Tag Futebol

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico Rogério Ceni despistou sobre a sua permanência no São Paulo para a próxima temporada. Após a derrota por 2 a 0 para o América-MG, o treinador foi perguntado se ficará para a próxima temporada.

RelacionadasSão PauloSão Paulo recebe premiação de R$ 13,7 milhões no BrasileiroSão Paulo09/12/2021São PauloVolpi lamenta derrota e faz balanço do ano do São Paulo: ‘Difícil’São Paulo09/12/2021BrasileirãoCom gols de Ademir, América-MG bate o São Paulo e se classifica para a primeira fase da LibertadoresBrasileirão09/12/2021

Ceni deixou claro que espera reforços para a próxima temporada. O ídolo do Tricolor tem receio de jogar a história de 26 anos como atleta ‘fora’ se acontecer alguma coisa de ruim com ele no comando em 2022.

-Sobre material humano, temos bons jogadores em determinadas posições, faltam outros jogadores para complementar o tipo de elenco que a gente tem, na minha modesta opinião. Decisão de ficar ou não depende muito disso, porque não posso jogar uma história de 26 anos fora se não enxergar que temos condições de ser melhores do que fomos neste ano – afirmou o treinador em entrevista coletiva.

Ceni terá uma reunião nesta sexta-feira com a diretoria do São Paulo para definir os passos para a próxima temporada.

-As posições serão passadas para a direção. Já passei em algumas entrevistas coletivas, faltam algumas coisas de um contra um, lado de campo. É aminha opinião, minha análise, que passarei provavelmente à diretoria amanhã, em uma reunião – finalizou.

MatériaMais Notícias

Abel Ferreira conduziu o Palmeiras ao segundo título da Libertadores em menos de um ano ao derrotar o Flamengo no Estádio Centenário. Em entrevista coletiva após a conquista, o treinador foi questionado a respeito de sua continuação no Verdão e deixou em aberto o futuro de sua carreira.

RelacionadasLibertadoresRevista pôster do Palmeiras tricampeão da Libertadores nas suas mãos. Baixe agora!Libertadores27/11/2021PalmeirasATUAÇÕES: Brilha a estrela de Deyverson, Veiga joga bem e o Palmeiras é campeão da Libertadores de 2021Palmeiras27/11/2021LibertadoresVÍDEO: Veja a comemoração da torcida do Palmeiras ao término da final da LibertadoresLibertadores27/11/2021

– Eu tenho que fazer uma reflexão muito grande. O clube já demonstrou a sua vontade. Sou grato ao Maurício e à Leila. Mas não consigo jogar em jogo, descanso e jogo. É desumano. Se quiserem crescer, precisamos abdicar da ida e volta. Isso tudo no tempo de Deus. Vou escolher o que for melhor para o Palmeiras – afirmou

Além disso, o comandante do Verdão também comentou acerca da cultura imediatista do futebol brasileiro, já criticada por ele em outras oportunidades. Segundo Abel, é possível evoluir na maneira comportamental com que o esporte é tratado no país.

– Tudo depende de Deus. Eu sou grato ao futebol brasileiro. Utilizo muito essa expressão. Foi o Palmeiras que me abriu as portas para ganhar títulos. Cheguei aqui com títulos e já levando paulada. Existe muita margem para melhorarmos no Brasil. O calendário é insano, é desumano – declarou.

Em pouco mais de um ano no comando do Palmeiras, Abel Ferreira conquistou três títulos, sendo dois da Libertadores e um da Copa do Brasil.

Looking to lift the heavy load of goal contributions from Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen next season, West Ham United have already acquired Luis Guilherme, Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug as attacking reinforcements.

Kudus and Bowen provided 55 G/A between them, with Bowen scoring 20 goals and providing ten assists, whilst Kudus scored 18 goals and provided seven assists.

But West Ham look keen to conduct even more business in the forward department, perhaps for a younger and slightly different profile to Fullkrug, as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

West Ham transfer news

West Ham were linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen forward Adam Hlozek earlier this summer and according to fresh reports, he could be on the move.

Indeed, Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that there have been concrete talks with clubs from the Premier League.

According to Plettenberg, Leverkusen are after €17m-€18m (around £15m), and there is likely to be a decision made on his future soon by both the club and the player. His current contract expires in 2027.

Hlozek made 36 appearances for Leverkusen in all competitions last season, scoring seven goals, providing five assists, and totalling 1,011 minutes played.

How Hlozek compares to Bowen

Now, of course, the first thing to point out is their positional differences, Hlozek is more of a secondary striker, who can play from the left, whilst Bowen is predominantly a right-winger, who can play from a range of other zones, one being as a centre-forward when called upon.

Hlozek only started six games for Leverkusen last year, but posted some very good per 90 metrics, and this is why the "powerful" forward, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, could be a great market opportunity this summer. Said to be the most similar player in European football to Bowen, via FBref, there are some interesting parallels.

Hlozek's minutes are far fewer than Bowen's and this, of course, plays a part in the metrics. However, there are some very encouraging signs from these per 90-minute stats, his intent as a player and the qualities he brings.

Like Bowen, Hlozek – who scored against Arsenal last week in pre-season – is a high-output player, who wants to be in dangerous zones to affect the game, providing goals and assists for his team, creating chances for himself and others, and also proving to be a menace in the box.

His high shot volume, averaging 4.06 shots per 90, shows his willingness to pull the trigger, and his 0.61 assists also show he will find a teammate if they are in a better position than him, a good mixture of greed and savvy.

Hlozek, despite being only 5 foot 11, is still a nuisance to deal with, having a relentless physical profile, who wins a high percentage of his aerial duels, winning 1.57 per 90.

His link-up play with other forwards is another excellent asset of the 22-year-old, and this could prove to be a very clever move from the Hammers this summer.

More assists than Bowen: West Ham could land dream signing in PL "warrior"

Julen Lopetegui is showing no signs of slowing down with regards signing players

By
Ross Kilvington

Aug 11, 2024

Chelsea concluded their pre-season preparations with a last-gasp 1-1 draw with Inter Milan on Sunday afternoon, a game that will be more remembered for the arrival of Pedro Neto.

News surprisingly broke on Friday afternoon that the Londoners were closing in on a move and in just over 48 hours all of the paperwork was finalised and he was announced as a Blue at half-time.

The news will come as sweet relief for Enzo Maresca and Todd Boehly whose plans to improve the squad in the final month of the window are now rather unravelling.

Then again, when did a transfer window ever go by in the Boehly era without a bit of drama?

With a move for Samu Omorodion falling apart, Chelsea are now scrambling to sort out a replacement. Fortunately, they've got a couple of irons in the fire.

The latest on Omorodion to Chelsea

In the last few days, it looked like the Atletico Madrid forward was heading to Stamford Bridge this summer.

A fee of around £34m was agreed and the player was set to pen terms on a seven-year contract in England.

However, David Ornstein revealed late on Sunday that a move has now 'collapsed' with a 'major problem' when finalising the contract hindering the deal.

As a result, the club are now targeting Joao Felix as an alternative. The Portuguese talent spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan with Chelsea where he played 20 times and scored four goals.

Are there any other alternatives? Well, Victor Osimhen has been talked about all summer long. There could be another up their sleeve too.

Chelsea's best Samu Omorodion alternative

Osimhem, the scorer of 31 goals during Napoli's Scudetto win in the 2022/23 season would be a mighty fine addition.

However, despite approaching his prime years at the age of 25, does he truly fit the transfer philosophy at Chelsea right now?

Boehly and Co have been intent on signing the best young talent in the world and as such, perhaps another target would be a wise addition.

Indeed, instead of Felix and Osimhen, they could target Brighton striker Evan Ferguson. The Irishman – who is just 19 – was a topic over the weekend when The Daily Star revealed that there is interest there from both Manchester United and Chelsea.

The forward has been valued as high as £100m previously but this fresh claim suggests United are looking at a £50m package if they were to move.

So, why would Ferguson be a better option than Omorodion? Well, first and foremost, he's already done it at senior level on a more regular basis and vitally, he's already done it in the Premier League.

To date, the Republic of Ireland international – who Roberto De Zerbi thought was "incredible" – has scored 16 times in 65 senior appearances, 12 of which have come in England's top flight.

Omorodion? Well, he's only found the net on nine occasions 35 LaLiga outings. It's not a bad record but aged 20, he's not played as much football at a high level as Ferguson has.

With that in mind, this move would surely be less of a gamble. Here's a further comparison of the two.

Goals

0.46

0.41

Assists

0.08

0.05

Progressive carries

0.92

1.35

Progressive passes

1.12

0.81

Shot on target %

54%

39%

Pass success %

80%

72%

Key passes

0.65

0.81

Shot-creating actions

1.69

1.49

Succesful take-ons

0.58

0.99

Aerials won

0.85

2.75

So, it's evident that the two are different profiles of forward. Omorodion is a bigger box presence, winning far more aerial duels. He's also capable of beating a man on a more regular basis, completing more take-ons and progressive carries.

That said, Ferguson is certainly the more consistent of the two. He links up with opponents with greater accuracy and his shots are more accurate, a stat that's obviously particularly important for a striker.

It likely comes down to what you think Chelsea need more of. However, with Premier League experience we're backing Ferguson in this one. He'd be a fabulous alternative to the Atletico youngster.

Watch out Omorodion: Chelsea want PL ace who's a bigger talent than Solanke

The Blues are still looking to improve their forward line this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 11, 2024

La Liga president Javier Tebas has echoed Vinicius Junior's criticism regarding the 'overloaded' calendar causing the Brazilian's injury this week.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Vinicius picks up a muscular injury
• Blames injury on packed schedule
• Tebas echoes the Brazilian's complaints

• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Vinicius picked up a muscular injury to his thigh during Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Leganes and Los Blancos have now confirmed that the Brazilian will miss out on close to three weeks of action. Vinicius has since blamed the packed footballing calendar for his injury and the beliefs have now been echoed by Tebas, who referenced the lawsuit against FIFA over the scheduling issues.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT TEBAS SAID

  Speaking at the AFE Awards, Tebas said: “It is clear that the calendar is overloaded. There are many competitions and it causes injuries. It is an objective fact. La Liga has sued FIFA in the European Union.”

• FIFA
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The increasing load on players through the football season has become a point of issue raised by several players, clubs and leagues as the number of games continue to increase and so do the injuries related to overworking players through the season. Players' union, FIFPRO has already launched an official complaint against FIFA in accordance with top European leagues as they look to clock the expanded 2025 Club World Cup, that is set to take place at the end of the current year.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS?

  Real Madrid have not mentioned the exact timeline for Vinicius' return but it is hoped that he could be able to return to action before the end of the calendar year.

Leganes have prepared for the visit of Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid with a special video featuring the Ballon d'Or and cheeky mascot Super Pepino.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Vinicius missed out on Ballon d'Or to RodriHeading to Leganes next in La LigaClub issue video ahead of clashFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Los Blancos return to La Liga action after the international break with a trip to Butarque to take on Leganes. Vinicius Jr will be part of the squad just weeks after narrowly missing out on winning the Ballon d'Or. Leganes have now had a bit of fun ahead of the game by releasing a video showing the prestigious award being captured and taken to the club's stadium, only to be swiped out of the Real Madrid dressing room by the one and only Super Pepino.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT LEGANES SAID

A caption at the end of the video reads simply: "Dear Real Madrid friends, they say that in Leganes dreams come true, but we hope it is not in this match…"

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Real Madrid were so unhappy at seeing Vinicius miss out on the prestigious award they ended up boycotting the ceremony, while the Brazilian was told to "get the Ballon d'Or out of his head" and focus on his football. Vinicius certainly did that last time out in La Liga, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-0 win for Madrid over Osasuna.

Liverpool supporters far and wide will be desperate to see Arne Slot succeed in the Anfield dugout, but then Jurgen Klopp wore big boots and they will be decidedly hard to fill.

Granted, Slot, formerly of Feyenoord in the Netherlands, has tactical acumen, charisma and a winning smile. He has the ingredients to stir up success and lift an already talented squad that won the Carabao Cup last season and fought hard for the Premier League title, pulled away by a disappointing plummet in form toward the backend of the campaign.

But the idea of illustrious fortunes has already taken root in the hive mind of this Liverpool team, and now Slot is looking to build a foundation to reach such a level and sustain it.

Liverpool have a talented squad, yes, but so do Arsenal, and so do Manchester City. Moreover, so does a rather worrying group of top-flight rivals pushing for prominence. This squad might just need a tinker to put it in a good position to realise such potential next year, and beyond.

The Merseysiders might be well stocked across the park but there is no question that improvements could be made, with one exciting transfer story refusing to go away.

Liverpool transfer news

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are still interested in signing Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, who was offered to the Reds at the end of June as the Magpies sought to solve their PSR concerns.

Now that Newcastle have avoided a breach, signing the one-time Liverpool academy member is going to be tricky, but Football Insider's report suggests that a new bid is being plotted. However, the Toon are looking for a 'huge fee' in order to sell.

Indeed, Eddie Howe's outfit's £75m asking price is proving to be a sticking point, but Michael Edwards is a savvy negotiator and could yet canvass a shrewd and acceptable proposal.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: summer transfer window 2024

Find every incoming and outgoing for each 2024/25 Premier League club here.

ByStephan Georgiou Sep 18, 2024 Anthony Gordon's Newcastle career in numbers

Newcastle signed Gordon from Everton for £45m in January 2023 after the winger forced his way out of Goodison via a transfer request. He had made his name with Everton after being released by his boyhood club (Liverpool) during his teenage years.

He might have flattered to deceive at first on Tyneside but the Englishman went from strength to strength after a summer of recovery and invaluable pre-season, he has bloomed into one of the Premier League's most coveted attacking players.

Indeed, having scored just one goal and failed to register an assist across 16 appearances during the latter half of the 2022/23 campaign, Gordon's prolific exploits last season earned him the prize of United's Player of the Season, with his teammate Bruno Guimaraes hailing his "unbelievable" efforts.

Fleet-footed, slippery and invariably dangerous, the 23-year-old proved that he can throw down with the best that Europe has to offer last year and was duly called up to Gareth Southgate's England Euro 2024 squad as a result.

After all, 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions during his first full year at St. James' Park is hardly something to be sniffed at, especially when considering the player's overall performance level.

Matches played

35

Matches started

34

Goals

11

Assists

10

Big chances created

16

Pass completion

82%

Shots taken per game

2.3

Key passes per game

1.6

Tackles per game

1.6

Ball recoveries per game

3.6

Dribbles per game

1.5

Duels won per game

5.3

All-encompassing, Gordon has the mark of an elite-level forward and would be a brilliant addition to Slot's Liverpool team, bringing pace, potency and playmaking quality to make a marked effect on the success of a new era. He is undoubtedly an "exciting" player, as former Red Emile Heskey billed him.

Liverpool will of course weigh up the pros and cons but simply imagining the partnership that could be forged between the winger and Trent Alexander-Arnold is enough to get the legs wobbling.

How Trent could benefit Gordon at Liverpool

As per FBref, Alexander-Arnold ranks among the top 12% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 5% for assists, the top 1% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions and the top 2% for progressive passes per 90.

The £180k-per-week talent is truly one of Europe's superlative ball-playing stars, with pundit Jamie Carragher even exclaiming that "it's like having Kevin De Bruyne at right-back" – in reference to his ability to make staggering surgical passes, carving backlines open at will.

Gordon would relish the opportunity to play with such a phenom at club level.

Liverpool may have a top-class left winger in Luis Diaz, while Cody Gakpo has showcased his ability to wreak havoc from out wide for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 this summer, leading the scoring charts. Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez are both competent on the wing too, albeit better placed in a central striking position.

Supporters understand – if a bit grudgingly – that FSG are reluctant to authorise a high-cost acquisition in such a position given the rich spread of options at Slot's disposal, but if one were to leave, the stance would change entirely.

Diaz has been consistently linked with a move to Barcelona over recent months, but Liverpool would only entertain offers in excess of £50m and La Blaugrana aren't exactly loaded. Still, the interest is genuine and things could change over the next two months.

Harking back to that earlier Alexander-Arnold point, Gordon's pace and output might not be too dissimilar to that of Diaz but the England international is proving himself to be far more reliable in front of goal, providing the Reds' vice-captain with an unceasing attacking focal point to find with his diverse passing ability.

Alexander-Arnold created the joint-fifth-most big chances (16) in the Premier League last season despite starting only 25 times during an injury-affected year, and given that he is starting to shuttle into the centre with greater regularity, he might find himself placed to pick out surging peers such as Gordon with all the more constancy.

If the finances end up working out, Liverpool must surely push to sign Gordon, who wants the move and, four years younger than Diaz, could be one of Slot's linchpins over the coming years.

Hijack: Liverpool eyeing “monster” who'd be Slot's own Van Dijk signing

This would be quite the statement from FSG.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 5, 2024

Garber said global soccer leagues should look to the MLS approach as a model for success

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

MLS commissioner Garber speaks at Leaders Week 2024Says other leagues should follow MLS' infrastructureSays streaming services may be future of sports coverageGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?

MLS Commissioner Don Garber believes that global soccer leagues would be in "much, much better shape," if they followed a structure similar to that of the domestic men's league, according to the Sports Business Journal.

Garber's comments came at the Leaders Week 2024 conference in London Wednesday, with the veteran commissioner saying "If you were to ask the people that are running some of the big European leagues, they'd say, 'Boy, MLS has got it right."

Garber attributed the growth of MLS team valuations and investment in soccer-specific stadiums in part to the league’s unique structure as single business entity.

Garber said that a key driver for the success of MLS is the lack of promotion and relegation – a mechanism used in the majority of leagues around the world. Garber suggested that MLS owners and public entities would be reticent to put significant funds toward stadiums if their team had a chance of being sent down — resulting in a major revenue loss — after an unsuccessful season.

However, in certain instances, he admitted he may be open to trying the concept in certain scenarios.

“I do think that there are ways for us to think about what that could look like going forward as the development of the minor leagues continues to grow,” Garber said. “We have a competition with [Liga MX] called the Leagues Cup, where we play against the Mexican league in the summertime — could we have different ways that our teams are qualifying in for that?”

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

That said, Garber also noted that there are structural changes that could still benefit MLS, especially around governance.

“In terms of governance, we'd probably change things: maybe not have strict salary caps, maybe not have a centralized entity like the league office making a lot of learned decisions based on committees and the like,” Garber said. “But I think we have a model that has driven our success, and I think if that model was adapted around the world, football would be in much, much better shape.”

Garber also discussed the growth of soccer in the U.S. beyond MLS, saying of the 2026 World Cup in North America: “People have no idea how big the World Cup is going to be in the States. I've said that to [FIFA President] Gianni Infantino. I've said it to Victor Montagliani, who runs CONCACAF. Our country is going to explode with interest, and that's not selling. We are a football-soccer nation.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Garber also pointed toward the value of the MLS' 10-year media deal with Apple TV, adding that he believes streaming services may become the dominant option for future sports consumption.

“I do think the world is moving, as we all know, to a streaming environment," he said. "Ninety-eight percent of Americans have at least one streaming service. Think about that from where it was five years ago. Most kids today have never consumed cable. So, the most important question is, ‘Are we early? Are we on time?’ Time will tell, history will judge it.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

IMGANWHAT NEXT FOR MLS?

Decision Day 2024 is set for Saturday. The league's regular season finale will determine the final entrants, and official seeding, for the 2024 postseason.

The no. 1 overall seed has already been clinched by Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, who claimed the MLS Supporters' Shield earlier this month.

Leeds United have benefited in the not so distant past from giving players once disregarded as duds more opportunities to shine, who were once looking likely to be thrown to the scrapheap in West Yorkshire.

Junior Firpo from last season is a glowing example of the club's patience paying off, with the ex-Barcelona defender shining at points in the Championship by amassing an impressive eight assists, after really struggling in the Premier League for the Whites.

Brenden Aaronson will hope he can turn around his Leeds career in a similar fashion, on his return back to England this summer, but could find he's pushed to one side again, if Farke and Co are successful in their pursuit of this attacking midfield gem.

Leeds back in for £0 attacking midfield gem

According to a report by Football Insider, Leeds could be nearing towards a deal to sign Coventry City star Callum O'Hare on a free transfer very soon, with ex-Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson stating that a move will likely take place when in-demand attackers have departed Elland Road.

It is further revealed in the same report that O'Hare is high on the priority list owing to the fact Leeds are targeting signings who will not break the bank, with the Sky Blues man walking away from the CBS Arena for £0 this week, after failing to agree a new contract with Mark Robins' men.

With O'Hare lighting up the Championship again this season just gone in the number ten spot, when back fully fit for Coventry, Aaronson could find his minutes are still few and far between relocating back to his parent club from Germany.

The English magician would also thrive making the move to Leeds, with the Whites attack becoming an even more terrifying prospect for second-tier defences to contain and manage, if the 26-year-old does make the move.

What O'Hare could offer Leeds

The 26-year-old had wretched luck with injuries before his stunning 23/24 season, however, as a serious knee injury struck him down the campaign before, which meant he made only 11 league appearances in total.

Missing the opening few months this season sidelined still with this long-lasting knock, before finally being able to kick into gear, O'Hare effortlessly blew off any lingering cobwebs with six goals and three assists managed from 31 league clashes.

Stat – per 90 mins*

O'Hare

Games played

31

Goals scored

6

Assists

3

Shots*

1.3

Touches*

43.0

Ball recoveries*

3.3

Big chances created

4

Stats by Sofascore

Impressing last campaign for the Sky Blues in the league, when looking at the table above, as well as starring during his team's memorable FA Cup run, Aaronson's days will be numbered if this deal does get over the line soon.

Aaronson, in contrast, barely managed to leave a lasting impression on the Union Berlin masses during his loan stint in the Bundesliga, with only 43 minutes averaged per game for his short-term employers from his 30 appearances.

Only two goals would come his way when gifted a chance to impress in the German capital, with the American attacker needing to really dig deep back on his return to Elland Road to prove doubters wrong, after an equally uninspiring return of one goal and three assists when previously donning a Whites strip.

Described as being a "dangerous" attacker for the Sky Blues, alongside the likes of Kasey Palmer in the West Midlands, by football journalist Josh Bunting, Leeds fans will be licking their lips at the prospect of O'Hare terrorising Championship defences for fun pulling on his new Whites jersey.

He could well be a signing that sees Farke's men push on and win promotion this time around, instead of slipping up on the big occasion.

Medical scheduled with Leeds set to sell "aggressive" player

A deal is close.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 30, 2024

Unai Emery's first port of call after finishing his first full season at the Aston Villa helm appears to be signing former loanee Ross Barkley from relegated Premier League rivals Luton Town.

Barkley, aged 30, has enjoyed quite the resurgence on English shores after losing his way these past several years, starting just ten league matches over the past two league campaigns with Chelsea and Nice (on loan in France), yet now hailed for being "not far off Player of the Season" by Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.

This is a shrewd move for an experienced and cultured midfielder who will add depth and dynamism to a team preparing for the raised bar of competing among Europe's elite, but supporters will hope for further, more lucrative deals to follow.

Though Villa have enjoyed immense success, some outgoings will be required to stay in line with Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, but if certain blocks are shifted then an exciting new name could wind up in the Midlands.

Villa lining up marquee move

As per journalist Graeme Bailey, Aston Villa have joined Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in registering an interest in Paris Saint-Germain's Xavi Simons, who starred on loan with RB Leipzig in Germany this season.

PSG are expected to list Simons for loan once again this summer but could be tempted to sell if an acceptable offer is put forth, with previous reports suggesting that a sum of €60m (£52m) might do the trick.

The report does stress that Simons' preference is to move to Barcelona, having cut his teeth in La Masia's fabled academy, but whether the financially stricken giants have the means to bring the 21-year-old back remains to be seen at this stage.

Xavi Simons' season in numbers

An incredible, multi-functioning wide forward, Simons exceeded expectations with Leipzig last season and clinched ten goals and 15 assists from 45 matches in all competitions, placed alongside Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz and Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala as one of the Bundesliga's "three crazy attacking talents" – as per Jacek Kulig.

His versatility and ability to maintain potency wherever he is deployed make him a weapon of singular devastation, allowing Emery to deploy him where he sees fit to cater to the needs of the forthcoming fixture.

During his German Bundesliga campaign, the 13-cap Netherlands international scored eight goals and provided 11 assists from 32 matches, as per Sofascore, creating 14 big chances, completing 82% of his passes and averaging 2.5 key passes, 2.6 dribbles, 5.2 ball recoveries and 6.3 successful duels per game.

He's truly shaping into one of the elite forwards of his generation, and Villa would hand him the freedom to cement a spot as the attacking fulcrum of an outfit on the rise, perhaps reflecting his own burgeoning potential.

Let's illustrate that point.

As per FBref, Simons ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for progressive passes, the top 19% for progressive carries and the top 15% for successful take-ons per 90.

This level of offensive quality highlights the reason some of Europe's most illustrious teams are desperate to bring him to their stadium, and Villa must surely throw the kitchen sink at getting the deal over the line, with Simons even dubbed a "superstar" by journalist Antonio Mango.

It might require sacrifice, but perhaps that's simply part and parcel of rising through the levels to secure a spot at the forefront of the continental game.

Indeed, while it would not be the most popular move Emery has enforced since succeeding Steven Gerrard in the Villa Park dugout, it might be the right time to sell Jacob Ramsey, especially given Simons would mark an almighty upgrade.

How Villa can sign Xavi Simons

Aston Villa might be in the pink in many ways but there is indeed an underlying caveat that summer transfer activity must be conducted with financial fair play rules in mind.

Simons might be an option for permanent or (initially) short-term transfer but there's little question that he would improve Emery's team, and every effort must be exhausted in bringing him to Villa Park.

But perhaps a sale would facilitate the move. While it would be met with division, Villa must consider cashing in on Ramsey to fund Simons' signing, and given that Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are involved in a tussle for his services, as per The Telegraph, it might open up the switch.

Villa's boyhood star, who is 22, has impressed in recent years but suffered an injury-affected season as his peers forged a path toward the Champions League, starting just eight Premier League matches and last featuring at the beginning of March – providing just one goal and one assist in 2023/24.

But he's still an excellent talent, predicted to bloom into a “top-class” player in the future by pundit Jamie Carragher, performing wonderfully last season, scoring six goals and supplying seven assists from 31 top-flight starts, as per Sofascore, completing 84% of his passes and averaging 1.2 key passes, two tackles and 4.6 successful duels per fixture.

Ramsey's obvious talent actually makes a deeper argument toward initiating the dynamic midfielder's sale, with David Ornstein even revealing back in January that Villan bosses hold an opinion that they could bring in as much as £50m for the player's departure, something that might not hold the same weight after his recent injury issues but nonetheless speaks of his pedigree.

Ramsey's brother, Aaron, was sold in similar circumstances last summer, joining Burnley for a fee in excess of £12m, and given that his homegrown status would hand Villa pure profit, this could be the ruthless move to make to ensure that the rise continues and Emery is provided with the perfect tools to crafter even greater success next season, and beyond.

Villa chasing £17m Watkins partner who's a better dribbler than Grealish

Unai Emery could score a big hit by signing this exciting talent this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 23, 2024

While the likes of Arsenal and Man City also appear ready to pounce, Villa would be wise to use their newfound Champions League status to do all they can to tempt Simons into making the move to the Midlands.