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Aston Villa entered the season with high expectations after last year’s sixth-place finish, but their early form has left much to be desired.

They secured only their first league win of the campaign against Fulham last weekend, a result that at least lifted them away from the bottom three.

Currently sat 16th in the Premier League with a goal difference of -2, Villa’s league form has been a stark contrast to their performances in Europe.

In the Europa League, they look far more assured, sitting third in their league phase after victories over Bologna and Feyenoord.

The European stage seems to suit Unai Emery’s side, who benefit from his tactical nous in knockout football.

Yet domestically, inconsistency has plagued them. It is in moments like these that clubs look back on players who define stability, leadership and consistency.

These are the traits Villa fans fondly remember in one of their greatest-ever servants, Gareth Barry.

The need for a player like Gareth Barry

For over a decade, Barry embodied everything Aston Villa aspired to be: steady, disciplined, and adaptable.

After joining Villa’s youth system from Brighton, he went on to make 439 appearances, scoring 52 goals and providing 47 assists.

His versatility made him indispensable – capable of anchoring midfield, dictating play from deep, or even filling in at left-back when required.

Barry’s crowning trait was composure.

Rarely one for spectacular moments, his intelligence and positional discipline allowed his sides to control games.

He was central to Villa’s push for Europe in the mid-2000s and started in their 2000 FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea.

His consistency also earned him 53 England caps, including a place in the 2010 World Cup squad.

Liverpool made multiple attempts to sign him in pursuit of Champions League experience, but he eventually joined Manchester City in 2009 for £12m, where he became part of the early foundations of their modern dominance.

Barry’s style was defined by calmness under pressure.

He was not the quickest, but his stamina, strength in duels, and tactical intelligence allowed him to excel against more naturally gifted players.

By keeping things simple – short passes, smart diagonals, and constant recycling of possession – he gave Villa stability and ensured that more adventurous teammates could thrive.

Villa’s current side, struggling for rhythm in the league, need someone of that profile: a midfielder who combines defensive resilience with technical composure, someone who dictates tempo while protecting the back line.

That responsibility now falls to Boubacar Kamara.

Aston Villa's new Gareth Barry

Signed on a free transfer from Marseille in 2022, Kamara has quickly grown into one of Villa’s most important players.

The 25-year-old French international, valued at around £35m, operates primarily as a defensive midfielder but can also cover at centre-back when needed.

His arrival was seen as a coup at the time, with former manager Steven Gerrard instrumental in convincing him to join.

Since then, this “jewel” of a footballer, as hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has made 104 appearances, scoring twice and providing four assists.

While those numbers may not leap off the page, his influence lies elsewhere.

Villa are undeniably a different side when he plays, providing structure, control, and balance.

His absence last season was felt keenly whenever injuries sidelined him, underlining just how integral he has become.

The statistics reinforce his importance.

Kamara ranks in the 80th percentile for pass completion (88.2%), showing his reliability in possession.

Defensively, he is in the 86th percentile for clearances (2.34 per 90) and 83rd percentile for aerial duels won (1.6 per 90).

On his return to the starting XI against Feyenoord, Kamara marked the occasion with an assist, further proof of his ability to influence both phases of play.

Like Barry before him, he is not a headline-grabber like the goalscoring John McGinn, but rather the glue that holds the team together. For Emery, keeping Kamara fit will be vital.

He provides the shield in front of the defence, allowing creative players like Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendía – as well as McGinn – to flourish higher up the pitch.

Without him, Villa lack both the balance and the resilience required to compete on both domestic and European fronts.

Just as Barry once quietly dictated Villa’s tempo, Kamara represents the modern equivalent: disciplined, technical, and reliable.

If Aston Villa are to climb the league table and turn their European promise into genuine success, their fortunes may rest on whether Kamara can stay fit and continue to step up as their present-day answer to a club legend.

Fewer touches than Bizot: Emery must now drop 6/10 Aston Villa man

Aston Villa picked up another win in the Champions League on their travels to Feyenoord.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 3, 2025

Who are the scariest footballers ever to play in America, at the club or international level? For Halloween, GOAL takes a look

It's spooky season. From pumpkins and scarecrows, to werewolves and Frankenstein, to candy corn and caramel apples, Halloween is a special holiday for many in United States.

It's a time for frights, scares, nerves and excitement, and that got the team at GOAL US thinking: Who are the scariest footballers to ever to play in American soccer, at either the club or international level?

Ex-U.S. international Pablo Mastroeni? What about FC Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga, someone who likely still haunts Diego Lainez's dreams? Not scary enough? How about Zlatan Ibrahimovic? During his time in MLS, he was utterly terrifying. Oh, and let's not forget the USMNT's own Clint Dempsey.

Whether enforcers by nature, or simply intimidating from the first step on the pitch, GOAL – in celebration of All Hallow's eve on Thursday – looks at five of the most frightening players American soccer has ever seen.

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  Zlatan Ibrahimovic

  One of the most famous players to ever step foot in MLS, Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrived and was immediately considered the most imposing figure in the league. Nicknamed , the Swede was a leader, but one who spread fear into opponents. Strong, tall, and skillful, he boasted a mentality unlike any other.

  You could try speaking to him on the field, but he would brush you aside like a tumbleweed in the wind. You could play well against him, and he would purposely act as if he didn't know who you were. The sheer amount of confidence he exuded made him unapproachable, and it struck fear into those around him.

  Speaking to ESPN in 2022 after departing the league, that confidence was put on full display: "I was too good for the whole competition. That is what I showed," the Swede said. "And I'm the best ever to play in MLS and that is not me having ego or trying to show off now."

  That is true. Standing 6-5 with a menacing stare, he was a towering figure in the attack, and if you saw him charging at you or leaping over you for a header, you were immediately on your back foot.

  He was Zlatan, after all. The world's villain, Europe's biggest footballing personality for more than a decade, then one of the most daunting players in the MLS. He knew what he was, and he played like it.

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  Jermaine Jones

  Jermaine Jones scored what is arguably the most stunning goal in U.S. men's national team history. However, when his name is brought up, it's not the strike or individual moments you remember. Rather, it's what he brought to the pitch.

  He was a proper workhorse. Nonstop, always fighting, always arguing, always defending the badge. During his time with the USMNT, he was the one midfielder on the pitch that truly never stopped, and if you were in trouble on the field, he would have your back.

  Unafraid of contact – or any opponent – Jones played with an intensity that few could match.

  Often carefully reckless, Jones was cocky, and played with an arrogance that he backed up with performances on the pitch. For opposing players, he was a impossible to solve. He would rile up foes, get in their heads and play mind games. For teammates, though, he was the ultimate force in the middle of the park.

  A nightmare for referees and teams at both the club and country level, Jones was a terrifying competitor.

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  Ozzie Alonso

  Nicknamed , Alonso is one of MLS' greatest-ever midfielders, and is arguably the best villain to ever take the pitch in the league.

  Scrappy, yet composed, Alonso ran the midfield during his time in the league with the Seattle Sounders, Atlanta United and Minnesota United. Playing the No. 6 position as a CDM, Alonso was one of the first real in the middle of the park. Someone who went into every tackle with the confidence he would win it, and if a fight came as a result of the tackle, he would win that, too.

  He never backed down from a challenge, never stepped away from an argument, and more often than not, was the instigator in both situations.

  What made him scary, though, was his mobility on the pitch. For as much as he attacked, he created just as much to draw the balance level. From goals to assists to outlandish cross-field passes, the Cuban midfielder was a creative menace in the middle of the park.

  Sounders fans will never forget his stoppage-time winner in the 2011 US Open Cup, in which he ran around an entire defense, and the opposition goalkeeper, to calmly slot home.

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  Oguchi Onyewu

  Ask anybody in U.S. Soccer about Oguchi Onyewu, and you will only hear good things. Considered one of the nicest and most kind individuals to ever come through the program, to friends and colleagues, he was a giant teddybear.

  However, he was also a 6-4 defender and, on the pitch, not someone you ever wanted to cross.

  There's only one story you need to know about Onyewu: The day he almost put Zlatan in a hospital, and without teammate intervention, it could have been worse. While playing for AC Milan in 2010, during a 5v5 training session, Onyewu and Ibrahimovic clashed, as told by former teammate Alexandre Pato on the Fala, Brasólho podcast.

  "Let me tell you in detail," Pato relayed. "So we went to play a little game, like 5v5. Onyewu is a big defender. Ibra had the ball so he went to mark him, then Onyewu unintentionally hit him, 'BAM.' The thing is Ibra’s foot is huge, so it was hard to tackle without hitting it. We knew it had no malice. Onyewu was just coming from an injury and starting to train again. He controlled the ball with his back to Ibra, then Ibra went in with both feet on Onyewu, really trying to hurt him.

  “They both fell to the ground. Onyewu got up calmly. He was really nice, with a heart of gold. Ibra is more impulsive, he got up immediately and started insulting him. Ibra was cursing in Swedish, we didn’t understand what he was saying. He tried to grab Onyewu like this (by the collar), and tried to throw him to the ground.

  “What did Onyewu do? He grabbed Ibra and ‘BAM.' He threw him down instead. It was easy for Onyewu, like drinking a glass of water. Imagine Ibra, that guy is huge. But Onyewu grabbed him and threw him to the ground easily. He then jumped on top of him, pinned him down, and raised his arm.

  “When he did that, I said to him: ‘Stop, my God, stop. You’re going to kill him!' If we didn’t break it up, I don’t know what would’ve happened to Ibra.”

Tottenham Hotspur splashed a fee of £30m to sign winger Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window after his loan spell in North London came to an end.

The France U21 international spent the second half of last season on loan with Ange Postecoglou’s side, scoring three goals and providing one assist in all competitions.

Spurs and former chairman Daniel Levy opted to make that loan deal permanent for £30m, despite the change in head coach, to provide him with a chance to impress under Thomas Frank.

Unfortunately, the ex-Brentford manager opted to leave the 20-year-old winger out of his squad for the league phase of the Champions League, which does not bode well for the young talent.

Tel did score two goals for France’s U21s during the international break earlier this month, which shows that he does still have potential to be a success at Spurs, but he needs to show it in domestic matches this season.

The French forward will be hoping that he does not join the list of expensive wingers who have failed to make a success of themselves in North London.

Ranking Tottenham's most expensive winger signings

Tel, who can play as a left-winger or as a centre-forward, ranks among the top five most expensive winger signings in the club’s history if Transfermarkt fees are taken into account.

As you can see in the table above, summer signing Mohammed Kudus tops the list, whilst club legend Heung-min Son also features at the bottom.

If pressed to rank those five signings, Son would have to be at the top of the list. He scored 173 goals and provided 101 assists in 451 matches, per Transfermarkt, along with captaining the side to a Europa League trophy.

Brennan Johnson, meanwhile, has to be ranked in second place in this moment of time, simply because he scored the winning goal in a European final for Spurs against Manchester United at the end of last season.

Irrespective of what the Wales international did before that or what he will go on to do, that moment alone makes his signing and the fee paid for him worthwhile.

It is too soon to judge Kudus, who only arrived this summer, whilst Lamela should be third on this list. The Argentine forward had longevity on his side, as he racked up 37 goals and 46 assists in 257 outings for Spurs, per Transfermarkt.

That leaves Steven Bergwijn, who joined from PSV in 2020, at the bottom of the pile. He only lasted two-and-a-half years at the club, and the forward only scored eight competitive goals in that time.

The Netherlands international scored eight goals and provided ten assists in 83 appearances for Tottenham, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he was not as effective or impactful as Johnson, Son, or Lamela.

Bergwijn was an expensive flop on the wing, one that Tel is looking to avoid being a repeat of, and there is a winger at the club who is in danger of being the next version of the Dutch forward.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Tottenham swooped to sign French winger Wilson Odobert from Burnley for a fee of £25m in the summer of 2024, and he has yet to prove his worth on the pitch.

Why Wilson Odobert may be the next Steven Bergwijn

The young forward was signed for a similar fee to Bergwijn and his performances on the field for the club have done little to dismiss a comparison between the two.

It is worth noting that Odobert struggled with hamstring injuries last season, which disrupted his progress, but his displays when fit and available offered little encouragement.

The 20-year-old winger, who is the same age as Tel, has scored one goal and created one ‘big chance’ in 21 appearances in the Premier League for Spurs to date, via Sofascore, with his latest showing coming against Brighton at the weekend.

Thomas Frank handed the youngster an opportunity to shine on the left flank, but the Frenchman ended the game with zero out of three dribbles completed, zero out of five duels won, and no key passes or shots on target in 72 minutes, per Sofascore.

Odobert, who was described as “incredibly raw” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, was an expensive signing for Spurs, at £25m, and just falls short of being one of the five most expensive wide signings in the club’s history, which is why it is not too harsh to expect more from the former Burnley man.

As you can see in the table above, Tel, who joined on loan in January, provided more quality at the top end of the pitch than his fellow France U21 international did in the Premier League last season.

These statistics suggest that Odobert offers even less than Tel does in the final third, as both a scorer and, certainly, as a creator from a wide or central berth.

The 20-year-old forward, of course, has plenty of time left to turn things around and prove to supporters and the club that the money spent to bring him in from Burnley was worthwhile, rather than becoming the next Bergwijn, who was an expensive flop on the wing.

However, the signs are not promising at this moment in time. We can only judge on what has happened so far, and Odobert has not done enough on the pitch to suggest that his fortunes are going to turn around any time soon.

Forget Kudus & Richarlison: Spurs' 7/10 gem is becoming Frank's best player

Tottenham Hotspur have uncovered a new talent under Thomas Frank over recent weeks.

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 21, 2025

Therefore, the French winger is the one who is in danger of becoming the next Bergwijn, rather than Tel, who showed some glimpses of quality in the Premier League last term.

Everton have come on leaps and bounds since David Moyes returned to the helm in January after so many years away.

However, there are plenty of wrinkles that still need ironing out, with Tuesday evening’s Carabao Cup defeat at Molineux illustrating that fact. The Toffees have gone 30 years without silverware, and Wolverhampton Wanderers handed them their fourth third-round defeat in the competition in five years.

One point from six available in recent Premier League outings, a point against Aston Villa at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and then defeat at Anfield, emphasise the task on Moyes’ hands if he wishes to restore the Merseysiders to their one-time standing and consistency during his first term at the club, but he has the tools to achieve this.

After all, Everton signed Jack Grealish from Manchester City on loan for the duration of the 2025/26 season, didn’t they?

The Jack Grealish effect

Grealish was at a crossroads this summer, having fallen by the wayside at Man City, sinking further and further into the fringes across the second half of his time at the illustrious outfit.

Everton and Moyes offered him a lifeline, and he has taken it with both hands, already registering four assists in the Premier League and being crowned the division’s Player of the Month for August.

Everton lacked fluency and drive in attack last season, and they needed a more passionate approach this year.

But Grealish wears his passion on his sleeves, and he’s built upon a skillset of flair and guile and sparkle. Pep Guardiola once hailed the Three Lions star for his “aggressive” nature on the pitch, but this wasn’t always on show at City.

Now, though, the 30-year-old has restored his bite down the left flank, not just creating but getting stuck in too, with Sofascore recording that he has averaged 7.2 duels per game so far.

Grealish is a sensation, but whether he is the finest forward in Everton’s ranks is a debatable thing when Iliman Ndiaye also plies his craft under Moyes’ wing.

Moyes has hit the jackpot on Iliman Ndiaye

Ndiaye has been a revelation at Everton, signed for just £15m in July 2024. Only spending one term in France with Marseille, the Senegalese winger struggled to get going after previously starring in the Championship with Sheffield United, where his performances earned many plaudits.

And he picked up where he left off in England, hailed for his “dynamite” quality when on the ball by Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp.

Across all competitions last term, Ndiaye scored 11 goals for the Toffees, more than any of his teammates.

He hasn’t quite settled into his finest form this season, but Ndiaye has still been fantastic under Moyes’ wing, scoring twice and assisting once.

When collating his match data with Grealish’s over these opening weeks of the campaign, it becomes all the more clear that Grealish has some fierce internal competition as he plays his way toward contention for the Player of the Year and indeed steers Everton to heights unscaled in many recent years.

As you can see, most of the effusive noise might be directed toward Grealish so far this term, but Ndiaye is on a level with the England international, and he’s five years younger besides.

Both are electric and pacy players, and there’s a neat balance in Grealish’s playmaking emphasis and Ndiaye’s more direct approach.

It’s also worth noting that the former Marseille man is earning just £45k per week at Everton, and while a bumper pay rise is sure to be on technical director Angus Kinnear’s radar, it’s an illustration of the shrewd business completed in reeling him over. Farhad Moshiri’s dysfunctional reign was characterised by many bungled deals, but credit must be paid for the addition of Ndiaye.

Grealish, meanwhile, is one of the best-paid players in the Premier League, and though he’s playing like it across the opening weeks of his Everton career, Ndiaye is quite the wide forward himself – and he’s permanently on the Toffees books besides.

In any case, both superstars are more than happy to be playing their football on Merseyside, beaming grins clear for all to see.

While Everton have hit the jackpot with the addition of Grealish, it’s important to remember that he is only a loanee. A permanent stay down the line isn’t out of the question, but it will present a new financial obstacle for Kinnear and co.

Ndiaye is already on the books, of course, and he just keeps on going from strength to strength, potent in the final third but also a willing defender, a crisp passer and a breakneck runner.

Data-driven platform FBref underscore all this. Across the past year, the African talent ranks among the top 17% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe for pass completion, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 9% for tackles per 90.

Watch him continue to improve. Here is a talisman. Here is a player who can match Moyes’ ambitions over the coming years.

Everton must only resist any inevitable efforts from interested parties, and while a price tag is unknown, it’s clear that the Toffees would demand a stratospheric sum for their star.

Moyes must ruthlessly drop Beto to unleash Everton's “serious” talent

Everton should start French youth star over Beto to boost Premier League attack.

By
Will Miller

Sep 27, 2025

LAFC has been energized by Son, but clever transfer window additions could make the difference in MLS postseason

You can hear Son Heung-Min’s laugh from a room over. At least, that’s what Mathieu Choiniere claims. Walk into the LAFC training ground, get your reps in at the gym, listen for long enough, and you will hear that chuckle bouncing around the room. 

It is, these days, a fundamental part of the LAFC experience. This club will forever be associated with Son, not only for his hot start on the pitch, but also for the pedigree that comes with him. He carries the weight of a nation on his shoulders every time he puts an LAFC jersey on.

And it’s something he has embraced in full – that much is clear in his laughs, grins, and constant media appearances alone. 

But while Son has grabbed the headlines for his transfer fee and fine goal catalogue, there are plenty of others who have set this all up. LAFC may have made headlines when they shattered the MLS transfer record to bring in Son. But three other shrewd summer additions might be just as important – if only because of the way they have complemented Son, and allowed this team to function as a unit. 

That trio – Ryan Porteous, Choiniere and Andrew Moran – have all played their part. And if LAFC are to push for MLS Cup this winter in Steve Cherundolo’s final playoff push, then it will be as much down to the supporting cast as the big name.

“I don’t know where we can go. But this club has been going for everything, for every trophy, for every competition, every single time. That won’t change,” Choiniere said.

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  'What pieces do we need?'

  Just 10 games in, things were looking bleak in Los Angeles. The front office, usually so shrewd, had pieced together an unbalanced team. Olivier Giroud, a France legend and World Cup winning striker, was an expensive misfit up front. The rest of the side wasn’t quite firing around him. The Black and Gold, perennial cup contenders, sat in eighth. 

  Something had to change. And it did over the ensuing months. Giroud departed. The groundwork was laid for Son, who was ready to leave Spurs after a decade in North London. But things needed rounding out, too. Los Angeles had a main man in attack to pair with Denis Bouanga.

  But they also needed help in midfield, solidity in the back, and, ideally, an extra creative presence in the final third. In Porteous, Choiniere and Moran, they found all three – at minimal cost.

  “When you are looking at how things come together in complementary pieces and what have you, then you look on the field and you say, ‘OK, how will Sonny be utilized, and what pieces do we need around him to make the team better?’” LAFC GM John Thorrington said.

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  'Better late than never'

  It was a precarious spot for Cherundolo. The manager had announced in April that he planned to leave the club at the end of the campaign and return to Germany. A few eyebrows were raised when LAFC agreed to retain him for the entire season. In effect, they had a lame duck coach – and one that wasn’t getting the requisite results out of the team. 

  Some clubs would have stayed in stasis. Others would have removed the manager. LAFC, meanwhile, decided to go big. 

  “It's really important. If you asked me, if I had a choice, will we have a finished roster in the beginning of season or by the first of October? I would prefer the first of March,” Cherundolo said. “But better late than never, and finishing the season strong in our league is obviously more beneficial than starting strong.” 

  Communication with the front office was vital in the effort, Cherundolo said. At one point, he found himself short on options, dealing with multiple competitions, and pushing his players to the limit. These days, things are different. 

  “John and I talk all the time. He’s more than welcome to give me problems as far as choosing the roster and lineups every week. I like those problems,” Cherundolo said.

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  'It was a no-brainer'

  Porteous had his choices. The Scottish centerback – who had 13 caps for his national team – was frozen out at Championship side Watford. A loan to Preston yielded some success, but he was told by the club that he could leave if the right offer came in. And with two full seasons still left on his contract, there were options. 

  “I had offers elsewhere in the Championship, offers to go back to Scotland, other places abroad,” Porteous said. 

  But a few messages with other players in America, MLS and the direction of the league convinced him to make a move to the West Coast. The front office’s pitch – that he would be a crucial part of a team looking to make a run – sealed the deal. 

  “As soon as I had the conversations with the manager, the sporting directors, it was a no-brainer, because everything kind of aligned as in terms of the player they wanted to bring in, and the environment and the atmosphere that I wanted to join,” Porteous said. 

  He could sense the vibe as soon as he walked into the locker room. There was a real intent here. Change was already afoot. Son’s arrival – announced three days after Porteous’ signature – was no secret by that point. 

  “I was coming into a team that maybe had a stumbling block in the mid part of the season and just needed a little pick me up in terms of the recruitment,” Porteous said. "I think the people that they've brought in have added that energy.” 

  “Energetic” is one way of describing the Scotsman. He immediately established himself as a hard-nosed presence at the back – a leader who can play across multiple different positions, and also add a much-needed bite. It’s been there for as long as he can remember, Porteous admitted. He cut his teeth in the lower leagues of Scottish football, and then grew into the game in the physicality of the English Championship. 

  “If anybody met me on the field, they wouldn't like me. But I'd like to think anybody that knows me off it as a completely different person,” Porteous admitted. “But it’s always been that way.” 

  Cherundolo has repeatedly said that his aggression is key. Porteous has established himself as LAFC’s preferred right center back – and played every minute since his first start. And with Aaron Long out long term with an Achilles injury, his presence is vital.

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  'I needed something else'

  Choiniere had been in and out of MLS before. The Canadian came through the Montreal academy system, and was a two-time All-Star before being sold to Swiss Super League side Grasshopper in August 2024. His time in Switzerland was mixed. He made 17 appearances for the club, but was looking for a way out.

  “I needed something else. I wanted a new challenge,” he told GOAL. “I was training well, but wasn’t getting the playing time I wanted in the system that I wanted.” 

  LAFC came calling. Porteous added bite. But they also needed some control. Choiniere fit the bill perfectly. Thorrington’s pitch was simple. He needed someone to hold things down in midfield – cover the spaces, move the ball, put out fires. LAFC had the attacking talent. Choiniere was going to be the connective tissue in the middle. 

  “It's been amazing since I arrived. The club made me feel like I'm home, and since the first day, I'm feeling like I'm in the right place,” he said. 

  And he has returned the faith put in him by the front office when they invested on a short-term loan. He established himself as a starter in the latter days of the season, and now figures to be a part of Cherundolo’s best XI, sitting in a midfield three and pulling the strings. 

  “I’m waking up every morning and I want to go to training. You go into the locker room, everybody’s laughing, everybody’s talking to everyone. It could be about anything,” Choiniere said.

Manchester United’s rebuild this summer has already begun just days into the transfer market, with Ruben Amorim desperately needing to make his own stamp on the squad.

The Red Devils will be hoping for a huge reaction next campaign, after the side registered their lowest ever Premier League points tally and league finish in 2024/25.

Matheus Cunha has already completed his switch to Old Trafford, with the Brazilian moving to the North West in a £62.5m deal from fellow top-flight outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, despite the massive fee spent on the 25-year-old, it does not appear to scupper any other plans in the market, with numerous names continuously linked with a summer move to the club.

All areas of the pitch are set for investment from INEOS, with Amorim finally getting the opportunity to sign and sell players who may or may not be part of his plans ahead in the coming years.

The latest on United’s hunt for new players this summer

Bryan Mbeumo appears to be the latest addition to be made by the United hierarchy this summer, after he confirmed his desire to leave Brentford for a switch to Old Trafford this summer.

The Red Devils will reportedly approach Thomas Frank’s side this week over a deal for the 25-year-old, but the Bees are set to demand a fee in the region of £60m for his signature this window.

The Cameroonian could be joined by another new addition at the Theatre of Dreams by Aleksandar Mitrovic, that’s if talkSPORT’s latest update on the transfer front is to be believed.

They reported that United are seriously considering a potential bid for the Serbian international, who currently plies his trade for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

The article also states that West Ham and Everton are monitoring the 30-year-old’s progress, with the Middle Eastern outfit demanding a fee in the region of £40m to part ways with their talisman.

Why Mitrovic would be a huge upgrade on Delap

Liam Delap was once seen as United’s number one target for the centre-forward role, but circumstances elsewhere have seen the club move on this summer.

The 22-year-old has completed his medical ahead of his proposed move to Chelsea this summer, after Enzo Maresca’s side triggered the £30m release clause in his contract.

It may be a blessing in disguise after allowing the English youngster to move to Stamford Bridge, with many supporters unsure whether he would be the answer to their goalscoring issues.

He did manage to score 12 times for the Tractor Boys this season – an impressive tally for a player in a relegated outfit – but it’s unclear whether he will be able to sustain a record in 2025/26.

Such a situation has seen the hierarchy targeting a move for former Fulham star Mitrovic, with the Serbian talisman massively outperforming Delap when comparing their respective figures from this season.

He’s registered 28 goals in his 36 appearances throughout this campaign, a tally more than double than that of the soon-to-be Chelsea man and eight more than Mbeumo – highlighting his clinical nature within the final third.

The striker has also placed more of his efforts on target and achieved a better goal per 90 rate, handing Amorim the sensational talisman he’s desired since taking the reins.

Mitrovic’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more aerials than the aforementioned duo, handing the latter an opportunity to increase his own goal tally, given his ability to play as a focal point.

Missing out on Delap may be a concern, especially to a direct rival in the ‘big six’, but ultimately, if they were to pursue a move for the former Fulham star, it would be a sensational deal that could transform the club’s fortunes.

It may not be the glamorous name many were anticipating, but his tally of 38 goals in England’s top-flight, he has what it takes to be a success and play a key role in their revival next time around.

After Cunha: Man Utd set to make £29m move to sign their new Berbatov

Manchester United could sign their new Dimitar Berbatov this summer.

By
Matt Dawson

Jun 2, 2025

Enzo Maresca is not short of options at centre-back for Chelsea. The Blues boss has several options when everyone is fully fit, not including Axel Disasi, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa. Youngster Josh Acheampong is also an option at centre-back, as is Wesley Fofana, although he is out injured.

Trevoh Chalobah was recalled to the club in January after spending the first half of the season on loan at Crystal Palace, and he has had a big role to play since returning, having started the last six Premier League games.

Levi Colwill – who has started 32 top-flight games in 2024/25 – has also been a key player, with the likes of Benoit Badiashile and Tosin being options, too.

However, the Blues seem like they will bolster their defensive depth in the summer and bring in a new recruit for Maresca.

Chelsea’s defensive target

If there is one defender who is widely wanted across Europe this summer, it is Feyenoord and Slovakia international David Hancko. The 27-year-old came close to leaving the club last summer, but seems destined to depart in 2025.

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According to a report from Dutch news outlet Voetbal International, Chelsea are one of the sides ready to make an offer to sign him this summer. The report suggests the Blues ‘want to work on the arrival of the defender’ before someone else snatches him up.

They will face stiff competition, however, with West Ham United the other Premier League side said to be interested in striking a summer deal.

Outside of England, Atletico Madrid and Al Nassr are also strongly linked. In March, a report from TEAMTalk suggested the defender could leave Feyenoord for a fee in the region of £42m.

Why Hacko would be a good signing

It has been an impressive season for Hancko, in a Feyenoord side who have had a good time of things from a defensive standpoint in the Eredivisie. As per Sofascore, they have conceded the second-fewest number of goals, letting in 33. They have also kept nine clean sheets, bettered by just three sides.

Slovak international Hancko has played a big part in that, too. He has played 44 times across all competitions, with 29 of those games coming in the Dutch top flight. He has featured in all of those aforementioned nine clean sheets.

The 27-year-old has also chipped in with goals and assists this term, too. He has scored and assisted four each across all competitions, with one of those goals coming in that famous 3-3 draw away to Manchester City, when his side came from three goals down in the Champions League.

Described as a “freak technician” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, Hancko’s ability on the ball is a standout feature of his game. He can play at both left-back and left centre-back, showing excellent versatility.

In fact, that is like another Chelsea target, Jorrel Hato, who also plays in the Eredivisie for Ajax. According to a recent report from Sky Sports, the West Londoners are ‘seriously considering making a move’ for the 19-year-old.

The Ajax academy graduate has been crucial for the Dutch giants this term. He has featured 47 times in that famous shirt, scoring three goals and assisting six. Just like Hancko, he can play at centre-back or at left-back.

Well, the pair can be compared via FBref, to gain a better understanding of their underlying numbers. Their defensive number are very close, with Hancko averaging 2.17 tackles and interceptions and 4.34 ball recoveries each game. Comparatively, Hato averages 2.88 tackles and interceptions and 4.4 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.

Signing Hancko seems like an excellent option for the Blues. He is progressive on the ball, as the stats show, and can play in a couple of positions, which adds to Maresca’s options at the back.

£42m is a fairly sizeable amount of money, but he would certainly increase the technical floor of the squad and become another quality option.

Maresca must unleash 18-year-old Chelsea star who's their homegrown Hato

Chelsea might not have to worry if they miss out on signing Hato

By
Joe Nuttall

May 7, 2025

Chelsea are working on a “behind-the-scenes” deal for a former Man City gem who’s also being targeted by Premier League champions Liverpool, according to a former club chief.

Chelsea targeting new striker and winger this summer

As per credible media sources, Chelsea are in the market for a new wide player and striker this summer.

Chelsea set to hold talks with star forward who Juventus are "prioritising"

The west Londoners could spoil Juve’s main transfer plan.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 29, 2025

Supporters will be especially eager for BlueCo to bring in a prolific number nine, given Nicolas Jackson has bagged just one Premier League goal this calendar year, while Christopher Nkunku is also expected to leave Chelsea.

They’ve been targeting RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, Lille star Jonathan David, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké and Napoli outcast Victor Osimhen, according to Sky Sports, but some of these names will be in high demand at other elite European sides.

Chelsea must also think of their Club World Cup campaign, as they could bring home a financial windfall of around £97 million if they win all of their group games and the tournament itself (BBC).

Stamford Bridge officials will be keen for Enzo Maresca’s side to perform well in the tournament, and the club will have a special early transfer window to utilise if they wish to reinforce the squad in time for the CWC, which will open from June 1st to June 10th.

The Blues also wish to require a new winger, amid the rumoured uncertainty surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho’s long-term futures.

There are reports that Chelsea could even offer Sancho in a separate swap deal for key target Jamie Gittens, who’s enjoyed an impressive 2024/2025 campaign at Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea working on "behind-the-scenes" deal for Jamie Gittens

However, according to ex-Man United chief scout Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, Chelsea face competition from Liverpool in pursuit of the English sensation.

That being said, Brown hears Chelsea are working on a “behind-the-scenes” deal for Gittens, as they look to get in ahead of Arne Slot’s side.

“Chelsea look like they could have another busy window,” said Brown. “Maresca wants to sign a new winger because there are questions about where he sees Madueke and Sancho in his plans for the future. One name who has been on their radar for a while is Jamie Gittens.

“Lots of teams had the opportunity to sign him when he left Man City a few years ago, but he ended up making the move to Germany. After the season he’s had for Dortmund, there are a lot of teams in for him.

“He’s come into the team and has been playing regularly, so teams have been assessing him and I expect him to move back to England. Liverpool are one of those teams I’ve heard have been having a look, but I think the interest from Chelsea is a bit more advanced.

“From what I hear, they’ll be working on that deal behind the scenes and they’re aiming to get ahead of teams like Liverpool to sign him.”

The 20-year-old has racked up 12 goals and five assists in 45 total appearances for Dortmund this season, becoming a mainstay for both Nuri Şahin and Niko Kovač, and it appears Gittens fits Chelsea’s transfer mould of a young, exciting player with bags of potential. He’s also valued at just £35 million, so his signing wouldn’t exactly break the bank.

Although Sheffield United now find their automatic promotion dreams in tatters, the determined Blades will still feel confident they can achieve promotion via the lottery of the Championship playoffs after Friday night’s comfortable 2-0 win over Stoke City.

This routine victory away at the Potters was their 28th of the season to date, which is the most tallied up by a side, funnily enough, even as Leeds United and Burnley showed off their superiority in the confirmed top two.

The United away masses who made the trip down to Staffordshire would have been largely delighted with what they saw from their team, with a fight and bite present in their game, alongside moments of quality to seal a confidence-boosting three points.

Top Blades performers vs Stoke

Both goals on the day would come from unlikely sources, with former Norwich City full-back Sam McCallum powering home a header deep into the first half, before second-half substitute Andre Brooks made sure of the win with a late breakaway strike.

McCallum impressed in spurts on just his eighth league start of the campaign, with the 24-year-old managing to win all of his aerial duels on the night, away from connecting valiantly to this corner delivery.

McCallum wasn’t the only stern body in Wilder’s defence, with Rob Holding – who will be wanting to impress ahead of the playoffs – also excelling as his side picked up a well-deserved clean sheet, with the ex-Arsenal man managing to win five duels of his own.

Kieffer Moore also shone up top for the Blades in what was an attritional contest, considering the Welshman won a staggering 15 duels in total, away from unfortunately squandering five shots on the Potters net.

But, not everyone adorned in the United away top would be overjoyed with their efforts at the full-time whistle, with this underperformer now at risk of being dropped for the intense playoff matches to come.

The United flop who could now be dropped

It was certainly a full-blooded affair between Mark Robins’ hosts and Wilder’s visitors, with five yellow cards being handed out across the duration of the feisty 90 minutes.

Whilst that suited the likes of Moore with his towering 6 foot 5 frame, ex-Stoke City man Tyrese Campbell would flounder on the contrary, with the bruising nature of the contest proving to be too much for the 25-year-old up against his former employers.

Looking at the table above – away from losing out on six duels across the 2-0 win – Campbell would regularly find himself out of the contest in an attacking capacity, leading to the United number 23 amassing just 23 touches of the ball.

Even Michael Cooper, in-between the sticks for the away side, would accumulate more touches with 43, culminating in Wilder bringing off the out-of-sorts attacker for Tom Cannon to get a cameo at the end.

After all, Cannon has recently broke his goalscoring duck for the promotion hopefuls against Burnley, meaning he could be in line for more first-team chances soon, having shown a glimpse of the quality that he can provide.

Campbell does boast ten league goals for the season, but with no strikes now from his last six Championship outings, a fresh body up top might well start against Blackburn Rovers on the final day, before the nerve-wracking playoffs kick off.

Sheffield United are brewing their next Jagielka in "outstanding" star

Sheffield United will hope this centre-back sticks it out at Bramall Lane past this season.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 20, 2025

Chelsea are making moves for their desired summer transfer targets, with BlueCo reaching out to yet another player who’s keen to leave Bayern Munich.

Chelsea hold talks with Dean Huijsen and Jorrel Hato's agents this week

As per reliable Stamford Bridge journalist Simon Phillips, both Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato and Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen have been subject to approaches from Chelsea in the last few days.

Julian Alvarez is now urging Atletico Madrid to sign £69m Chelsea star

The Argentine is desperate to team up with him in Spain.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 18, 2025

As per the reporter’s sources, writing via his Substack, Chelsea held talks with Hato and Huijsen’s representatives, just before their Europa Conference League loss to Legia Warsaw in west London, with Enzo Maresca on the hunt for new defenders this summer.

Trevoh Chalobah is likely to leave Chelsea again this summer, despite being recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace in January, while Wesley Fofana has been sidelined through yet another long-term injury.

Ajax mainstay Hato is able to provide cover at both centre-half and left-back, so the Netherlands international is an astute option, while Huijsen’s £50 million release clause has piqued interest from Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea after his excellent campaign at Bournemouth (David Ornstein).

The competition for both men’s signatures will be fierce, though, so Maresca’s side will have earmarked a number of defensive targets ahead of the 2025/2026 season.

Chelsea must get this summer’s transfer window right, and Maresca also has a chance to bring players in early ahead of their Club World Cup campaign, following confirmation from the Premier League that there will be an additional transfer window open from June 1st to June 10th.

Up to £100 million in prize money will be on the line during this year’s CWC, so Chelsea will be keen to reinforce areas of the squad in time to compete.

Chelsea contact Kim min-Jae with defender keen to leave Bayern Munich

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, it is now believed £198,000-per-week Bayern defender Kim min-Jae is a target for Maresca’s side.

The South Korean, with nearly 70 international caps, is apparently “very open” to departing the Allianz Arena this summer, despite being trusted by Vincent Kompany as a consistent starter.

Chelsea have reached out to min-Jae’s camp for discussions, as per Aouna, but Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have done the same, as both sides look to reinforce their backlines.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to England for years, with Tottenham registering an interest in min-Jae during Antonio Conte’s tenure in charge.

Back in 2020, during José Mourinho’s time at Spurs, it was also reported that Son Heung-min was pushing the club to sign min-Jae – so he’s clearly highly-rated by his peers behind-the-scenes.