Rangers must wipe away the tears after the heartbreak in Seville earlier this week, as they have the chance to end the season on a high in the Scottish Cup today.
The Gers can win a trophy in their final match of a gruelling campaign to give the club a much-needed lift after the loss on penalties in the final of the Europa League on Wednesday night.
Gio van Bronckhorst’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by Eintracht Frankfurt over 120 minutes after Joe Aribo opened the scoring in that game, losing in the penalty shoot-out as Aaron Ramsey failed to score from 12 yards.
They now come up against Hearts in the final of the Scottish Cup, and one player that Van Bronckhorst must bring into the starting XI is academy midfielder Alex Lowry.
Gio must unleash Lowry for Rangers
He was an unused substitute in Seville but has the potential to be Rangers’ big cup hero today. Lowry can put down a marker ahead of next season by making the difference for the Glasgow giants on this occasion.
The 18-year-old played against Hearts on the final day of the Premiership season and was absolutely outstanding throughout the match. As per SofaScore, he completed 33 of his 38 passes, created one ‘big chance’ and made two tackles whilst playing on the left of the front three.
He ended the match with a goal and an assist to his name, brilliantly rolling the ball into the corner for his goal and setting up Cedric Itten to score with a precise corner.
Van Bronckhorst has now handed the youngster four appearances in the top flight this season and Lowry has averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 7.05 in those matches. The Scottish starlet is showing that he can perform at first-team level in spite of his tender age, and he has the quality to be the hero of today’s final.
Scottish coach Andy Goldie hailed the youngster as “care free and gallus” in an interview with The Athletic, whilst he also said that the midfielder is a “master” of the ball in a way unlike many young players in the country.
These quotes suggest that Lowry has the playing style to make him standout in a cup final. He has the magic touch in possession to make things happen, as proven in the team’s last clash against Hearts, and that is why Van Bronckhorst must place him in the starting XI for this game.
AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst eyeing Rangers swoop for “phenomenal” £1m destroyer, supporters would love him…
Celtic have reportedly stepped up their pursuit to complete the permanent signing of winger Jota during the upcoming transfer window, according to a Portuguese source.
The Lowdown: Jota’s impressive loan spell
The Bhoys look set to complete the capture of Mohanad Jeahze soon, and it appears as though Jota could follow as the second signing through the door.
The 23-year-old first joined the Hoops on a season-long loan from Benfica last summer, and as part of that deal, it’s reported that the club do have the option to buy.
The forward has majorly impressed during his spell with the Glasgow giants this season, having scored 13 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt, and following a fresh update, it’s no surprise that the club are keen to retain his services for next term and beyond.
In a new article published by Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that the Scottish Premiership outfit ‘want to trigger’ the buying option, which has reportedly been set at €7m (£5.9m).
In fact, the outlet’s headline even claims the deal is ‘agreed’, while they say that Ange Postecoglou and co. want to get the deal over the line ‘quickly’ and ‘don’t consider the hypothesis of losing the opportunity’ to sign him on a permanent basis.
The Verdict: Handful in the final third
Jota, who has been dubbed an “outstanding” player by his manager Postecoglou, has clearly caught the eye of the hierarchy following his scintillating run of form, and it sounds like the club are very confident of securing his signature in the coming months.
The 5 foot 9 attacker has proven to be a real handful for his opponents in the final third this season, having averaged 2.7 shots and 1.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premiership, via WhoScored, which played a huge part in the Hoops taking the league title.
It now looks like purely a matter of time before we’ll be seeing Jota playing in the green and white stripes week in, week out, where he will no doubt go on to contribute to plenty more success at Celtic Park in years to come.
In other news… an ex-BBC pundit is thrilled by the ‘brilliant’ news he’s heard coming from Parkhead.
Transfer insider Dean Jones has encouraged Tottenham Hotspur to make an attempt to sign Chelsea midfielder Jorginho this summer.
The lowdown: Spurs eyeing replica
Spurs boss Antonio Conte will certainly be in the market for more reinforcements following the arrival and subsequent positive impacts of Juventus pair Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur in January.
Following a report from the Evening Standard claiming that Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici will seek to find a player of a similar ilk to the 30-year-old Jorginho, a cultured midfielder is clearly on the list of priorities at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
However, one reputable journalist has suggested that the north Londoners could make a move for the real deal…
The latest: ‘A lot of talk’
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones has suggested that Tottenham should make a move for the 43-cap Italy ace.
He said: “If Conte wants a Jorginho, then go and try and sign Jorginho, because I think that Chelsea might be open to him leaving at this point.
“There’s a lot of talk of him potentially being reunited with Maurizio Sarri this summer. And I think that we will be reading headlines about him potentially leaving Chelsea.”
With off-field matters still not resolved in west London, Jorginho is out of contract in 2023 and is currently unable to negotiate a new deal with the club.
The verdict: Not the right fit
Albeit nigh on impossible to question Jorginho’s quality having been named the Best Player in Europe in 2020/21, the experienced Italian midfielder isn’t where Spurs should be looking at this juncture, despite Conte previously recognising his improvement in becoming a ‘stronger’ player since arriving in the Premier League.
Instead, the Lilywhites need to bring younger options with the potential to flourish and develop further whilst at the club into their ranks.
For this, when using the FBref player comparison tool, names such as 25-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt defensive midfielder Djibril Sow, Lyon starlet Maxence Caqueret and Sassuolo 24-year-old Maxime Lopez all trend alongside Jorginho stylistically and would fit a more suitable age bracket.
Whilst a move on the cheap for the man described as ‘relentless’ by manager Thomas Tuchel would be a welcome one, we feel Conte and Paratici would be best served looking at long-term options.
In other news: Reliable source: Tottenham agreement now ‘very likely’ as Conte closes in on ‘top signing’, find out more here.
Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool on Saturday night.
What’s the latest?
Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via football.london), Antonio Conte confirmed that Sergio Reguilon, who missed the win over Leicester City last weekend due to a groin injury, is once again unavailable for selection this evening.
The 52-year-old went on to state that, with just two weeks remaining in the current Premier League campaign, the left-back may well be ruled out for the rest of the season as a result of his latest knock.
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Regarding the current condition of the 25-year-old, Conte said: “Sergio Reguilon is not available. He hasn’t had a training session with us. Honestly, I don’t know, it’s only two weeks until the end of the season and I’m not sure if he’ll be back.”
Conte will be fuming
While it is true that Reguilon has not enjoyed the best campaign of his career, the fact that the Spain international could be set to miss the remainder of the season due to injury is nevertheless sure to have left Conte fuming.
Indeed, although the full-back has often left a lot to be desired from his performances in 2021/22, he has still been a solid option for the Italian over his 25 Premier League appearances this term. The £25.2m-rated defender has scored two goals, provided three assists and created five big chances for his team-mates, along with taking 0.8 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.
The £53k-per-week Spaniard has also been sturdy at the back, helping his side to keep six clean sheets, in addition to making 1.2 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 1.6 clearances and winning 4.6 duels (at a success rate of 52%) per match.
These returns have seen the former Real Madrid starlet average a SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Spurs’ 12th-best performer in the English top flight.
As such, with the top four race looking as if it will go down to the wire, and Conte’s other left wing-back option Ryan Sessegnon having suffered numerous injuries of his own this season, the fact that Reguilon is unavailable for a fixture as important as the trip to Liverpool tonight – and potentially the remainder of the campaign – is undoubtedly a huge blow for the 52-year-old and his team.
Indeed, with Tottenham very much in need of a result at Anfield – and in their further three league outings – if they are to have any hope of securing Champions League football next season, Conte will need as many of his first-team regulars fit and firing as possible in order to give themselves the best chance of sealing a top-four spot.
AND in other news – “Expect to see”: Eccleshare drops £145m Spurs summer claim, supporters will be buzzing
According to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay, at least one of Southampton’s three senior goalkeepers will leave the club this summer.
The Lowdown: Goalkeepers out of contract
Fraser Forster has played every minute for the Saints since coming back into the side in December as a result of Alex McCarthy picking up a long-term thigh injury,
However, he could now be on the move following news that the club are reportedly committed to keeping McCarthy as their first-choice shot-stopper, having only put pen to paper on a new deal at St Mary’s at the end of last season.
Willy Caballero’s time could also be coming to an end under Ralph Hasenhuttl following a lack of game-time, with the 40-year-old having made just four appearances since joining the Saints.
All but McCarthy will be out of contract in June, and Barclay has suggested that at least one of them will be on the move over the summer.
The Latest: Saints likely to let one leave
When asked how he believes Southampton’s transfer business will pan out, Barclay told GiveMeSport:
“I’m not sure about a rebuild, because there’s a lot of good stuff being done, but adding a few and letting a few go would help. When you look at it, the goalkeepers, at least one of them will go.”
The Verdict: Johnstone an ideal replacement
While there seems little doubt that McCarthy will be in control of the gloves at the start of next season, Hasenhuttl will need to sign a suitable replacement should one of the existing goalkeeping trio depart, and that person could be West Brom’s Sam Johnstone.
The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent in the summer following the expiry of his contract with the Baggies, and it has been reported by the Daily Mail that the Saints are said to be interested in his services.
Johnstone has kept 15 clean sheets for the Championship outfit this season and has previous top-flight experience having been in the Premier League with Albion last term, so a possible move to a mid-table team like Southampton could have the potential to revive his career for both club and country.
In other news… the Saints have joined the transfer race for this ‘big player
Southampton are now keen on a move for a “special” Premier League forward, with the board planning to back Tonda Eckert when the January transfer window opens.
Saints shooting up the Championship table under Eckert
Since appointing Eckert as manager, originally in a caretaker role, the Saints have taken major strides forward, and they are now on a run of six wins in their last seven Championship matches, most recently defeating West Bromwich Albion 3-2 at St. Mary’s.
As a result of their much-improved form, Eckert’s side have shot up the Championship table, now sitting pretty in ninth place, just one point off the play-offs, meaning an instant return to the Premier League is starting to become a realistic possibility.
The new manager has made it clear that promotion is his goal, saying: “We go all in; there is no other way. I don’t shy away from being ambitious to say that we want to play for promotion, whatever that is going to look like in the end. We will go for every single point there is to take.”
With Sport Republic perhaps looking to strike while the iron is hot, they are now planning to back Eckert with funds in the January transfer window, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states the board are looking to sustain their momentum.
Chelsea’s Tyrique George has now been identified as a target for the upcoming window, with Southampton keen on a move for the forward, who they are hoping they can convince to drop down to the Championship.
George is ready to leave the Premier League side, given a lack of game time under manager Enzo Maresca, and there is no shortage of potential suitors, with the likes of Leeds United and Everton also interested.
The 19-year-old is yet to start in the Premier League this season, meaning Chelsea are now starting to consider a departure, with a move to sister club Strasbourg also a possibility.
"Special" George could boost Southampton's promotion push
The teenager, who is represented by the same agent as Joe Aribo, has found minutes hard to come by under Maresca, but he has impressed when given the opportunity, amassing six goals and six assists in 36 appearances for the Blues since making his breakthrough last season.
Scout Jacek Kulig clearly believes the youngster has an exciting future ahead too, stating he is destined for something “special”, but the starlet is currently at risk of his development being stifled by a lack of football.
Live Football Streams: Watch Premier League, Championship, La Liga & more
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ByCharlie Smith Nov 20, 2025
Consequently, stepping down to the Championship could be a savvy move for the left-winger, who has two goals to his name in four appearances for England U21s.
That said, it could be difficult for George to break into Southampton’s starting XI to begin with, given that they have been in red-hot form in recent weeks, scoring a whopping 16 goals in their last five matches.
On the latest edition of The Wayne Rooney Show, Wayne Rooney said, “I am not seeing anything which is giving me any confidence, there needs to be big changes in my opinion.”
Manchester United felt they had secured a coup when taking Ruben Amorim away from Sporting Lisbon midway through the 2024/25 campaign. The Portuguese tactician was flying high in his homeland and had been strongly linked with Liverpool before they appointed Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
But Amorim has floundered across his months in the Old Trafford hot seat, with United finding themselves languishing in 14th place in the Premier League after six matches, having finished 15th last term after losing to Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.
Amorim has come under heavy flak for his rigid belief in his 3-4-3 formation, willing to die on that hill in spite of a general weariness over its ineffectiveness in the English game.
INEOS are hesitant to dismiss the 40-year-old from his duties and will hold out hope that United put in a big performance at home against Sunderland on Saturday, but if they fail to kick on, a tough decision will need to be made, with Sir Gareth Southgate emerging as a contender for the managerial spot at the Theatre of Dreams.
Man United consider appointing Southgate
One thing’s for certain, Man United’s potential appointment of Southgate would be met with more than a measure of doubt.
The former Three Lions boss might have achieved more success than any other England Men’s boss since the World Cup was lifted in 1966, but he’s also been out of club management since being relegated from the Premier League with Middlesbrough in 2009.
But he’d come in cheap, and with a reputation for being a strong communicator and an “unbelievable” character, as was said by Jude Bellingham upon the manager’s resignation from his England post after the 2024 European Championship.
But concerns over his tactical grasp persisted throughout his tenure, and the current question mark over Amorim’s own system points toward a necessity for a clear, fluent brand of football going forward.
INEOS need to appoint a proven trophy-winning manager with a deep understanding of the game and a vision which suggests this viewpoint could be effectively applied in the Premier League.
As it happens, former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez is on the market, and he’s even showing an interest in making the move to the Premier League and joining the Red Devils, should Amorim be dismissed.
Man United could strike gold with Xavi
Xavi has been out of work since the start of 2024, when he left Barcelona. The legendary footballing figure is, however, open to new work, and Fabrizio Romano believes he is interested in taking the Manchester United job, should a vacancy materialise.
Former Barcelona manager Xavi
Romano revealed on his YouTube channel that Xavi is open to taking on the job at Old Trafford even without the allure of European football. It is worth noting the mentality on show here, with Amorim having wanted to remain with Sporting Lisbon for the duration of the 2024/25 campaign, instead of switching allegiances mid-season.
As a player, the iconic Spaniard was very much the definitive midfield maestro, and he has willed his managerial career into shape through the application of his own playing-day virtues.
His time as Barcelona manager was somewhat turbulent, but he did win the La Liga title in 2022/23, his first full season as boss, and played an important part in guiding the Spanish giants away from the pit they were sinking into. In February 2024, he left isolated and frustrated, but with his head held high.
If Man United can provide him with the assurances that he can have things his way, there is no reason why his erudite footballing brain. Already, the 45-year-old is enamoured by the idea, having said in the past that he “would love to work in the Premier League”.
Perhaps, then, the words from the horse’s mouth lend credence to Romano’s claim. With Amorim skating on thin ice, it feels like United could score themselves a significant upgrade, especially with Xavi employing a more conventional 4-3-3 formation.
That said, Xavi’s managerial outlook might be conventional at the surface level, but there is a depth and mastery of the technical side of the game that could be exactly what United need as they look to return to the top.
Barcelona are a team defined by their passing, and Xavi, as a player and as a manager, has been an embodiment of that style.
Barcelona
1st
64.3%
Real Madrid
2nd
60.9%
Villarreal
5th
56.9%
Real Sociedad
4th
54.6%
Sevilla
12th
52.6%
When La Blaugrana lifted the league title under their legendary figure’s wing in 2022/23, they played with a gusto and command that was so very ‘Barcelona’.
So impressive was he that, before the trophy had even been lifted and with everything in the balance, club president Joan Laporta had said, “We have the best manager in the world”.
Here is a tactician who knows his stuff, with credentials of the highest order and a hunger to join Man United and make things right.
Amorim had a good thing going before taking the United job, to be sure, but it’s clear that he is a young coach whose experience was restricted to the Portuguese scene, and his stubbornness in keeping his same tactical outlook despite the glaring deficiencies had made for sustained grim viewing.
If the opportunity to appoint Xavi presents itself, United’s officials must pounce.
Ten Hag sold Man Utd talent for just £10m, now he's outperforming Bruno
Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing one player to depart Old Trafford.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have had an eventful few years off the pitch, cashing in on a number of star players in the transfer window.
Despite several high-profile departures, Wolves’ total annual payroll for their players stands at £72,400,000, with the average first-team player collecting more than £2.25m per season. Here is a look at what those at Molineux are paying their players individually, as per Capology.
Disclaimer – only the club and the players themselves truly know their wages, so take each of these figures as you will.
1
Joao Gomes
£105,000
£5,460,000
2
Jorgen Strand Larsen
£95,000
£4,940,000
3
Emmanuel Agbadou
£85,000
£4,420,000
4
Toti Gomes
£80,000
£4,160,000
=5
Tolu Arokodare
£75,000
£3,900,000
=5
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
£75,000
£3,900,000
=7
Hee-chan Hwang
£70,000
£3,640,000
=7
Marshall Munetsi
£70,000
£3,640,000
=9
Jhon Arias
£65,000
£3,380,000
=9
Jackson Tchatchoua
£65,000
£3,380,000
=11
Jose Sa
£60,000
£3,120,000
=11
Andre Trindade
£60,000
£3,120,000
13
Boubacar Traore
£55,000
£2,860,000
=14
Matt Doherty
£50,000
£2,600,000
=14
Sam Johnstone
£50,000
£2,600,000
16
Ladislav Krejci
£45,000
£2,340,000
=17
Ki-Jana Hoever
£40,000
£2,080,000
=17
Santiago Bueno
£40,000
£2,080,000
=19
David Moller Wolfer
£30,000
£1,560,000
=19
Yerson Mosquera
£30,000
£1,560,000
21
Boubacar Traore
£27,500
£1,430,000
=22
Rodrigo Gomes
£25,000
£1,300,000
=22
Hugo Bueno
£25,000
£1,300,000
=22
Fer Lopez
£25,000
£1,300,000
=25
Sasa Kalajdzic
£20,000
£1,040,000
=25
Daniel Bentley
£20,000
£1,040,000
27
Enso Gonzalez
£15,000
£780,000
=28
Tawanda Chirewa
£10,000
£520,000
=28
Nathan Fraser
£10,000
£520,000
=30
Nigel Lonwijk
£8,000
£416,000
=30
Matheus Mane
£8,000
£416,000
=30
Dexter Limbikisa
£8,000
£416,000
Here's a detailed look at Wolverhampton Wanderers' top 10 earners… 10 Jackson Tchatchoua £65,000 per week
Defender Jackson Tchatchoua made the move to Wolves from Hellas Verona for just over £10m in 2025.
Known as the fastest player in Serie A prior to his move to the Midlands, Tchatchoua is on £65,000 per week.
9 Jhon Arias £65,000 per week
Also on £3.38m per season is another new signing from 2025 in forward Jhon Arias.
Those at Molineux paid £15m to sign the Colombia international from Fluminense, and he is under contract until 2029.
8 Marshall Munetsi £70,000 per week
Marshall Munetsi joined Wolves at the beginning of 2025 from French side Reims in a deal worth around £15m.
That figure was a record for a Zimbabwean, and the midfielder is set to pick up £3.64m per year until 2028.
7 Hee-chan Hwang £70,000 per week
After turning out in the Red Bull Group with RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig, Wolves signed forward Hee-chan Hwang in 2021, with a move becoming permanent a year later.
The South Korea international has proven to be a versatile and reliable final third option at Molineux and could stay until 2028.
6 Jean-Ricner Bellegarde £75,000 per week
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde arrived at Wolves from French side Strasbourg in 2023 and now picks up £75,000 per week at Molineux.
The versatile midfielder has been a regular since arriving at the club and is under contract until 2028.
5 Tolu Arokodare £75,000 per week
Tolu Arokodare was Wolves’ most expensive signing during the 2025 summer transfer window, costing £24m from Genk.
The Nigerian striker penned a four-year contract on just under £4m per season.
4 Toti Gomes £80,000 per week
Defender Toti Gomes joined Wolves back in 2020 and, in recent years, has become a regular in the first-team at Molineux.
His displays were rewarded with an improved contract in 2024, which saw his wage dramatically increase to £4.16m per season.
3 Emmanuel Agbadou £85,000 per week
On slightly more than Gomes is another defender in Emmanuel Agbadou.
Signed from Reims at the beginning of 2025, the Ivory Coast international is under contract in the Midlands until 2029.
2 Jorgen Strand Larsen £95,000 per week
Jorgen Strand Larsen’s loan move became permanent in 2025 from Celta Vigo, however, the striker’s stay at Molineux was nearly short-lived amid interest from Newcastle United.
Instead, Strand Larsen signed a new deal with the Old Gold on just under £5m per season until 2030.
1 Joao Gomes £105,000 per week
Wolves’ top earner is midfielder Joao Gomes, who has enjoyed a brilliant rise following his move from Flamengo in 2023.
Now a Brazil international, Gomes is the only Wolves player on more than £100,000 per week.
Newcastle United will be aiming to bolster their defence this summer, and Marc Geuhi is still earmarked as a target.
The Crystal Palace defender has been on the club’s radar for a while now, and, with his contract set to expire next year, Eddie Howe may look to strike a deal to bring him to the club.
CrystalPalace's Joel Ward and Marc Guehi hold the trophy with teammates during the Victory celebrations
A recent report states that the Toon might be able to strike a deal worth £40m to sign Guehi this summer, given his contract status.
With other interest in him from elsewhere, however, might Howe target an alternative?
Newcastle could target a move for Liverpool defender
While Guehi has been a target for the Magpies for quite some time now, it looks as though he could perhaps miss the boat.
According to The Chronicle, Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah is a player who remains on the club’s radar this summer, as they look to bolster their defensive options.
Although the Anfield side won the Premier League title last term, the Englishman played a bit-part role in the success and could move on to pastures new.
He is also attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen, with Erik ten Hag looking to launch a bid worth around £40m for the Liverpool starlet this summer.
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While Guehi remains one of the players that Howe is desperate to bring to Newcastle, the window is getting shorter for this move to happen.
Could he perhaps strike a deal to bring Quansah north instead? Only time will tell.
Why Newcastle must sign Jarell Quansah
There is no doubt that Guehi is heading into the peak years of his career. He will turn 25 next month and helped Palace win the FA Cup just last month.
Quansah, on the other hand, just turned 22 earlier this year and still has plenty of years left before he hits his peak, which is why he could be a dream alternative to the Eagles star.
Metric (per 90)
Guehi
Quansah
Pass success rate
87%
89%
Tackles
1.1
1.5
Total duels won percentage
60%
64%
Possession lost
7.4
8.4
Interceptions
0.7
1.1
Balls recovered
4.8
4.2
As you can see in the table above, the England U21 international has the potential to offer more than Guehi from a defensive perspective, as he won a higher percentage of his duels and averaged more tackles and interceptions per 90 in the Premier League.
Under Jürgen Klopp, the defender made 17 league appearances throughout the 2023/24 campaign. He suitably impressed, finishing the season with an 89% pass success rate while winning 64% of his total duels contested and losing possession just 8.4 times per game.
When compared to his peers in the top flight that season, Quansah also ranked in the top 11% for aerial duels won per 90 (3.4) and in the top 3% for non-penalty goals (0.15) per 90.
It was perhaps no wonder that he was dubbed an “absolute monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig that season for his performances. He hasn’t quite settled into Arne Slot’s side during the Dutchman’s maiden season at Anfield, however.
Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah
The defender was restricted to just 25 appearances during 2024/25, with only 13 of those coming in the starting XI.
Does he need a fresh start to fulfil his potential? Newcastle would be the perfect place for him to gain regular gametime.
With Champions League football on the horizon, Quansah could become a regular under Howe at the Magpies as a dream alternative to Guehi this summer.
He could be better than Mbeumo: Newcastle enter race for £38m "future icon"
Aston Villa excruciatingly missed out on a Champions League spot on the final day of the Premier League season as a controversial 2-0 away loss at Manchester United went completely against them.
Unai Emery’s men won’t have dwelled on this disappointment for too long, however, with the grandeur of Europe’s elite competition actually congesting their fixture list across a busy 2024/25, leaving them potentially a little empty in energy to push into those top five positions.
It could also be a summer of much change at Villa Park with Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia set to leave the West Midlands giants, alongside a whole host of exciting additions potentially entering the building.
Whenever it comes to new faces joining the Villans’ ranks, the Premier League high-flyers will surely always be on the lookout for their next Jack Grealish, with a reunion deal also not completely off the table.
Grealish's current situation at Manchester City
It’s been bubbling away in the background for some time now, but the former homegrown Villa talent could now finally exit the Citizens this summer, having been left out of Pep Guardiola’s camp for the upcoming Club World Cup.
Unfortunately for Grealish, his time at City has now been reduced to a sorry state of affairs, with the former £100m buy only starting seven top-flight games last season.
It’s a far cry away from the days where Grealish would terrorise many a Premier League defence donning Villa claret and blue – as seen in his 32 goals and 43 assists from 213 Villa contests – with the ultimate confidence boost needed for the 29-year-old to salvage his fading career potentially an emotional return to home soil.
However, Emery and Co. could instead go after this alternative target away from sentimentally snapping up Grealish, with this fresh target displaying shades of Grealish’s game all across his own bumpy career path.
The "special" Aston Villa target who has shades of Grealish
After all, Villa Park will be seen as a worthwhile next destination for this low-on-confidence winger, considering Marcus Rashford managed to collect a promising four goals and six assists this season just gone for Villa on loan, after the start of his messy Manchester United divorce came to the surface.
Jadon Sancho is also deep in his own exit route out of the Red Devils, with a report from TEAMTalk earlier this week speculating that United are desperately trying to offload their expensive flop, which has led to Villa taking an interest in the out-of-sorts attacker as a potential Rashford replacement.
There is some method to Villa’s madness here with Sancho displaying flashes of his “special” quality – as he was lauded by Enzo Maresca during his brief Stamford Bridge stay – at Chelsea, as seen in his promising tally of five goals and ten assists in West London.
With 12 strikes also next to his name during his cursed United stint, it’s not completely ludicrous to suggest that Emery can work his magic on another Red Devils outcast here.
Chelsea's JadonSanchocelebrates scoring their third goal
His swagger down the left and ability to twist and turn defenders for fun at his peak, not far off Grealish’s own exuberant game, when confidence is also coursing through his veins.
Indeed, that similarity in possession is seen in the fact that Grealish ranks in the top 1% among his European peers for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, while Sancho is not too far behind, amid his ranking in the top 13%.
LW
Sancho
61
7
11
RW
Sancho
19
4
0
CF
Sancho
2
1
0
AM
Sancho
1
0
0
LM
Sancho
1
0
0
LW
Grealish
121
24
23
AM
Grealish
26
1
4
LM
Grealish
11
2
2
CM
Grealish
8
0
2
CF
Grealish
3
0
0
RW
Grealish
2
0
0
SS
Grealish
1
0
0
Sourced by Transfermarkt
It’s even clearer from the table above where both Sancho’s and Grealish’s strengths lie, with Emery potentially getting the best out of the ex-Borussia Dortmund man to come by playing him down his preferred left flank, away from shoehorning him in elsewhere. With a transfer value of £31m, according to Football Transfers, a move could be a no-brainer.
Both players find themselves at a crossroads in their careers, with Grealish a certainty to leave the Etihad, alongside Sancho at Old Trafford – the latter could well thank Villa Park down the line for mending his broken career.
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