Ruud van Nistelrooy intends to extend his stay on English shores as he has reportedly applied to a Championship club after leaving Manchester United.
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Amorim's arrival paved the way for Van Nistelrooy exitDutch coach keen to manage in EnglandHas applied for vacant position at CoventryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Van Nistelrooy returned to United in the summer, joining as an assistant coach under Erik ten Hag. Following Ten Hag’s sacking, he stepped into an interim role and his brief tenure was marked by an unbeaten record in four matches, including victories against Leicester City in two competitions and a crucial European win over PAOK. Despite his success, incoming United manager Ruben Amorim opted to overhaul the coaching staff, bringing in his own team from Sporting Lisbon. This left the Dutch without a position at Old Trafford.
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Now seeking a new challenge, Van Nistelrooy has reportedly applied for the managerial vacancy at Coventry City, as perThe Championship side, currently in 17th place, recently parted ways with Mark Robins and are seeking fresh leadership. They are said to be evaluating a wide pool of candidates, with approximately 70 applicants initially expressing interest. Among them are notable figures such as Frank Lampard and Lee Carsley, with the former reportedly already in talks with the management. Owner Doug King is consulting with performance director Dr. Claire-Marie Roberts and head of recruitment Dean Austin before finalising a name, who will face immediate pressure to turn results around.
DID YOU KNOW?
Van Nistelrooy’s aspirations are not limited to Coventry. Reports suggest he is also open to managing Burnley if an opportunity arises. The Dutchman was previously linked to the Turf Moor job but instead returned to United during that period. Burnley fans have expressed scepticism about current manager Scott Parker, leaving the door open for a potential shakeup.
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Van Nistelrooy’s willingness to apply for Championship roles underlines his determination to establish himself as a manager in England. Whether at Coventry, Burnley, or another club, his next move will be closely watched as he looks to translate his success with the Manchester club into a long-term coaching career.
Ross Taylor had a mixed tournament and Colin de Grandhomme returned to action but didn’t bowl
Deivarayan Muthu14-Feb-2021The Super Smash, New Zealand’s premier T20 competition ended on Saturday, with Michael Bracewell’s Wellington Firebirds successfully defending their title against the Canterbury Kings in front of a packed home crowd at the Basin Reserve. ESPNcricinfo looks back at the major talking points from the tournament.Wellington’s near-flawless title run After having scrapped to the title in 2019-20, the Firebirds thoroughly dominated this season, securing their fourth domestic T20 crown and second on the bounce at the Basin Reserve.They launched the season by hunting down 177 against the Auckland Aces on Christmas Eve and simply powered on, with the loss against the Kings in the league phase being the only blemish in their otherwise flawless run.Related
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The Firebirds ran into the Kings again in the final, but Devon Conway, who had watched the season opener from the grass banks after being rested, made a sublime 93 not out off 63 balls to close it out. After having topped the domestic run-scoring charts across formats last season, Conway finished second, behind his opening partner Finn Allen, in this season’s Super Smash.Seamers Hamish Bennett and Logan van Beek led the way with the ball for the Firebirds, claiming 13 wickets apiece at economy rates of under eight per over. Allrounder Jimmy Neesham underwent surgery midway through the season for a compound dislocation on his finger, but he returned with a triple-strike against the Aces in the lead-up to the final.Van Beek also torched the tournament with his scarcely believable one-handed outfield catch to dismiss the Northern Knights’ Brett Hampton.
What the….. incredible https://t.co/FisaLvGOSP
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 9, 2021
Overall, the Firebirds won ten out of 11 games, while the next best sides – the Kings and the Central Stags – had only six wins to show for.Finn Allen the breakout star of the tournament He was the fire to Conway’s ice. He rattled off 512 runs in 11 innings at a stellar strike rate of 193.93, and nobody had more sixes than his tally of 25. Much like Brendon McCullum and his protégé Tim Seifert, the opener regularly dashed down the track to bend attacks out of shape. That Allen could do so against New Zealand internationals suggests that he isn’t too far away from making his international debut. A day after winning the Super Smash, Allen was picked in the New Zealand T20I squad as cover for the forthcoming T20I series against Australia.Allen hit his peak when he smoked a 16-ball half-century against the Stags. Only Kieran Noema-Barnett (14 balls) and Martin Guptill (15) have struck faster fifties in New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition.
Finn Allen has hit 25 sixes for the @cricketwgtninc Firebirds in the 2020-21 Dream11 Super Smash #DidYouKnow Finn has the most 6's in a men's #SuperSmashNZ season since 2012-13
Which is your favourite? pic.twitter.com/vxDogl7VZF
— Dream11 Super Smash (@SuperSmashNZ) February 12, 2021
Is Colin de Grandhomme back in action? The allrounder, who had been sidelined from the internationals against West Indies as well as Pakistan with a foot injury, was back in action although he didn’t bowl. He had last taken the ball in the four-day Plunket Shield in October 2020. He played four games for the Knights as a specialist batsman, making 51 runs at a strike rate of nearly 160.In a revised chase of 91 from 14 overs against the Kings, he ushered the Knights home along with Kane Williamson. The New Zealand captain later pulled out of the tournament as a precautionary measure after hurting his elbow.Ross Taylor returned to the Super Smash after four years•Getty ImagesDid Taylor do enough to force his way back into the T20I side? After being dropped from the T20I squad, Ross Taylor was asked to prove his form in the Super Smash. He returned to the competition after four years, and had mixed returns: 125 runs in six innings at a strike rate of nearly 165. Although Taylor showed signs of his best during his 25-ball half-century for the Stags against the Kings, he fell for a duck in the preliminary final as the Stags crashed out. With the younger players like Conway and Glenn Phillips stepping up for the New Zealand middle-order role, and Allen too throwing his hat into the T20 World Cup ring, Taylor probably needs to do more if he is to win his spot back.Give me a rundown of the New Zealanders in the IPL auction shortlist All up, 20 New Zealanders have made the cut with Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee and Corey Anderson in the top bracket, listing their base prices at INR 75 lakh ($US 103,000 approx.). Jamieson, who enjoyed a bumper home season, particularly with the ball, could be a hot pick among the overseas quicks. In January, coach Gary Stead, who has overseen Jamieson’s progress from his domestic side Canterbury to the national team, reckoned that the presence of New Zealand coaches in the IPL might be “one of the advantages” for him.The likes of Guptill, Neesham, Phillips, de Grandhomme and Conway have set their base prices at INR 50 lakh (US$ 69,000 approx.). Colin Munro and Adam Milne, who had impressive stints in the Big Bash League across the Tasman Sea, will also invite bids from INR 50 lakh.Meanwhile, Super Smash champion Allen and Stags allrounder Josh Clarkson are in the auction with reserve prices of INR 20 lakh (US$ 27,500 approx.).
Chelsea are close to reaching a complete agreement to sign one player who BlueCo have likened to a Real Madrid star behind the scenes.
Chelsea seal nine signings in busy summer transfer window
Enzo Maresca's side have yet again displayed their spending power in what has been another busy transfer window at Stamford Bridge under Todd Boehly, with Chelsea sealing nine signings thus far.
£162,000-per-week forward ready to join Chelsea if Boehly can agree deal
It is down to the west Londoners.
2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 30, 2024
Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham), Omari Kellyman (Aston Villa), Renato Veiga (FC Basel), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City), Marc Guiu (Barcelona), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United), Filip Jorgensen (Villarreal) and Aaron Anselmino (Boca Juniors) have completed moves to west London, with highly-rated Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian also set to join the club from Palmeiras in 2025.
Anselmino has completed his Chelsea medical ahead of a £15.6 million move from South America, but the teenager is expected to re-join Boca on loan until the end of the Argentine season before linking back up with the Blues later this year or early next year (Sky Sports).
Cole Palmer
7.48
Conor Gallagher
7.13
Nicolas Jackson
7.07
Moises Caicedo
6.85
Noni Madueke
6.84
Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley could add further faces before summer deadline day on August 30 as well, as it is believed Chelsea are in the market for a new winger and potentially a striker.
Fabrizio Romano has backed reports that a Chelsea part-exchange deal involving Romelu Lukaku and Victor Osimhen is indeed possible, with the latter's move to Paris-Saint Germain currently on standby as the race for his signature heats up.
It could well be an interesting last five weeks of the window for Chelsea, and we cannot rule out the possibility of Boehly green-lighting deals for more of world football's brightest up-and-coming talents.
Another teenage talent has been heavily linked with a move to Cobham this week, with KRC Genk goalkeeper Mike Penders the subject of intense interest from Chelsea as talks continue behind the scenes.
Chelsea close to agreeing deal for Penders who BlueCo liken to Courtois
According to Belgian transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Chelsea are now close to agreeing a deal for Penders and are offering a package in excess of £17 million to get it over the line.
They're also ready to hand the 6 foot 7 shot-stopper a long-term contract, with Genk now working on the final details before going ahead with this move.
Interestingly, in a previous update, Tavolieri shared that the 19-year-old is highly thought of by Chelsea and their owners. Indeed, BlueCo think Penders could be the next Thibaut Courtois, which is lofty praise and a clear indication of his potential.
The keeper also made his Jupiler Pro League debut last weekend, keeping a clean sheet in Genk's 0-0 draw with Standard Liege at home.
Glasgow Rangers manager Philippe Clement has committed to the cause, signing a contract extension until 2028 recently.
This should give the Ibrox faithful a boost, proving that the Belgian is here for the long term as he aims to rebuild the team in a bid to restore the Old Firm side as the best team in the country.
The Premiership opener against Hearts will see the Gers under pressure to secure a positive result, but if they do, it could be the catalyst for them to enjoy a solid first few weeks.
The 50-year-old tactician has made nine summer signings already. With four weeks left until the summer transfer window slams shut, there could be a few more.
Several first-team players have departed the club, most notably Connor Goldson, and it is clear that the manager has to use funds raised by these sales to bolster his squad.
With the Englishman leaving after six years, it was clear that the defence had to be strengthened heading into the 2023/24 campaign.
Player
Club joined
Sam Lammers
Twente
Connor Goldson
Aris Limassol
Ryan Jack
Without a club
Kemar Roofe
Without a club
John McLaughlin
Without a club
John Lundstram
Trabzonspor
Borna Barisic
Trabzonspor
Robby McCrorie
Kilmarnock
It didn’t take Clement long to find a suitable replacement, bringing in Dutch defender Robin Propper from FC Twente to fill the void left by Goldson.
He will likely go straight into the starting XI to play the Jambos this afternoon, and he could turn out to be a wonderful addition.
Robin Propper’s season in numbers for FC Twente
The Dutchman played 40 games for the top-flight side last season, missing just one league match in total, which shows how consistent he is.
He captained Twente during every single Eredivisie match too, meaning the Light Blues have signed a player who knows what it is like to lead a side.
Among his teammate's last term, Propper ranked first for accurate passes per game (57.4), while also ranking first for accurate long balls per game (4.5), third for interceptions per game (one) and first for clearances per game (2.6), clearly showcasing his skills across a range of metrics.
His forward-thinking abilities were also on show. When compared to his positional peers in the men’s next 14 competitions, Propper ranked in the top 4% for shot-creating actions (1.54), the top 6% for progressive passes (5.66) and in the top 10% for non-penalty goals.
These statistics clearly demonstrate that Propper is a wonderful passer of the ball but loves to move it quickly up the pitch in order to begin attacks. This mindset could mean he will be a solid signing for the club.
Aged 30, he is currently in the prime of his career and if Clement can get two or three years out of the centre-back, then it will be money well spent – with Twente chief Arnold Bruggink revealing that the deal was secured for just £1.5m, due to a clause in the player's contract.
Clement already has a defender at Rangers who is worth more than Propper, and if he manages to shine during the 2024/25 campaign, then his market value could skyrocket over the next few months – Ridvan Yilmaz.
Ridvan Yilmaz’s season in numbers
The Turkish left-back didn’t enjoy a good start to life in Glasgow, it's safe to say. During his maiden season, he played only 15 times due to suffering a variety of injury issues.
Last season saw the 23-year-old finally emerge as a first-team player for Clement as he preferred him to Borna Barisic on the left side of the defence.
Ridvan Yilmaz
Indeed, Yilmaz made more than double the appearances he did a year before, scoring twice in the process. if it wasn’t for an injury suffered while on international duty in March, he would likely have played more during the title run-in.
Yilmaz showcased his attacking talents last season. Not only did he create six big chances in the Premiership, but the defender also averaged 1.5 key passes per game, succeeded with 1.3 dribbles per game – a success rate of 67% – and averaged 0.8 shots per match.
He should be the starting left-back for Clement during the 2024/25 campaign. The trust placed in him by the manager should see the Turk gain confidence as the season progresses, while building up a consistency level which should see his performances improve.
Ridvan Yilmaz’s market value at Rangers
The defender – who was hailed as being “high quality” by Ross Wilson upon his signing in 2022 – joined the club for a fee in the region of £5m with the hope that the club could make a serious profit on the youngster in the future,
At the time of writing, his current valuation stands at €4.8m (£4.1m), which is far more than that of Propper's £1.5m fee.
Ridvan Yilmaz
Yilmaz is seven years younger than the Dutch defender, which means his valuation should be rising fairly rapidly over the next few years as he continues to develop and get better as a player.
While Giovanni van Bronckhorst was only at the club for a year, it looks like he has struck gold on Yilmaz, who finally appears to be settling in at Ibrox, more than two years on from first arriving.
Some players take longer to adjust to life in Scotland than others. The Turk is clearly one who thrives on confidence and consistency, two traits which have alluded him so far.
Propper could be an excellent addition to the squad for Clement as he seeks to replace Goldson, but the upcoming season could be the most important in Yilmaz’s young career for sure.
If he shines, then big clubs will likely be circling around the player with regard to making a potential move next summer.
But if he struggles, then he could slip into anonymity like so many others who came and failed at Ibrox over the years.
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Philippe Clement could be eyeing up an experienced midfielder as his next signing…
O mistério sobre o destino de Rafael Navarro a partir de 2022 continua. De acordo com o portal “Torcedores.com”, o atacante do Botafogo não gostou da proposta do Miami FC, equipe que disputa aUSL Championship. Navarro tem vínculo com o Alvinegro até o fim desta temporada.
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De acordo com o site, a diretoria do Botafogo chegou ao seu limite financeiro para tentar manter Rafael Navarro. Com isto, manterá a mais recente oferta apresentada aos representantes do jovem.
O atacante já foi sondado por outros clubes. Além de manifestar interesse em contar com Navarro, o Internacional está em conversas oficiais com o empresário do jogador, Carlos Costa.
Entretanto, o objetivo de representantes de Navarro é que ele vá para o futebol europeu. O Anderlecht (BEL), Hellas Verona (ITA) e o Valladolid (ITA) manifestaram o interesse no centroavante mas não formalizaram propostas.
Rafael Navarro tem dez gols na Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro.
يستعد فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي ريال مدريد، بقيادة المدرب كارلو أنشيلوتي، لخوض مباراة جديدة في بطولة كأس ملك إسبانيا، مساء اليوم الخميس.
ويستضيف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة ريال مدريد ضد خصمه سيلتا فيجو، والتي تأتي في إطار منافسات دور الـ16 من كأس ملك إسبانيا.
اقرأ ايضاً.. قائمة ريال مدريد لمباراة سيلتا فيجو في كأس ملك إسبانيا.. غيابان
وتأهل ريال مدريد إلى منافسات دور الـ16، بعد أن فاز على ديبورتيفو مينيرا بخماسية نظيفة في مباريات دور الـ32 من كأس ملك إسبانيا.
بينما تأهل سيلتا فيجو إلى الدور ذاته وذلك بعد أن فاز في مباريات دور الـ32 على نظيره ريسنج بنتيجة 3/2. موعد مباراة ريال مدريد وسيلتا فيجو اليوم في كأس ملك إسبانيا
تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة العاشرة والنصف مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الحادية عشر والنصف بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة ريال مدريد وسيلتا فيجو اليوم في كأس ملك إسبانيا
تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة SSC SPORTS 1. معلق مباراة ريال مدريد وسيلتا فيجو اليوم في كأس ملك إسبانيا
سيعلق فهد العتيبي، على أحداث مباراة الليلة.
ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.
Obafemi Martins was somewhat of a modern hero for Newcastle United after many years of discontent on and off the pitch.
The Nigerian forward arrived at St James’ Park back in the summer of 2006 from Italian side Inter Milan, going on to have a huge impact on the Magpies squad.
He registered a total of 30 goals in his 88 appearances for the club, including 17 in his debut campaign, helping Newcastle register a 13th-placed finish in the Premier League.
Martins would leave the Magpies in 2009, three years after his arrival, following the relegation to the Championship, with the Nigerian moving to German side VfL Wolfsburg.
However, 15 years on from his departure, the club have been presented with the opportunity to sign one player who could follow in his footsteps on Tyneside.
Newcastle could sign £25m talent this summer
In recent weeks, Newcastle have been touted for a move with various options in the final third to help bolster Eddie Howe’s side.
However, as of yet, no deal has been agreed with any of their transfer targets, with the club potentially needing to reopen talks to sign one star.
Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto has previously been on the Magpies’ radar earlier this month over a potential move to the club, but despite their rumoured interest, no deal has been explored for the 20-year-old Italian.
The forward enjoyed a successful campaign in the Championship last season, scoring eight and assisting two, however, it wasn’t enough to secure an immediate return to England’s top flight.
After Leeds’ failure to return to England’s top flight, Daniel Farke’s side are willing to part ways with the youngster for £25m, potentially providing an alternative for another player who’s recently caught the of Magpies boss Howe.
How Gnonto compares to Noni Madueke
Over the weekend, it was reported that Newcastle had agreed personal terms with Chelsea winger Noni Madueke over a potential move to St James’ Park ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
The 22-year-old has failed to nail down a regular first-team spot at Stamford Bridge last season, with a potential move on the cards to allow him to gain regular first-team minutes.
Despite the interest, Howe could prioritise a move for Gnonto, with the youngster producing some impressive stats, albeit in a slightly lower-quality decision.
How Madueke & Gnonto compare per 90 in 2023/24
Statistics
Madueke
Gnonto
Games
23
36
Goals + assists
7
10
Goals per shot on target
0.3
0.5
Crosses completed
1.9
3
Aerials won
41%
47%
Tackles won
0.9
1.3
Stats via FBref
The Italian, who’s previously been dubbed “the new Obafemi Martins” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, managed three more goal contributions in 2023/24, averaging a higher goal per shot-on-target rate than the English winger.
He also averaged nearly double the amount of crosses per 90, potentially benefitting the likes of Alexander Isak who could further improve his goalscoring tally of 21 Premier League goals from last season.
Although they’re both attacking-minded players, Gnonto has also bettered Madueke defensively, winning 1.3 tackles per 90, compared to Madueke’s tally of just 0.9 over the same period.
Wilfried Gnonto
Whilst Madueke would undoubtedly provide a great option on the right-hand side for Howe, Gnonto is a younger and potentially cheaper alternative to the Englishman, while the hope will be that he can follow in the footsteps of that man Martins.
The club need to act quickly to secure his services, however, with the Leeds man currently a man in demand amid interest from fellow Premier League side Everton.
Newcastle can land dream signing for Madueke in “relentless” PL star
Newcastle looking for Kieran Trippier replacement.
Rizwan was recently named Player of the Series in the T20Is against South Africa
Umar Farooq15-Feb-2021
Mohammad Rizwan celebrates his first T20I hundred•AFP / Getty Images
The Multan Sultans have named wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan as their captain for the upcoming Pakistan Super League season. He will replace Shan Masood, who led the franchise to the playoffs last year. Rizwan was previously part of the Karachi Kings, the defending PSL champions, but was picked up by the Multan team in the PSL 2021 draft.”I look forward to leading the Multan Sultans team for the upcoming season,” Rizwan said in a team press release. “I have understood the innovative approach the franchise applied last season and am looking forward to playing my part this season. Multan Sultans had a successful HBL PSL 5 and we will aspire to go even better this time around especially with senior Pakistani players like Shahid Afridi, Shan Masood and Sohail Tanvir.”While revealing the team’s new captain, team owner Alamgir Khan Tareen said: “Rizwan has shown exemplary leadership qualities with the Pakistan team as well as with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in domestic tournaments. We are grateful to Shan Masood for leading the franchise exceptionally well last season and for instilling a winning mentality in the team.”Related
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Rizwan learns from Shafiq to make Pakistan No. 6 spot his own
Azhar Ali and Rizwan exemplify Pakistan's transformed outlook
In the PSL draft last month, Rizwan was, at first, not picked in his original category (diamond) until the Sultans snapped him up in a lower category (silver). He had parted ways with the Kings after an unsuccessful stint when he spent most of his time on the sidelines and hardly got a suitable batting number. He was played as a second-choice wicketkeeper-batsman and batted only 12 times, slotted between Nos. 6 and 8. Last season, he featured in only two matches and got to face just one ball, although his side went on to win the title.Rizwan had failed to reach prominence while Sarfaraz Ahmed was Pakistan’s all-format captain. His career made a remarkable turnaround when he announced himself in England last year to win a Player of the Series award in the Test series. His stocks were further elevated after the New Zealand tour where he stood out although Pakistan lost both games.Before the New Zealand tour, Rizwan had impressed in domestic cricket, in the National T20 tournament. He scored four fifties, including an unbeaten 99 against Central Punjab, which helped him finish as the highest run-scorer, while he also impressed behind the stumps. His diving catch against Sindh, in particular, was a major talking point in the tournament. His tournament tally of 389 runs at 38.90 – and a strike rate of 127.96 – led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the 2020 title.Most recently, Rizwan scored his maiden Test hundred against South Africa. In the T20I series that followed, he played all three games as an opener and struck his maiden T20I century in the first match. He finished as the highest run-scorer while also collecting the Player of the Series award for the T20Is. In the PSL, though, he has batted only 24 times – in 35 matches – with a high score of 50 at a strike rate of 115.94.
Three years ago, Aston Villa resigned themselves to the bitter loss of their talisman. Jack Grealish was one of the hottest prospects in the Premier League, and so Manchester City took it upon themselves to launch a £100m bid to bring him up the M6 and join Pep Guardiola's imperious operation.
Since leaving Villa Park, his boyhood club, his stomping ground, the England international, 28, has won hordes of major honours, bathed in illustrious heights with one of the greatest football teams in English history, an all-conquering mega-power that would fancy its chances against any of the great sides of years past, domestically and abroad.
2023/24
Premier League, UEFA Supercup, FIFA Club World Cup
2022/23
Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup
2021/22
Premier League
Last season, though, the £100m man clinched three goals and three assists apiece over 36 appearances in all competitions. He's lost some of his flair and gusto. Gone is the fleet-footed brilliance of a truly unforgettable phenomenon; hello, industrial efficacy, mechanical motions chipped and tinkered at to maximise control and – this part is crucial – winning.
Could Grealish return to Villa?
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are actually interested in bringing Grealish back to Birmingham, with the Citizens tempted to cash in on their record signing following his crash in form and perceived partying antics.
Grealish does not appear to be the same player that he was at Villa Park, but this is a point in tactics, not an evaporation of dizzying ability.
bryan-gil-jack-grealish-tottenham-opinion
However, City are hoping to recoup much of the lofty outlay paid to NSWE three years back. This isn't particularly realistic: it was an exorbitant sum anyway and Grealish has suffered of late, missing out on the Three Lions' Euro 2024 squad.
But perhaps it could materialise – especially when it was reported earlier this week that Jhon Duran seemed to be closing on a transfer to Premier League rivals West Ham United.
The fearless Colombian has erected quite the presence despite his young years (he's only 20), expressing power, pace and prodigious potential in a wonderful mingle. But he's not unexpendable, and while the Villans appear to have placated PSR, completing such a sale would place them in a positive long-term financial position.
Both players, Grealish and Duran, possibly one out, one in, are talented and highly valued in a competitive transfer market, but there's one recently sold Lions man worth even more. His name is Douglas Luiz, and Aston Villa well and truly hit the jackpot on him.
Why Aston Villa sold Douglas Luiz
Back in 2017, Aston Villa's dismal tumble into the second tier made a poignant comment on one of English football's foremost outfits. The Villa Park halls are rich in silver-gleaming history, having reached the pinnacle of European football and been one of the most prominent top-flight teams for an age.
All seemed lost, especially after Fulham landed a 1-0 victory over Steve Bruce's side in 2018, confining them to a second successive year in the Championship. But second time lucky, Aston Villa surged back into the big time and have since been on an upward curve. Luiz has been one of the chief architects.
Signed from Manchester City in a £15m deal five years ago, the Brazilian was welcomed to Dean Smith's brood at the dawn of a second shot in the Premier League, and he made 204 appearances, scoring 22 goals and assisting 24 more.
Luiz, now 26, was described as "one of the Premier League's standout midfielders" by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell for his exploits under Unai Emery last season, having also been crowned the club's Player of the Season during the 2022/23 term.
Emery has done a wonderful job of propitiating Aston Villa's fanbase with an incredible resurgence, but without Luiz's brilliance, it simply wouldn't have happened.
Matches played
37
35
Matches started
33
35
Goals
6
9
Assists
6
5
Pass completion
86%
89%
Big chances created
7
10
Touches per game
60.6
70.1
Key passes per game
1.2
1.5
Dribbles per game
0.6
0.7
Ball recoveries per game
6.1
5.5
Tackles per game
2.0
1.7
Duels won per game
4.4
4.2
The table above shows just how remarkable his level has been in the English top flight over the past few years, instrumental in qualifying for the Europa Conference League and then the Champions League.
But all good things… as they say. With PSR concerns rife over the past month, it became clear that the 5 foot 10 midfielder might have to be sacrificed to avoid a breach that could result in a hefty fine or a points deduction.
Douglas-Luiz-Aston-Villa
Juventus were keen on his signature, and so completed Luiz's signing for £42.5m at the end of June, with the Premier League side claiming Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea in part of the deal.
It means that Luiz – who was hailed as Villa's "star man" by journalist Graeme Bailey – actually stands above Duran in market value and indeed in Grealish, with Football Transfers reflecting the Englishman's true market price with a £32m tag.
Football Transfers actually mark Luiz's valuation at £43m themselves, suggesting that Juventus have struck a deal for a fitting price.
It might be a bitter pill to swallow, watching Luiz jet off to the Serie A, where he will compete for Juventus and seek to orchestrate the Italian side's own revival after a regression over recent years.
Villa's newfound position among Europe's elite means that a reunion between the player and the Midlands club is a very real possibility next season, but should it happen, he will be met with a warm embrace, for he has been one of the most important cogs at a golden period in Aston Villa's history.
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Celtic are set to finally replace Joe Hart between the sticks at Parkhead this summer as Kasper Schmeichel is poised to arrive on a free transfer.
The veteran Denmark international will undergo his medical tests this week before putting pen to paper on a deal with the Scottish Premiership giants, to become their new number one.
Hart retired from professional football at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, after three seasons in Glasgow, and the former Leicester City ace looks to be his replacement.
However, he is not the long-term solution in that position as Schmeichel turns 38 later this year and is almost a year older than the ex-England international, which may be why the Bhoys are reportedly looking to add another shot-stopper to their ranks.
Celtic closing in on Premier League prospect
According to the Scottish Sun, the Hoops are closing in on a deal to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo to compete with the Danish colossus.
The report claims that Brendan Rodgers wants another stopper to come in with a view to the future of the position, as Schmeichel is in the latter stages of his career, and the Villans youngster now looks set to come in.
It states that the two clubs are negotiating a fee for the 22-year-old prospect and that the player is 'poised' to complete a move to Parkhead on a permanent deal.
Sinisalo, who spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Exeter, could now repeat the success Matt O'Riley had at transitioning from League One football over to the Premiership.
Why Sinisalo could repeat O'Riley's success
The Danish midfielder had produced seven goals and five assists in 26 outings for MK Dons in the first half of the 2021/22 season before Celtic snapped him in the January window.
He hit the ground running with a return of four goals and three assists in ten Premiership starts in the second half of that term, and has gone on to be a huge player for the club.
O'Riley produced 18 goals and 13 assists in the league last season and is now reportedly valued at £25m by the Hoops, which shows that he successfully transitioned from being a League One player to being a star for Celtic.
Sinisalo, who was tipped for an "incredible" career by manager Gary Caldwell this year, could now follow in his footsteps after his impressive performances in the third tier of English football on loan with Exeter last term.
23/24 stats
Viljami Sinisalo (League One)
Joe Hart (Premiership)
Appearances
45
37
Penalties saved
3/8
0/3
Save success rate
70%
68%
Ball recoveries per game
9.8
7.5
Ground duel success rate
69%
40%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Finland international performed well in comparison to Hart's displays for the Scottish giants in the Premiership.
These statistics show that the 6 foot 3 giant was a top performer in League One, with a high save success rate, a strong penalty stopping success rate, and dominant work in his duels.
Therefore, Sinisalo, who is 15 years younger than Schmeichel, could be a phenomenal long-term signing to eventually become the number one at Parkhead and make the transition from League One star to Hoops hero, just as O'Riley did on his road to becoming a £25m-rated player.
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