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Tottenham Hotspur’s form has been somewhat patchy this season, and ENIC Group are looking to strengthen the first-team ranks this January despite handing £150m to new manager Thomas Frank in the summer.

Injuries have put pressure on the London club once again this season, with the win over Brentford last weekend ending a run of six matches in the Premier League without victory.

However, it’s true that Spurs have left something to be desired in attack this season, and that is holding them back. With that in mind, they might just be something in recent rumours that Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is on their radar.

The latest on Spurs' interest in Semenyo

You can trace Tottenham’s interest in Ghana international Semenyo back to the summer, with an official enquiry sent to Bournemouth this summer. Chairman Bill Foley didn’t want to let him leave, and the versatile forward has shown why on the field.

Spurs are persistent, though, and it’s understood that they, along with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, are ready to move for his signature this January, now that a £65m release clause becomes active.

While Spurs will fight tooth and nail to get a deal over the line, it will candidly be difficult with two of the division’s heavyweights in the mix. Should things not go their way, ENIC will have alternative targets earmarked.

However, they may already be a rising star on the books who has the profile to become Tottenham’s own version of the in-demand forward, and he’s currently completing a year out on loan.

Spurs may already have their own Semenyo

Last season, James Maddison hailed Mikey Moore for his “young, fearless mentality”, having earned a place in Ange Postecoglou’s squad sporadically throughout the campaign.

A decision was made when Frank replaced Ange at the end of the 2024/25 season that the 18-year-old’s development would be best served at a club that could offer him more minutes, and so he joined Rangers in Scotland on a one-year deal.

A “superstar” of a talent, as said by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Moore has torn development opponents to shreds over the past few years, scoring 21 goals and supplying 15 assists across just 34 games for the Londoners’ youth side.

With ferocious dribbling and close control, Moore has what it takes to develop into a leading winger in the Premier League, his dynamism lending itself to roles on both attacking flanks.

Tottenham U18

24

19 (13)

Tottenham

21

1 (2)

Rangers

19

2 (2)

Tottenham U21

5

2 (2)

Tottenham U19

5

0 (0)

It’s been a tough campaign for the teenager, walking into a Rangers side who have fallen by the wayside, but he has started to play with a measure of form for new manager Danny Rohl, scoring in both of his past two Premiership matches.

There’s something quite unique about the 5 foot 11 winger’s profile, with data-driven site FBref likening his creativity and economical sprinting outbursts to Premier League stars like Morgan Rogers and Lilywhites teammate Mohammed Kudus.

But it’s the opinion of Spurs writer James Harris that Moore could “bring back the old Aaron Lennon” to the club with his pace and grace down the wing. The former England international’s explosiveness made him an incredibly effective and unpredictable opponent on his day, but he only scored 30 goals across 376 outings for the outfit.

Moore, with his impressive track record as a youngster, could better Lennon by some margin in that regard, potentially rivalling someone like Semenyo for output in the Premier League.

Whether that will be as the Ghanaian’s teammate at Tottenham, however, remains to be seen.

ENIC could fund the Semenyo move by selling Spurs' £55k-p/w "liability"

Tottenham are planning to get rid of some of the deadwood this January.

ByAngus Sinclair 2 days ago

Former St. Louis Cardinals star catcher Yadier Molina will reprise his role as the manager for Puerto Rico at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Molina has participated in every World Baseball Classic so far, competing in the 2006, '09, '13 and '17 tournaments, then coaching in the 2023 event. In his coaching debut at the last WBC, Puerto Rico reached the quarterfinals round. As a player, Molina was runner-up with Puerto Rico twice in '13 and '17.

Molina retired from MLB following the 2022 season after 19 years with the Cardinals. He won two World Series titles, earned 10 All-Star selections and won 9 Gold Glove awards during his tenure. He's known as one of the most impressive catchers in recent MLB history.

New York Mets star Francisco Lindor will serve as Molina's captain of Team Puerto Rico, just as he did back in 2023.

The WBC will kick off on March 5, 2026 with Puerto Rico competing in the Pool A group, consisting of Canada, Colombia, Cuba and Panama. The games will be held at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Jesse Lingard is set to be available as a free agent with the former Manchester United forward quitting FC Seoul. Lingard, now 32, confirmed that Wednesday’s AFC Champions League meeting with Melbourne City will mark his final appearance for the club he joined in February 2024, a move dubbed the biggest in K League history.

Lingard prepares for final outing with Seoul

Lingard's departure concludes a tenure that brought no trophies but did lift FC Seoul back into competitive relevance. During his debut season, he played a pivotal role in steering the capital side to fourth place in the K League, their best finish since 2019, while the most recent campaign ended with the team in sixth. Across 66 matches, Lingard recorded 18 goals and 10 assists, figures that underline his steady influence after a turbulent chapter in his career. 

Lingard enjoyed a surge of individual recognition this year, most notably during a blistering run in July. Over four league matches, he scored twice, took home two Man of the Match honours and earned a Player of the Week award. That form ultimately earned him the division’s Player of the Month trophy, his first major individual accolade in South Korea. 

His improved performances also translated to continental competition. In a crucial AFC Champions League Elite clash away to Chinese champions Shanghai Port, Lingard orchestrated a 3-1 victory almost single-handedly. He broke the deadlock with a clinical finish shortly after half-time and, even after Mateus Vital pulled the hosts level, the midfielder responded by supplying a pinpoint cross for Lucas Silva to restore Seoul’s lead. He wrapped up the night with another crisp strike, sealing three points that strengthened Seoul’s position in the eastern standings. 

AdvertisementLingard's message of gratitude

Lingard confirmed his exit through a heartfelt message on social media, reflecting warmly on a journey that revived his spirit as a footballer. In his statement, he revealed that talks with the club had led to a mutual decision to part ways after the 2025 season, acknowledging that walking away was far from easy.

He wrote: "After positive discussions with FC Seoul, we have mutually agreed that I will be leaving the club at the end of the 2025 season, with my final game on December 10th. This wasn’t an easy decision. My time in South Korea has been unbelievable — the football, the atmosphere, and the passion around this club have been top-class. The love, support and the appreciation you have shown towards me for these last 2 years has been truly amazing. Playing football here has been an unforgettable experience and one I will always value. I want to thank FC Seoul, my teammates, the staff, and everyone associated at the club for trusting me and welcoming me from day one. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to play for such a massive club."

A career of highs, lows and reinvention

Lingard’s decision to leave Seoul marks the latest twist in a career defined by early promise and abrupt setbacks. He left Manchester United in 2022 after 22 years at Old Trafford, during which he played 232 times and scored some of the club’s most memorable goals of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. His trophy cabinet includes the FA Cup, Europa League and League Cup. 

But after leaving United, Lingard’s fortunes nosedived. A short stint at Nottingham Forest after a brief revival at West Ham produced just 20 appearances before he departed at the end of his one-year deal. Eight months passed with no club willing to take him on, forcing him into the unfamiliar position of a free agent fighting for relevance. And then he decided to join FC Seoul in the far East. It was a bold step into a new culture and a new league at a time when he desperately needed a fresh start. Yet the early weeks were harsh. Lingard was visibly short of fitness and was subsequently sidelined by a meniscus injury. However, with time, he turned around his fortunes and was even handed the armband on a few occasions. 

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Getty ImagesWhat comes next?

As he prepares for his final bow on Wednesday night, Lingard once again stands at a career crossroads. The free-agent market beckons, and while the next step remains uncertain, his two-year stint in Seoul has re-established him as a player capable of influencing matches. Teams across the English football pyramid that are looking to strengthen in the January window suddenly find a Premier League veteran in the market. He should have offers, if not from the top-flight, but more likely from the lower divisions. 

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has now dropped a hugely promising Sunderland transfer update, following the permanent signing of Enzo Le Fee.

Le Fee joins Black Cats in permanent deal

It has been a positive start to the Black Cats’ summer, as they immediately plan for life back in the Premier League after their memorable promotion from the Championship last month. Sunderland have made a big statement by signing Le Fee on a permanent basis, following his loan spell at the Stadium of Light in 2024/25, snapping him up for a club-record fee of around £20m.

The Frenchman played his part in Regis Le Bris’ side’s promotion, registering three assists in 14 Championship starts, and he has spoken of his happiness at extending his stay on Wearside.

Sunderland could surpass Le Fee signing in summer spree

Writing on X on Thursday, Downie claimed that Sunderland could again break their transfer record this summer, overtaking the amount paid for Le Fee as they splash out on as many as five new arrivals.

This will be music to the ears of Black Cats fans, with the club showing real signs of ambition before the 2025/26 season gets underway.

In the past two years, all three promoted Championship sides have gone straight back down from the Premier League, so Le Bris’ job is to put a stop to that, aided by signing some top-quality players.

1. Enzo Le Fee

Roma

£20m

2. Didier Ndong

Lorient

£16.9m

3. Asamoah Gyan

Rennes

£13.5m

4. Steven Fletcher

Wolves

£12.8m

5. Adam Johnson

Man City

£10.7m

6. Jack Rodwell

Man City

£10.5m

7. Darren Bent

Tottenham

£9.9m

8. Wahbi Khazri

Bordeaux

£9.9m

9. Jeremain Lens

Dynamo Kyiv

£9.6m

10. Tore Andre Flo

Rangers

£9.3m

If Sunderland are able to break their transfer record twice in the same summer, it could only bode well in that respect, and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has further hinted at a busy summer taking place.

England legend said Sunderland star was the best he'd seen and as good as Owen and Figo

The Black Cats would love to have him back in their current squad…

ByBen Goodwin Jun 4, 2025

Sunderland also must try and convince Jobe Bellingham to stay put, making it the perfect summer, but that may be wishful thinking at this point, with a move to Borussia Dortmund seemingly on the cards.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly submitted their opening bid for a highly rated centre-back, as star defender Cristian Romero continues to attract Atlético Madrid’s admiring glances ahead of the summer window.

Atlético Madrid express interest in signing Cristian Romero

Atlético’s links to the Argentinian are nothing new, as Romero’s potential move to La Liga has been reported on regularly over the last few months.

Tottenham "dreaming" of signing £67m ex-PSG star after Europa League triumph

Spurs’ summer transfer window has suddenly become much more interesting.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 23, 2025

What is more concerning, though, is more recent claims that Romero is just as keen to leave north London as Atlético are on signing the £165,000-per-week centre-back, who starred throughout Spurs’ Europa League campaign and was crowned Player of the Tournament.

Player

Rating

Guglielmo Vicario

7.7

Yves Bissouma

7.6

Cristian Romero

7.4

Bruno Fernandes

7.4

Destiny Udogie

7.2

His defensive heroics helped Ange Postecoglou make good on his famous promise of always winning trophies in his second season, which will now go down in Lilywhites folklore, and Romero was pictured enjoying the celebrations as Spurs ended their 17-year wait for silverware.

However, hoisting the Europa League trophy aloft may well be one of his final acts in a Tottenham jersey.

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo is one of the latest outlets to report that Romero has given the green light to join Atlético and is personally keen on a switch to Diego Simeone’s side, with the main obstacle being his £50 million price tag.

La Liga reports as far back as March also claimed that Romero is determined to leave Tottenham this summer, and according to media sources closer to home, the 27-year-old is still expected to go regardless of their Europa League triumph (Pete O’Rourke).

Therefore, it is little surprise that Spurs are believed to be targeting a centre-back when the window reopens.

Tottenham remain in contention for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, as per GiveMeSport, and were thought to be seriously in the mix for Dean Huijsen before he decided to join Real Madrid from Bournemouth at the end of the season (Fabrizio Romano).

Guehi’s price tag is expected to be around £50 million, given he’s entering the final 12 months of his contract, but chairman Daniel Levy now also has his eyes on a cheaper alternative successor to Romero.

Tottenham submit opening bid for Genoa defender Koni de Winter

According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, via Sport Witness, that man is “gifted” Genoa defender Koni de Winter.

The Belgium international has been targeted by the likes of West Ham, but it is actually Spurs who are making the most serious move for him out of any Premier League side.

La Repubblica states that Tottenham have submitted a £20 million bid for De Winter ahead of 1st June, and while the outlet doesn’t reveal Genoa’s stance on this offer, it is a signal of Spurs’ serious interest.

The likes of Inter and Juve have also been linked with the 22-year-old, perhaps highlighting his quality, with de Winter revealing that those close to him compare the defender to Man City legend Vincent Kompany.

“All my life I have been told I play like Vincent Kompany,” said De Winter to the i Paper.

“I have this ability to make runs with the ball like he did, I have the same technical side. It’s a really big name, so I one day hope to be able to live up to him. You look at the other big names (former Belgian Premier League defenders) and it is only right that they ended up playing in the best competitions.”

Arsenal have been handed significant news about their pursuit of Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, with Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta and the recruitment team now alerted to a potential deal-breaker in talks.

Arsenal in reported talks over signing Viktor Gyokeres this summer

In the last few days, reports from both Portugal and England have claimed that Mikel Arteta’s side are moving forward in their attempts to seal a move for the 26-year-old.

Arsenal risk Huijsen repeat after Zubimendi update involving Real Madrid

The Gunners have already been hijacked by La Liga’s heavyweights.

ByEmilio Galantini May 16, 2025

A Bola report Arsenal have offered Gyokeres a £7 million-per-year contract already, with Sporting setting an asking price of around £63 million amid Berta’s pretty serious interest in striking a deal for the Primeira Liga superstar.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

CaughtOffside, meanwhile, state Arsenal are in advanced club-to-club talks for Gyokeres as they look to steal a march on Premier League rivals Man United and Liverpool in pursuit of his signature.

Going by these claims, it would appear that the Gunners’ links to Gyokeres stretch far beyond just interest, with Berta looking to sign a top striker for Arsenal as one of his key summer priorities.

“I’m not inside to know their thoughts, but definitely, I would say a striker, a top, top striker, that can bang in 40 to 50 goals like all the top teams.” said ex-Arsenal star and Como boss Cesc Fàbregas to Amazon Prime recently.

“He [Gyokeres] could be an option, 100 per cent. He is an extraordinary striker.

“He is a focused player, who pays attention to details, he is competitive, never lets his guard down, and doesn’t want to rest. He is as an athlete, a player and team-mate who instils confidence in his team-mates with what he gives to the team.”

Called a “phenomenon” by Rui Borges, the former Coventry City striker has been free-scoring since making the move to Portugal, and currently boasts 52 goals from 50 appearances in all competitions this season.

Arsenal receive "major" Gyokeres update amid Sporting deal-breaker

However, Gyokeres’ electric form also puts Sporting in a solid negotiating position, even if there is a release clause in his deal.

Football Transfers state that Arsenal are determined to finalise a deal for Gyokeres, and will have representatives in attendance to watch him play in the Taca de Portugal final against Benfica on May 25.

In what they describe as a “major update”, though, Berta and co are informed of a key requirement on Sporting’s end which could prove an obstacle in Arsenal’s talks to sign Gyokeres.

Sporting are adamant the vast majority of his final agreed transfer fee must be paid within two years, and this may prove problematic for the north Londoners. Arsenal are required to agree to Sporting’s terms or risk another club swooping in to hijack their move, as per FT, so the transfer is proving more complicated than initially reported.

Arsenal have alternatives to pursue if a move does collapse, but Berta is believed to be especially keen on Gyokeres.

Most expected the 2024/25 campaign to be one of contention and toil for a Liverpool side stepping away from an illustrious era. But FSG always knew they were beginning a new journey which could breed similar levels of success.

And though Arne Slot’s tenure is still in its foothills, the Liverpool head coach has already scaled the Premier League mountain and sealed the club’s 20th league title, levelling with Manchester United at the most successful club in England’s top-flight history.

1.

Liverpool

20

1=

Man United

20

3.

Arsenal

13

4.

Man City

10

5.

Everton

9

However, this is a hungry bunch of players with a winning mentality. Their appetite has not been filled, with domestic cups and the Champions League crown roads that were closed off at premature stages this season, especially when considering the Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle United too.

Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk, of course, lead the charge, but Alexis Mac Allister has quietly gone about his business and is not only one of the best midfielders in the world but one of the chief trophy drivers too.

Mac Allister, Liverpool's unsung hero

Though Mac Allister is recognised across the footballing landscape as one of the best around, there’s still a lingering sense that he doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves.

Signed from Brighton & Hove Albion for an eye-catching £35m fee in 2023, Mac Allister has brought energy, leadership and completeness to the Anfield engine room, with Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley even calling him “the outstanding midfielder in the league’s outstanding team” last week.

Operating beneath the superficiality of statistical analysis, Mac Allister dictates, dominates, directs from the centre of the park, so important for Klopp and now Slot, a worthy Premier League champion.

Of course, this isn’t to say that the Argentina international isn’t a favourable read on the data front.

Matches (starts)

33 (31)

33 (30)

Goals

5

5

Assists

5

4

Touches*

74.2

58.2

Pass completion

88%

87%

Key passes*

1.4

1.3

Dribbles*

0.5

0.5

Ball recoveries*

5.9

4.4

Tackles + interceptions*

4.1

3.6

Duels won*

5.9

5.1

Liverpool would jump at the chance to sign another midfielder cut from such cloth, and they might just have found the perfect target to complete Slot’s midfield.

Liverpool eyeing new midfielder

According to Spanish reports, Liverpool are preparing a €60m (£51m) bid for Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller, with Slot giving his personal approval toward a potential deal.

Transfer Focus

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

Stiller, 24, is considered to be one of the most underrated midfielders in Europe, with the modern-angled talents to thrive at one of the continent’s biggest hitters.

The Athletic have since offered their 50 cents on the Reds’ interest, revealing that Stuttgart’s number six was considered as an alternative to Martin Zubimendi last summer when the Spaniard rejected Liverpool in favour of remaining at Real Sociedad.

Clearly, he’s got the right kind of skill set to flourish under Slot’s wing.

What Angelo Stiller would bring to Liverpool

Stiller knows his way around a pass; having been likened to his esteemed Germany teammate Joshua Kimmich, with Stuttgart peer Denis Undav even remarking that he’s “one of the best sixes Germany has.”

Across 44 appearances in all competitions this season, the German has scored four goals and supplied nine assists for his teammates, excelling as the heart of his team after once being discarded by Bayern Munich, having graduated from their youth academy.

Sitting at the foot of Stuttgart’s midfield, Stiller has been a creative and combative force in the Bundesliga this season, racking up eight assists from 30 fixtures while also completing 90% of his passes, winning 62% of his ground duels, creating 13 big chances, as per Sofascore, while also averaging 1.6 tackles and 4.5 ball recoveries per game.

For those with reservations to do it at the highest level, Stiller has already showcased his playmaking skills in the Champions League this season, ranking among the top 2% of centre-midfielders in Europe’s elite competition this season for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Curiously, Liverpool’s Mac Allister is listed as one of Stiller’s most comparable players when pulling such data, which only strengthens the case for his signing this summer.

Stiller is a “special” player with a gifted technical level, as has also been noted by Critchley, and he really could be the perfect Liverpool signing to follow in Mac Allister’s footsteps, bearing a similar outlook on the midfield game.

But given that he’s been previously identified by FSG’s analysts as the perfect alternative to Zubimendi, there’s no reason why the two midfielders could not work in fluent conjunction for Liverpool next season, Stiller challenging Gravenberch for a regular starting berth at the base of the midfield trio.

Though another Spanish publication have recently revealed that Liverpool would only consider offers totalling £85m for Mac Allister’s sale to Real Madrid, who indeed have a vested interest, this summer, Los Blancos’ desire is there and it isn’t likely to dissipate as Luka Modric closes in on the end of his historic career in Spain.

Stiller could prove to be Liverpool’s centrepiece for many years to come, having already made headway in his homeland and now attracting the attention of a side who have just claimed the Premier League title and now want to consolidate their new project with hordes of further honours across the coming years.

His likeness to Mac Allister, who has been such a superstar on Merseyside, has likely convinced bosses that he is the man for the job.

Liverpool could sign their best forward since Salah in £87m "superstar"

This talented player is open to leaving his club this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 2, 2025

Cole Palmer will go down as one of Chelsea’s best signings in the modern day, impressing beyond all imagination after his £40m move from fellow Premier League side Manchester City in 2023.

Not many people knew what to expect from the young attacker, but it’s safe to say he’s demonstrated his quality at the top level over the last couple of seasons.

The 22-year-old has registered 62 combined goals and assists in his 84 appearances for the Blues, with one of his best showings coming against Brighton earlier this campaign, notching four goals in the first 45 minutes.

Whilst the England international has gone 16 games without a goal, his early-season form has put Enzo Maresca’s side in a great position to secure Champions League football – highlighting how much of an impressive addition he’s been.

However, if he is to return to the heights he’s previously showcased, the hierarchy may look to delve into the market to strengthen the side in key areas of the pitch.

An update on Chelsea’s hunt for new additions this summer

There’s no denying that a striker has been at the top of Maresca’s shopping list since his appointment in the summer of 2024, but as of yet, he’s been unable to land the talisman he craves.

In recent days, Liam Delap has once again been mentioned as a possible target this summer, potentially linking back up with the Italian after their time together at the Etihad.

The 22-year-old has scored 12 times for relegation-threatened Ipswich Town this campaign, looking set to depart at the end of the season regardless, with his £30m relegation release clause in his contract.

However, despite their ambition to strengthen in forward areas, moves have also been made in the defensive area with a deal for Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who currently has a £50m clause in his own deal.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Blues have made a huge financial offer to the player to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge – now leading the race for his signature this summer.

Why Huijsen would be Chelsea’s best signing since Palmer

There’s no denying that Palmer has been a sensational addition to the football club, undoubtedly now worth millions more than the figure forked out for his signature.

If they are to secure a place in the Champions League ahead of next season, Maresca will need his star player to recapture his best form in the coming weeks to help get the side over the line.

Regardless of the situation they find themselves in 2025/26, additions will be needed in key areas of the pitch, none more so than the backline, to bolster their chances of going one step further.

Huijsen could provide just that should he move to West London in the coming months, being the young star to lead the backline for many years to come – something which has been desperately needed in recent seasons.

At just 19, he has the potential to be a leading star for the club for at least the next decade, but his immediate impact could be one that could catapult the side to success next campaign.

When delving into his stats from 2024/25, he’s showcased how impressive he’s been for the Cherries, undoubtedly being the key player and one of the missing pieces in Maresca’s puzzle.

Huijsen, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has won 70% of the tackles he’s entered, along with 2.7 aerials won per 90 – highlighting his ability in defensive areas, something which the side have lacked given their tally of 40 goals conceded.

Games played

27

Goals & assists

3

Pass accuracy

85%

Tackles won

70%

Aerials won

2.7

Long balls completed

4.9

Interceptions made

2.2

He’s also starred in possession, completing 85% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing 4.9 long balls per 90, potentially handing Palmer the opportunity to recapture his best form.

Such impressive young talents like the Spaniard don’t come around very often, with the hierarchy needing to work tirelessly if they are to secure his signature.

Any move for him would massively bolster the backline, potentially being one of the most important additions they can make this summer to give themselves the platform to succeed in 2025/26.

He can revive Palmer: Chelsea ready move for "the best player in the world"

Chelsea could look to revive Cole Palmer’s form by making a big-money signing.

ByConnor Holden Apr 25, 2025

As Aston Villa beat Southampton 3-0 at the weekend, elsewhere in the Premier League, Manchester City superstar Kevin de Bruyne was showing fans that he isn’t done at this level just yet.

He ran the show against Crystal Palace for City, scoring once, providing one assist and making four key passes in their 5-2 romp of Oliver Glasner’s side. However, the 33-year-old is set to leave City at the end of this campaign, with his next step currently unknown.

The Belgian has actually only played eight times against Villa, never losing when he’s played against the Midlands side, winning six times and drawing twice. De Bruyne has provided five assists against Villa in those eight games, but has never scored against them.

De Bruyne has insisted he still has plenty left to give elsewhere, stating, “I don’t know what is going to happen but I want to play on so we will see where I end up.”.

But if the midfield legend is to leave the Premier League, Villa could well be the team who have the heir to his throne.

How Unai Emery has crafted Aston Villa's midfield

Unai Emery has done a brilliant job at assembling one of the Premier League’s best midfield units, especially after losing Douglas Luiz in the 2024/25 summer transfer window, a player who was key for Villa in the 2023/24 campaign under the Spaniard.

However, the Villans were able to replace the Brazilian by making the big-money signing of Amadou Onana from Everton, joining the club for a fee of around £50m. He has been an inspired signing in claret and blue, scoring four times in 27 outings despite his position on the pitch.

He has been excellent alongside the likes of John McGinn – a goalscorer on Saturday afternoon – and Boubacar Kamara.

Of course, they also used Luton Town’s relegation to prise away Ross Barkley for a small fee, paying just £5m for the Premier League veteran.

But despite all of these signings, perhaps the best of the bunch this season has actually been someone who cost the club nothing. As it happens, he is slowly becoming Villa’s very own De Bruyne.

Aston Villa have found their answer to De Bruyne

De Bruyne has been one of the most creative players we’ve ever seen in not just the English top-flight but European football too. He will leave the Etihad behind in the summer, having posted a truly ridiculous 177 assists in Sky Blue.

So, who’s the creative marvel in the Villa side? Well, cast your minds back to the 2023/24 summer transfer window and the club signed their very own Belgian midfielder in Youri Tielemans on a free transfer after his contract expired at Leicester City.

Since joining the Midlands side, Tielemans has made 93 appearances, scoring six goals, providing 17 assists and totaling 6,759 minutes played.

Goals

0.08

0.31

Assists

0.19

0.35

xG

0.09

0.21

xAG

0.20

0.49

Progressive Carries

0.98

2.96

Progressive Passes

6.78

8.17

Key Passes

1.59

2.96

Shot-Creating Actions

3.29

5.97

Ball Recoveries

4.34

3.33

When comparing the two midfielders’ underlying metrics this season, you can see the disparity between the pair, mainly in terms of output.

However, considering De Bruyne is playing for Man City, who often dominate far more of the ball, Tielemans ranks very closely in many of the metrics, making 6.78 progressive passes per 90 for example, proving himself to be a creative outlet.

Tielemans has been showered with praise all throughout his time at Villa Park, notably this campaign, with analyst Raj Chohan labeling him as “one of the best midfielders in the world” this season. Considering he is still 27-years-old and entering his prime years, the best could still be yet to come for the Belgian.

So with De Bruyne on his way out, Tielemans could be the man to take the throne of the Belgian midfielder, dictating games with his brilliant passing range and adding even more goals and assists to his game.

He will do so at international level but perhaps he may also do so for a big European club in the future.

Emery struck gold on Aston Villa star worth more than Doue & Kvaratskhelia

Aston Villa made a brilliant investment with this player

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 11, 2025

It was remarkably just over six years ago that Marcus Rashford enjoyed one of the greatest moments of his Manchester United career, with the Englishman rifling home from the penalty spot to send Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The United academy graduate had been the undoing of Paris Saint-Germain with that last-gasp spot-kick, while he also netted again in the Parc des Princes during the 2020/21 campaign, to clinch another famous win for Solskjaer and co.

Something about the Ligue 1 side appears to bring the best out of the 27-year-old, it would seem, with the in-form forward having again been electric when facing off with the Parisien outfit – albeit this time in Aston Villa colours.

The Red Devils outcast put in a simply masterful display through the middle for Unai Emery’s side, having notably produced a breathtaking assist for Villa’s third of the night as the hosts flipped the encounter on its head. In truth, it was vintage Rashford.

Frustratingly for the Villans, they could not complete the comeback after bravely crashing out, while for those back in Manchester, such a fine individual display may have Ruben Amorim thinking twice over his decision to exile the £300k-per-week marksman.

But would a return to Old Trafford really be in the best interest of all parties this summer?

Why Rashford still needs to be sold this summer

As far as Rashford is concerned, the decision to make the move to Villa Park back in February could hardly have gone better, with the Midlands side also still in the mix for a top five finish in the Premier League, while having also reached the last four of the FA Cup.

The polarising sensation has been central to Emery’s plans in recent months, with the assist for Ezri Konsa last night taking his total tally to nine goal involvements in just 15 appearances since making the move. Jesse Lingard at West Ham United anyone?

Free from the shackles and the scrutiny of being a Manchester United player, Rashford has looked reborn in claret and blue, with Tuesday night seeing him create four big chances in total – more than any other player on the pitch.

That display backed up Emery’s decision to once again select his loan star ahead of compatriot, Ollie Watkins, in the centre-forward berth, with the Villans boasting attacking depth that Amorim can only dream of – not least with Joshua Zirkzee now sidelined with injury.

Speaking on Amazon Prime, United legend Wayne Rooney suggested that he would “love” to see Rashford back playing for the Red Devils next season, while also claiming that the player himself “wants” to be back at the Theatre of Dreams.

That said, it was only in December that the England international outlined his desire for a “new challenge” after being given the cold shoulder by Amorim, with it difficult to see any form of reconciliation occurring ahead of next season.

Indeed, having found his groove at Villa, why would Rashford risk enduring another stop-start campaign back at his parent club – not least considering three of the last four seasons have been rather underwhelming for him in a United shirt.

2024/25*

24

7

3

2023/24

43

8

6

2022/23

56

30

11

2021/22

32

5

2

2020/21

57

21

18

As for the club itself, the chance to rake in a £40m fee from Villa – a deal that would represent pure profit – is no doubt difficult to turn down, with it perhaps best for everyone that a permanent separation occurs this summer.

That said, even if Amorim and co do change their mind, at least they have only opted to loan out Rashford thus far, with the option of a homecoming still on the table. The same can’t be said for everyone that INEOS have let go…

Man Utd may have made a bigger mistake than Rashford

It appears to be a growing theme that players who have left Old Trafford have gone on to shine elsewhere, albeit with the club having largely been correct in moving those players on.

Indeed, in the case of Anthony Elanga, the Swedish speedster had scored just four goals in 55 games for United prior to departing for Nottingham Forest. David de Gea, meanwhile, was public enemy number one for his mistake in the FA Cup final, before being allowed to leave for nothing.

Equally, the likes of Antony and Jadon Sancho – now on loan at Real Betis and Chelsea – had hardly pulled up any trees following their £86m and £73m arrivals, respectively, with the pair netting just 24 goals between them in 179 games.

Antony

96

12

5

17

Anthony Elanga

55

4

4

8

Amad

57

12

10

22

Jadon Sancho

83

12

6

18

Alejandro Garnacho

135

25

20

45

Dan James

74

9

9

18

Angel Di Maria

34

4

12

16

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

63

13

11

24

Memphis Depay

53

7

6

13

Even Rashford had endured a miserable 18 months after scoring just 15 goals for United following the start of the 2023/24 campaign, with few of a Red Devils persuasion having contested with any of those exits at the time.

In the case of Scott McTominay, however, it may well be a different story, with the Scotland star having actually been one of Erik ten Hag’s key men last term, before sealing a £25m move to Napoli over the summer.

Indeed, the 28-year-old was the Dutchman’s rescue act having repeatedly delivered the goods in an attacking sense, with the rampaging midfielder – who notably netted a brace at the death against Brentford – ending the season with ten goals to his name in all competitions.

The joint third-highest scorer for United in the end in 2023/24, McTominay appeared to be thriving in an advanced midfield berth, albeit with the desire to meet PSR regulations – and the pursuit of fellow midfielder, Manuel Ugarte – leading to INEOS deciding to cash in.

Ten Hag has since admitted that he “didn’t want” to sell the 6 foot 4 giant, yet was almost “forced” into agreeing to the decision due to the club’s financial constraints.

As it is, McTominay has gone on to dazzle in Naples in 2024/25 to date, with the midfield “monster” – as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson – notably netting twice last time out to keep Antonio Conte’s side in title contention.

Those latest strikes – both of which were assisted by Romelu Lukaku, no less – showcased just what the Lancaster-born hero is all about. Indeed, for his first of the night, McTominay charged from deep before curling home from outside the area. For his second, the ex-Red Devil expertly headed home after towering above the Empoli defence.

The emerging Naples sensation now has eight Serie A goals to his name this season, with only Bruno Fernandes able to match that tally for league goals back in Manchester.

McTominay is then picking up where he left off last term, with INEOS having made a rare move for United by selling a player who was actually in form – unlike the exiled Rashford.

With the Red Devils now in the midst of their worst-ever Premier League campaign, that bold call doesn’t appear to have aged well…

Forget Bayindir & Heaton: Man Utd could unleash "superb" Onana replacement

Man Utd’s goalkeeping woes continued on Sunday afternoon, with a solution needing to be found…

ByRobbie Walls Apr 15, 2025