل أمام منافسه إنبي بهدف لكل فريق، بالمباراة التي جمعت بينهما اليوم ضمن لقاءات الدوري المصري.

وحل الأهلي ضيفًا على نظيره إنبي بالمواجهة التي أقيمت على أرضية استاد المقاولون العرب في إطار لقاءات الجولة السادسة من الدوري المصري.

وتصدر فريق الكرة بـ الزمالك، ترتيب بطولة الدوري المصري، بعد حقق فوزًا هامًا على حساب المصري بنتيجة 3-0، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما مساء أمس السبت.

وانطلقت منافسات الجولة السادسة من مباريات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، أول أمس الجمعة، وذلك بعد انتهاء فترة التوقف الدولي بسبب ارتباط منتخب مصر بـ تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

وأقيمت المباراة بين الزمالك والمصري، على أرضية استاد برج العرب في مدينة الإسكندرية، ضمن لقاءات الجولة السادسة من الدوري.

طالع | ترتيب هدافي الدوري المصري

وغاب فريق بيراميدز عن منافسات الجولة السادسة للراحة من المباريات، بجانب انشغاله بمواجهة أوكلاند سيتي في كأس القارات للأندية. ترتيب الدوري المصري

1- الزمالك – 13 نقطة

2- المصري – 11 نقطة

3- وادي دجلة – 10 نقاط

4- سيراميكا كليوباترا – 10 نقاط

5- مودرن سبورت – 10 نقاط

6- زد – 9 نقاط

7- إنبي – 9 نقاط

8- بتروجيت – 9 نقاط

9- غزل المحلة – 8 نقاط

10- بيراميدز – 8 نقاط

11- حرس الحدود – 8 نقاط

12- طلائع الجيش – 8 نقاط

13- البنك الأهلي – 7 نقاط

14- سموحة – 7 نقاط

15- الأهلي – 6 نقاط

16- الجونة – 6 نقاط

17- الاتحاد السكندري – 5 نقاط

18- الإسماعيلي – 4 نقاط

19- المقاولون العرب – 3 نقاط

20- فاركو – 2 نقطة

21- كهرباء الإسماعيلية – 2 نقطة

يمكنكم متابعة ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز، بشكل محدث وباستمرار من هنا

Batting allrounder heads north after turning down contract extension

Matt Roller27-Jul-2024

Will Rhodes captained Warwickshire to the title in 2021•PA Photos/Getty Images

Will Rhodes will join Durham next season after deciding to leave Warwickshire, the side he captained to the County Championship title in 2021.Rhodes, whose contract at Warwickshire expires at the end of the season, was offered an extension but turned it down, feeling that the time was right for a move after seven seasons in the Midlands and that he could find a more competitive deal elsewhere. He has since agreed a long-term contract at Durham, where he will take up a role in an experienced batting line-up.Warwickshire confirmed Rhodes’ departure on Saturday, while Durham are yet to announce his arrival. “It’s not been an easy decision,” Rhodes said. “I’ve spent most of my professional career here at Edgbaston, made life-long friends, and had success on the field. There are memories I will cherish for many, many years.”But I feel the time is right to move on and pick up a fresh challenge. Coming to the club as a 22-year-old, I never thought I’d get such an opportunity to captain a great club like Warwickshire. It’s been an unbelievable honour… I’d like to think I’ve made a positive contribution and helped take the club forward.”Related

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Barnard sets up rout, as Rhodes and Shaikh seal it for Warwickshire

Venkatesh Iyer joins Lancashire for maiden county stint

Barnard cracks 173 as Warwickshire outgun Essex

Rhodes intends to remain with the club for the rest of the season as they look to avoid relegation, rather than joining Durham on loan early. “It goes without saying that I will be giving my all to the club for the rest of the season,” he said. “We’ve had a brilliant start in the One Day Cup. Who knows, it would be amazing to go out on a high by winning some silverware.”After starting his career at Yorkshire, Rhodes has played 86 first-class matches for Warwickshire, averaging 35.85 with the bat and scoring 10 hundreds – including 156 in the end-of-season Bob Willis Trophy final against Lancashire in 2021. He has also featured in 37 T20s for them – though none since 2021 – and 36 List A games.Rhodes was appointed club captain ahead of the 2020 season, succeeding Jeetan Patel, and led Warwickshire to their first Championship title since 2012 the following summer. He stepped down at the end of last year, citing a desire to focus on his own form, and has averaged 41.21 so far this season.Mark Robinson, Warwickshire’s coach, said: “When you work as a head coach with a captain for a number of years, you form a special bond which will always last. So personally, I would like to thank Will for all the support he has given me, as well as the wider club, both as a leader and a performer on the field.”Durham announced earlier this week that New Zealand’s Neil Wagner is joining them for the Championship run-in and the One-Day Cup.

As results on the pitch continue to encapsulate their struggles even after the Premier League season has concluded, Manchester United have reportedly already set their sights on some key upgrades.

Man Utd defeated by ASEAN All-Stars

Whilst other clubs have taken a much-needed rest following a frantic Premier League season, Manchester United are currently in Asia on a post-season tour. But even outside of Europe, they haven’t been able to escape their problems. Just one week after suffering defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, the Red Devils were humiliated by ASEAN All-Stars earlier this week to only add to their misery.

In a game which featured several mainstays, including Andre Onana, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund, Manchester United’s Asian fans would have been expecting Ruben Amorim’s side to get back to winning ways, albeit only in a friendly.

What they received instead, however, is the experience that many around Old Trafford have become accustomed to. And like those at Old Trafford, they reacted by booing the defeat that they were witnessing – boos that Amorim has since admitted his side need to hear.

The Manchester United boss told reporters after yet another defeat: “I’m always guilty of the performance of the team, no matter what. Since I’ve been here from the first day, I am guilty. The boos from the fans is something that we need, maybe. Because every game we lost in the Premier League, they [fans] were always there [supporting].

Gordon Strachan tells Man Utd to sign £30m star who'd be better than Osimhen

Gordon Strachan was speaking to Football FanCast this week.

ByMatt Dawson May 29, 2025

“It’s like the way of playing, if they see that it’s not working, they will change the way they behave. But I felt when we finished and walked away, the supporters were with us. But, again, let’s wait for the next season.”

The defeat once again highlighted just how desperately Manchester United need to get things right this summer, perhaps starting with a signing that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly not giving up on.

Man Utd set to hold more Joan Garcia talks

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are now set to hold new talks to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia in the coming days, with Ratcliffe failing to give up on the deal despite interest from Barcelona, who are the current favorites to get a deal done. Reports from Spain have even claimed that Garcia has even chosen Barcelona, but Man Utd are looking to hiajck a move.

The interest of the Red Devils comes as little surprise, given they had discussions for the keeper last month. Garcia, with a release clause worth just €25m (£21m), ticks the box for the type of bargain that United must target this summer as they look to replace Onana.

Starts

38

34

Clean Sheets

8

9

Saves P90

3.68

2.59

Save Percentage

75.5%

68.9%

If there are any concerns that Garcia wouldn’t be a major upgrade on Onana, then the numbers should put those concerns to bed in an instant. The Spaniard has enjoyed an excellent season at Espanyol and has been praised by Ben Mattinson since the very start, with the analyst dubbing him “dominant” back in August.

For just £21m, the deal makes perfect sense for Manchester United if they want to end their goalkeeper struggles once and for all in the coming months.

Aston Villa’s season now rests on finishing inside the top five spots in the Premier League with an FA Cup semi-final heartbreak still fresh, on top of crashing out of the Champions League to the might of Paris St. Germain.

Of course, finishing inside those coveted few positions will be a hard feat to pull off, with Chelsea and Nottingham Forest also vying for a place amongst Europe’s elite alongside Unai Emery’s Villans.

But, when Villa are at their free-flowing, dangerous best, they can hurt any side that comes their way in the top-flight. Amazingly, however, the West Midlands giants could become even more of an entertaining outfit to watch if they were to land this top-drawer attacking midfielder shortly.

Aston Villa's early transfer targets

It’s not only incomings that are the talk of the town at Villa Park at the moment, with Emiliano Martinez reportedly being looked at by clubs out in Saudi Arabia, alongside Morgan Rogers taking up space on Chelsea’s ever-growing shopping list.

Rogers leaving might well have sparked Villa’s curiosity in looking for fresh blood in the number ten spot, with 18-year-old Sverre Nypan being looked at as one for the future, alongside Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer deal.

Football Insider has revealed that Villa are looking to snap up the Premier League veteran as an alternative to landing loan star Marco Asensio permanently.

The Villans are exploring a move for the former Chelsea man as it could prove far cheaper than the deal needed to lure Asensio to England for good, considering the need to cover the Spaniard’s wages, alongside a transfer fee.

After all, the 33-year-old would be able to gift Emery and Co some class as an ageing operator in midfield, on top of perhaps being the best switch Villa have signed off on since De Bruyne’s fellow compatriot Youri Tielemans entered the building back in 2023.

Why De Bruyne could be their best signing since Tielemans

Before delving deeper into why he could be held in such high esteem, Villa have picked up some top talents since Tielemans’ arrival almost two years ago.

Rogers’ signing sticks out as a memorable one – among the likes of Amadou Onana joining for big bucks – considering Chelsea will have to splash out far more than the initial £8m Emery and Co paid for his services, off the back of his 16 goal contributions in league action this season.

Even the loan moves for the likes of Asensio, Marcus Rashford and Donyell Malen have caught the eye, although a bargain deal for De Bruyne would surpass even that trio, considering his status as the “greatest” Premier League midfielder of all time, according to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.

Much like the City number 17’s potential switch, Tielemans would also join the Villa ranks in 2023 as a free transfer pick-up, with the Villans capitalising on Leicester City’s dire relegation situation to land the exceptional midfielder.

Ever since joining, the 75-time Belgium international has pulled the strings for his employers on a regular basis, leading to Tielemans amassing 25 goal contributions and counting from 97 overall contests.

The “unique” De Bruyne – as described by Pep Guardiola – has still managed to show flashes of his excellence for City this season, even as his team’s form on the pitch has been unexpectedly choppy, meaning he might well link up with Tielemans to devastating effect if a deal is signed off on.

Indeed, the six-time Premier League title winner has still been able to register a healthy five goals and eight assists in all competitions. To add context, Tielemans is only one ahead of his potential new teammate’s numbers for the campaign, despite being six years younger.

De Bruyne’s achievements at City
Stat	De Bruyne
Games played	417
Goals scored	107
Assists	177
Premier League titles	6x
FA Cups	2x
League Cups	5x
Champions Leagues	1x
Man City Player of the Season	4x
Premier League Player of the Season	2x
Sourced by Transfermarkt

A man of De Bruyne’s “unbelievable” pedigree – as he’s been hailed in the past by Guardiola himself – doesn’t just his lose his star-quality overnight, with Emery perhaps the perfect manager to get the 5 foot 11 ace back to his ridiculous best, having worked wonders when reviving Rashford’s own career.

Therefore, if everything goes to plan and De Bruyne can prove his age is merely a number by showing off his world-class ability, this would go down as the best switch signed off on since Tielemans’ arrival onto the scene.

Aston Villa may already be close to signing an "elite" Rogers replacement

Aston Villa will be considering who they can swoop in for if Morgan Rogers departs the club.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 1, 2025