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Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League triumph at the end of the 2024/25 campaign has injected a newfound sense of excitement into the fanbase for the future of the club.

Ange Postecoglou may have lost his job despite the success, and Daniel Levy’s position as chairman, remarkably, is no more, but with Thomas Frank at the helm, the man tasked with the responsibility of building on the European victory, things look rosier.

The Dane has already made an incredible start to life in North London, winning two of his three outings – including a superb display against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Etihad.

The fanbase mustn’t get carried away with the recent showings, but it’s excellent to see the Lilywhites moving in the right direction after years of failures on the pitch.

However, if the club are to mount any serious charge up the Premier League this campaign, they will likely need to nullify the threat of one big-money transfer in the months ahead.

Alexander Isak's record against Spurs

Despite owner Daniel Levy spending over £120m on new additions this summer, top-flight rivals Liverpool have obliterated such a number – dropping over £400m in the window despite winning the league in 2024/25.

The likes of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké had already completed moves to Merseyside before the Reds dropped an English record £125m fee to secure the services of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.

Arne Slot’s side now possess a huge array of attacking talent, further strengthening their grip at the top of the table – with the Lilywhites needing to try and keep the Swede quiet after his big-money move.

Over the years, Isak has enjoyed coming up against Spurs, netting six times in his five outings against the club – the joint-most of any side he’s faced in his professional career.

Such a move has left the rest of the division in awe, offering a real fear factor to any side who dares go toe-to-toe with them – but Frank’s side now also possess a player of similar quality within their ranks.

The Spurs player who’s worth more than Isak

In an attempt to bolster the options at the new manager’s disposal, Levy secured the signature of winger Mohammed Kudus, with the Ghanaian joining in a £55m transfer from West Ham United.

He’s already made an immediate impact in North London, registering two assists on his league debut for the club – subsequently nailing down the right-wing position as his own.

However, he could be aided in the final third by another one of the club’s additions – potentially linking up together and creating their own deadly partnership.

Xavi Simons was selected as the man Levy and Co wanted to fill the number ten role in North London for 2025/26 and beyond – forking out a fee in the region of £52m for his signature.

He’s become a recognisable name over the last couple of years after starring for RB Leipzig, but he now has the chance to further impress upon his move to the Premier League.

The Dutchman impressed in the Bundesliga last campaign, subsequently ranking in the 97th percentile for passes into the final third per 90 (2.5) and the 97th percentile for carries into the final third (2.9).

Such numbers highlight the talent the 22-year-old possesses with the ball at his feet, able to provide needed quality to Frank’s side, whether that be in a wide left or central attacking midfield role.

However, it’s all well and good getting into good areas – but it’s another being able to add an end product, something which Simons demonstrated last season, as he ended the year with 17 goal contributions in Germany’s top-flight.

Creating a connection with Kudus is one thing, but his transfer to the club has already generated massive excitement – with the hierarchy getting themselves a bargain given his recent upturn in market value.

Games played

25

Goals & assists

17

Pass accuracy

83%

Chances created

2.2

Successful dribbles

1.4

Tackles won

75%

Duels won

5.7

Simons, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Rafael van der Vaart, has now been valued at a staggering £92.2m by FootballTransfers – a near 100% increase on the fee paid not even a week ago.

Such a figure is higher than that of Isak, with the new Liverpool man only valued at £89.4m despite his recent record-breaking transfer to Anfield on deadline day.

If Simons can replicate the numbers which led to his move to join Spurs, his transfer fee would be a huge bargain – potentially fulfilling the board’s ambitions of building on the Europa League win.

At just 22, he has bags of time to reach the next level in his career, with his value only going to rise higher if he can keep improving under Frank’s guidance. This could well turn out to be an amazing parting gift from Levy.

Spurs have struck gold on "world-class" star who's worth more than Simons

Tottenham Hotspur have showcased their excellent work in the transfer market over recent years.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 4, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

da betobet： Luis Zubeldía foi apresentado como novo técnico do São Paulo, mas corre o risco de não estar à beira do gramado para comandar o Tricolor contra o Barcelona de Guayaquil, quinta-feira (25), pela terceira rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSão PauloLuis Zubeldía é apresentado no São Paulo: ‘Queria estar aqui’São Paulo22/04/2024São PauloLuciano ‘paz e amor’? Atacante tenta mudar comportamento no São PauloSão Paulo22/04/2024Fora de CampoTorcedores do São Paulo vão à loucura com desempenho de reforço: ‘Reencarnação do Pelé’Fora de Campo21/04/2024

da poker： ➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta!

Zubeldía precisa tirar o visto de trabalho e regularizar sua situação legal no Brasil. Só assim o São Paulo terá os documentos necessários para inscrever o treinador no Boletim Informativo Diário (BID). O nome do argentino precisa estar no sistema da CBF 24 horas antes do jogo contra o Barcelona.

➡️ Siga o Lance! São Paulo no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Tricolor

Caso o São Paulo não consiga resolver a documentação de Zubeldía para a Libertadores, o técnico, que comandou sua primeira atividade no CT da Barra Funda na segunda-feira (22). irá viajar com a delegação para o Equador.

continua após a publicidade

Zubeldía, que vinha sendo monitorado pelo São Paulo no começo da temporada, chega para assumir o posto deixado por Thiago Carpini. Na Libertadores, o Tricolor perdeu para o Talleres, na Argentina, e superou o Cobresal-CHI, no Morumbis.

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários dos jogos do Brasileirão

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LibertadoresLuis ZubeldíaSão Paulo

da bet7： Newcastle United have made some late-window headlines and have put forward a proposal to land a new frontman before the close of play.

Newcastle United keen on acquiring late arrivals

da pinnacle： Eddie Howe will realise he has his work cut out for him after a goalless stalemate against Leeds United on Saturday evening, which has put the cat among the pigeons regarding their lack of a goalscorer.

Seeking a clinical edge at the top end of the field, Nick Woltemade has arrived at Newcastle from Stuttgart, but had to make do with a place in the stands at Elland Road while William Osula earned a rare start through the middle.

Delivering an honest assessment of his side’s performance in Yorkshire, Howe admitted their lacklustre nature in the final third left a lot to be desired, even if the Geordies showed resilience to come away with a point.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: “I thought there was a lot of commitment from the players. This is a tough place to come to and I think we stood up to it really well. Defensively it was a very strong performance. I thought we looked organised, put our bodies on the line, blocked shots really well and stopped their main threats.

“We’re disappointed the other way that we didn’t cause them more problems. We had a few moments that you think could’ve led to more. We’re just in that moment where the goals aren’t flowing and that cost us today.”

Related When to expect announcement of Isak agreement between Liverpool & Newcastle

Alexander Isak and his proposed move from Newcastle to Liverpool keeps on heating up.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Aug 30, 2025

Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo is a late target for Newcastle who could offer a level of dictation in midfield, though it appears that Howe is after a striker, and he may now be moving closer to securing an arrival.

Newcastle United submit verbal offer for Yoane Wissa

Taking to social media platform X, Ben Jacobs confirmed Newcastle have put forward a ‘verbal’ offer of £45 million overall for the Democratic Republic of Congo international, though the Bees delayed giving a response due to not finding a suitable alternative.

Furthermore, Keith Andrews and the Bees are said to want £60 million before being tempted into a sale due to their struggles to bring in a replacement, potentially creating a scenario where the Magpies need to fork out considerable money to acquire his signature.

Labelled “incredible” by Thomas Frank, Wissa scored 20 times and laid on five assists in 39 matches last term and has since been at the centre of vast speculation, which may favour Newcastle at this late stage.

Ultimately, a potent finisher is needed to supplement Woltemade’s arrival, and the former Lorient man would be more than capable of stepping up to the challenge.

Lamine Yamal has been named the world’s best young player for the second year running after landing the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards in Paris. The teen sensation was instrumental in Barcelona's success, winning the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup in the 2024-25 season. And he played a starring role in Spain’s triumphant run to glory at last year’s European Championship.

• Yamal lands top award at glittering Paris ceremony

  The world's football elite were in attendance as Lamal beat competition from Barcelona team-mate Pau Cabarsi, Arsenal full-back Martin Lewis-Skelly and Chelsea's Estevao. And he beat Desire Doue, who came second, to the award despite the thrilling season the France international had for PSG. 

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  How the Barcelona star beat the competition

  Lamal contributed significantly to Barca's attack, bagging 18 goals and 25 assists last season – a total which was also the most in LaLiga. He set several records at Euro 2024, including the youngest player to appear in a European Championship final and the youngest-ever goalscorer at the tournament. 

• The Kopa 2025 rankings in full

  Here's how the voting went in Paris…

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  What next for Yamal?

  They're three massive mountains to climb, but within a couple of years Lamal could add a Champions League title, UEFA Nations League and World Cup crown to his already impressive trophy cabinet haul. And who knows, he could upgrade his Kopa crown for a Ballon d'Or.

It’s already been a very busy transfer window at Arsenal.

So far, the Gunners have brought in six new recruits, signing Viktor Gyökeres, Martín Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Nørgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga for around £187m.

According to Sam Dean of The Telegraph, this is the first time since transfer windows were introduced that the Gunners have signed six players before their first pre-season fixture, last making six or more signings in July all the way back in 1997.

However, as Mikel Arteta targets the Premier League title, they are not done yet, so could the most exciting addition be yet to arrive, a move that would be bad news for one of the club’s longest-serving players?

Arsenal need to add creativity

Following victories over AC Milan and Newcastle in Singapore, Arsenal’s Asia tour ended on a sour note.

On Thursday, the Gunners were beaten 1-0 by North London rivals Tottenham at the brand-new Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong.

The only goal of the evening came on the cusp of half-time; David Raya played a hospital pass to Myles Lewis-Skelly, who had his pocket picked by Pape Matar Sarr, who then lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper from inside the centre circle.

However, it was at the other end where supporters’ concerns lay, creating just one big chance, while only one of 16 shots found the target, according to SofaScore, with the Gunners unable to break down a low block in the second half, reverting to the familiar horse shoe of doom, passing from side-to-side without any penetration.

Thus, as they seek to address this lack of creativity, journalist Sébastien Vidal reported that Arsenal are “preparing to submit” a £52m bid to Crystal Palace in an attempt to sign Eberechi Eze, who he claims is “keen” to join this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Elsewhere, Dom Smith of the Evening Standard documents that Eze’s £68m release clause actually expires on 15 August, just ahead of Palace’s Premier League opener, but they still intend to make an offer irrespective of this deadline.

So, could the 27-year-old be the fabled final piece in the jigsaw, as Gooners everywhere dream of a first Premier League title since 2004?

Where Eberechi Eze would fit in at Arsenal

It is not entirely clear where Eze would fit into Arteta’s team, but this is exactly why he would be such an exciting addition, given the need for something a bit different.

Zubimendi’s arrival suggests that Declan Rice will be deployed as the left eight, given license to get forward alongside Martin Ødegaard, while Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz are also options for that left-sided midfield role.

So, could the 27-year-old become the starter wide on the left-wing, given that many Gunners fans believe a Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli upgrade is required?

As noted by Simon Collings of the Evening Standard, very few members of the Arsenal squad produce a better ‘work ethic’ than Martinelli, praising his ‘brilliant defensive work’, but there has been a clear decline in the Brazilian’s attacking output, as the table below documents.

Appearances

46

44

51

Minutes

3,440

2,640

3,564

Goals

15

8

10

Assists

7

5

6

Shots

55

39

40

Shooting accuracy %

58.18%

56.41%

62.5%

Big chances missed

6

5

8

Chances created

58

44

38

Big chances created

11

7

7

Take-on Success %

52.94%

39.6%

35.48%

% of touches in the box

15%

15%

18%

Average Sofascore Rating

7.17

7.11

6.96

As the table notes, when comparing the last three seasons, the vast majority of Martinelli’s attacking statistics peaked during Arsenal’s first title challenge in 2022/23, and have subsequently plateaued, namely goals, assists, shots, chances created, and dribbling.

So, would the English “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, represent a major upgrade?

Well, ahead of their clash at Selhurst in November, Fulham manager Marco Silva labelled Eze a “top player”, adding “I really enjoy watching him play”.

Meantime, Daryl Gouilard of Total Football Analysis is impressed by his ‘technical ability’, thriving as a ‘primary playmaker’ who tends to drift towards the left, while Sam Tabuteau of Breaking the Lines notes that he is capable of producing ‘match-winning moments’.

So, let’s compare Eze to Martinelli.

Appearances

33

34

Minutes

2,299

2,603

Goals

8

8

Assists

4

8

Shots

40

61

Chances created

38

57

Big chances created

7

11

Big chances missed

8

8

Take-on success %

34%

52%

Touches per 90

42.4

54.9

Average SofaScore rating

6.96

7.28

As the table documents, Eze’s attacking statistics were universally more impressive than those of Martinelli in the Premier League last season, registering more assists, creating more chances, and completing a higher percentage of his take-ons.

Thus, it is undeniable that the England international would be an amazing signing for Arsenal, and they might just need him if they’re going to overtake big-spending reigning champions Liverpool, and it would be bad news for Martinelli.

Dream Eze alternative: Berta lodged Arsenal bid for £61m "genius"

Arsenal have earmarked a fallback, should they fail to sign Crystal Palace’s Eze this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 2, 2025

Newcastle United's heavy spending under the Saudi PIF could be set to continue in the summer, with the Magpies needing to dramatically improve their squad depth.

The club have looked depleted in multiple areas this campaign and undoubtedly will be looking to strengthen the defensive department after the long-term injuries suffered by Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, with the two centre-backs ruled out for up to nine months after respective ACL surgeries.

However, the Magpies will target another midfielder this window, with Eddie Howe’s side suffering with numerous issues in that department.

Joelinton has struggled with a thigh problem in recent months but has formed an excellent partnership with compatriot Bruno Guimaraes when fit.

Fellow midfielder Sandro Tonali has missed the majority of the season after his summer move, following his ban for betting in Italy. He’s set to return to action in October, but it’s unknown what fitness levels the former AC Milan man will possess after his lengthy spell on the sidelines.

After his suspension and the recent injuries, the club are targeting another midfielder this summer, with Howe needing to target one player in particular who’s caught the eye this season.

Newcastle must revive interest in Premier League talent

In recent months, Newcastle have been linked with a move for 24-year-old Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, following his excellent campaign under Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea academy graduate has featured 37 times in the Premier League this season under the Argentinian, scoring five times and assisting seven – in a campaign where he's been utilised in a more advanced role.

Despite his good form in London, he could be set to depart the club, with the likes of Aston Villa also interested in signing the talent who is valued at £50m.

Gallagher has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the summer window, with Howe's side facing tough competition to sign the ace.

The battle is undoubtedly going to be a tough one to win for any of the sides, but the Magpies must sign the England international, with Gallagher producing stats making him the perfect Guimaraes and Joelinton hybrid.

Why Gallagher could be the perfect Guimaraes & Joelinton hybrid

When looking at the statistical record of Gallagher over the last 365 days on FBref, he’s noted as a similar player to the Brazilian pair – indicating how he could fit in smoothly at St James' Park.

The "phenomenal" midfielder, as dubbed by one Chelsea scout, has won 47% of his aerial duels and made 34 clearances – with both stats marginally higher than both of the Magpies' current midfielders.

The Englishman has also dominated in possession, with the Chelsea talent averaging a 59% take-on success and an 89% pass completion rate – demonstrating his qualities with and without the ball.

There's no denying that Guimaraes is a crucial cog in Howe's side, but Gallagher has been very underrated in an underperforming side, with his ability in and out of possession potentially completing Newcastle's midfield puzzle.

Games

37

37

20

Goals + Assists

12

15

3

Progressive carries

62

65

29

Goals per 90

0.1

0.2

0.1

Pass accuracy

89%

84%

84%

Tackles won

43%

52%

37%

Aerials won

47%

43%

35%

With Guimaraes at the base and Gallagher alongside him, the central trio would seemingly then be completed by the aforementioned Joelinton, with the Brazilian committing his future to the club, signing a new long-term deal on Tyneside.

As such, Howe and the Saudi PIF should hijack any attempts from other Premier League clubs and bring the Chelsea midfielder to St James' Park this summer.

Newcastle make approach for "phenomenal" £30m titan who's Gibbs-White 2.0

The Magpies are still looking to bolster their midfield ahead of next season.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 6, 2024

On the day of every match, for countrymen on either side, along with the cricketers, history, culture, war, and geopolitics also walk out to the middle. It is a completely unfair notion but has stoked a six-decade rivalry

Sharda Ugra in Mohali29-Mar-2011There was thunder and lightning in Mohali. The night before a game of cricket, the clouds were rumbling, the winds were howling and the skies were streaked with flashes of heated silver. The advent of summer in this part of the Punjab isn’t usually marked by loud messages from the Himalayas like these. It is not hard to imagine why it was different on Tuesday night. The subcontinent’s fractious, umbilically-bound neighbours have opened their windows and let in a World Cup semi-final.India and Pakistan co-exist in general grumpiness, rubbing shoulders like two men diving into a phone booth at the same time or jostling for elbow room when sitting next to each other in a darkened cinema.India versus Pakistan is a bit different.When that happens, the cricket suddenly morphs into a new life form. On the day of every match, for countrymen on either side, along with thirteen cricketers, history, culture, war, and geopolitics also walk out to the middle. It is a completely unfair notion, particularly for the teams involved. But the idea has stoked a rivalry for over six decades and ensures that reality and reason leave the stadium and millions of living rooms at the same time. India versus Pakistan brings the two nations to a standstill and – and this should come as a public advisory below the live feed of every India v Pakistan match – makes television executives go ga-ga.When India versus Pakistan happens in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday it is two teams of players who will be required to be the sober professionals because most of the subcontinent will by then have been drugged by jingoism and chauvinism. Once the handshaking is done, the teams must forget that their two prime ministers are watching them from the stands and have only decided to start talking after several years it would seem because this match turned up.All of that that must somehow be rendered unimportant – because when the two nations play, the abnormality of all around them is what is normal. In this scenario, both the Indian and Pakistani cricketers are well-trained. This extreme is their everyday.India have spent the World Cup living in their bullet-proof bubble so far, progressing at an unhurried pace which can be seem unnerving to watch. Yet, after a straggly start, it was only in their last match, after seven attempts, that India went from being the Cup’s slightly underdone hosts to genuine contenders.In Ahmedabad, they lost the toss, fielded in the heat with a standard that suddenly went from grandfatherly to athletic middle age, before chasing against three-time world champions Australia and showing their steel.In Mohali, they have to be sharp and shiny, too because between the two teams, it is India’s margins that are far more narrow. To not progress to the final of a World Cup where everything has been laid out to take them to the trophy would be seen as a crushing let down by MS Dhoni’s men. The scale of this match against Pakistan can only be understood by two things: the security personnel involved, who teem through Mohali in scores, and the fact that the semi-final has even diminished the attention around Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 international 100s. The man appears to have streaked his hair in what looks like red. When he first arrived on the ground in Mohali on Sunday he began knocking with a set of new bats and shouted across to his mates who had begun their football, “Call me if your are in trouble, I will be there.” Against Pakistan, India will want Tendulkar around, minus trouble.In the midst of the mayhem, if there is one constant at work for the Indians during this World Cup – which Zaheer Khan described the day before the game – it is its “nice and calm dressing room”. India’s has been a slow journey in the tournament, as if the gas in the tank was far too low and could only be used sparingly. It all goes well until Pakistan turns up because trying to cling to ideas of calm at that point is like trying to meditate in an Aerosmith concert. It is not impossible but requires very high skill to achieve. If slow turn at most of the other venues – and Yuvraj Singh – is what has helped them against other teams so far, in Mohali, India will want the sheer weight of runs to wear out the Pakistan bowlers.Pakistan are happy to embrace whatever is being thrown at them. Be it questions about the spot-fixing crisis, the statements from their Interior Minister talking about tapping their phones, the entire Shoaib Akhtar drama or people back home demanding victories. If Shahid Afridi’s media conference is to be believed, getting to the World Cup semi-final and being in Mohali, represents everything: team unity, Indo-Pak relations, the overall Pakistani strike-rate with the bat, issues of the average age of his team and future relations and cricket itineraries between the two nations.India are playing a most un-Indian percentage game and Pakistan are Pakistan and now playing without fear. The size of the ground, the pace off the wicket and the enormity of the occasion may force teams to even throw the last dice of their World Cup in here on Wednesday. So it could be Shoaib Akhtar turning up for one last tilt at Tendulkar. And Yusuf Pathan turning up to match Afridi and Razzak, brutish blow for brutish blow.In a match of this magnitude, India will be secure in the knowledge, like Yuvraj said after the quarter-final, that they know how to handle high pressure situations during difficult passages of play. Afridi’s “emotional” captaincy has brought Pakistan this far, yet in a this game, where emotions have boiled over before a ball has been bowled, it is the lack of it that may just work better. Reason and reality may have left the stadium and both their countries, but the men that can hang on to it on the field will take their team to the World Cup final.In the midst of all this, there will be talks between prime ministers, paperwork between bureaucrats and dinners of vital importance laid out in stadium dining halls with many backs no doubt turned away from the cricket.Given the importance both governments have placed on this single cricket match, perhaps an equal regard should be extended to those involved in it. Maybe Afridi and Dhoni’s crisis management capabilities should be recognised by inviting them sit in during one of those Indo-Pak ‘summit meetings.’ Between them, the captains of India and Pakistan can cover the entire spectrum of responses that work in conflict resolution. Or at the very least they certainly know how to deal with a larger audience outside that just wants a result.

The transfer would be one of the biggest surprises in MLS, as Aaronson was a finalist for Eredivisie young player of the year last season

• Rapids in advanced talks to potentially land Aaronson
• Forward scored in the German Cup last weekend
• Aaronson originally started career in MLS

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Colorado Rapids lost a star No. 10 who is in the U.S. men's national team pool in Djordje Mihailovic, who moved to Toronto FC. They might be getting an even bigger name to join as a replacement. 

  Chris Armas' side is reportedly in advanced talks with rising young American Paxten Aaronson, who currently plays in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt. Paxten Aaronson – brother of Leeds United midfielder Brenden –  was one of the finalists for the Eredivisie's Young Player of the Year award after recording an eight-goal, four-assist season while on loan with Utretch.

  The 21-year-old is fresh off scoring a goal on the weekend in the German Cup, in an 11-minute cameo in Frankfurt's 5-0 win over lower league side FV Engers

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Aaronson is among the best young players in the USMNT pool, which would make this signing a coup for the Rapids if they are able to pull it off. Colorado aren't traditionally known as one of MLS's big spenders, but journalist Tom Bogert reports the team would be breaking a club record if they complete the signing. 

  The Rapids are boosted by the fact that they received a club record fee for Mihailovic, getting $8 million, plus $1 million in potential add-ons from Toronto in a cash-for-player trade. Both Aaronson brothers got their start in MLS, coming up the ranks with the Philadelphia Union prior to going to Europe. 

  For Aaronson, the move could signal a chance to get consistent minutes in a World Cup year. Since joining Frankfurt in 2023, he's only played 14 league games for the German club before being sent on loan to both Vitesse and Utrecht. 

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Rapids are currently in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference, sitting seventh. They are five points out of fourth place – the last first round home playoff seed – at 36. 

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• WHAT NEXT FOR THE RAPIDS?

  Colorado travel to Carson, California to take on struggling defending champions LA Galaxy Saturday.

Aston Villa are trundling toward the conclusion of a stunning campaign under Unai Emery, bogged down by injuries and the toil of a return to European competition and a fight for Champions League football.

That prized pursuit, despite the recent blip, remains on course thanks to top four-chasing rivals Tottenham Hotspur's dramatic decline, losing four on the bounce to stay seven points behind the Villans.

The Premier League high-fliers will journey to Greece to face Olympiakos in the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final tie on Thursday trailing 4-2 in the aggregate.

Regardless of that outcome, Villa have been in stunning showing this season, but must now build to ensure that a position among England and Europe's elite is secured and cemented. Transfer activity must be on the mark.

Aston Villa looking at La Liga star

According to Football Transfers, Aston Villa are targetting Villarreal star Alex Baena this summer following the attacker's fine form in Spain.

The 22-year-old previously played under Emery with the Yellow Submarine and Football Transfers' report compares his style of play to that of Jack Grealish – who made quite the impression as Villa captain before transferring to Manchester City for £100m in 2021.

The caveat is that he'd cost around €60m (£52m), but Villa have recently sent scouts to observe Baena in action and an official approach may well materialise in the coming months.

Why Aston Villa are interested in Alex Baena

Emery can be credited with sculpting the maiden stage of Baena's career, unleashing him from the early stage of his career and providing him with a Europa League title, won against Manchester United, with the Spaniard having chalked up ten goals and eight assists from 37 appearances under his countryman.

Making his international debut and netting his first goal for Spain last September, Baena is on the fast rise to stardom and given that clubs such as Liverpool have been in pursuit recently, Villa Park might be wise to welcome the dynamic attacking midfielder ASAP – having been hailed as a "beautiful technician" by journalist Josh Bunting.

This season, he has only scored five times from 46 appearances in all competitions, but this is not where Baena's strengths are at their sharpest, most notable.

His constant supply of assists make for a brilliant tool and it's no wonder Emery has a vested interest in a reunion, with the principal left winger racking up 16 assists.

Matches played

31

Matches started

30

Goals

2

Assists

12

Pass completion

79%

Big chances created

15

Key passes per game

2.5

Ball recoveries per game

3.5

Duels won per game

3.8

As per FBref, Baena ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 14% for shot-creating actions and the top 16% for progressive passes per 90, showcasing his creative ability that could mirror that of Grealish, who has been hailed as a "magnificent all-round player" by journalist Henry Winter.

A peculiarly-framed winger at 6 foot 4, Baena too boasts all-round versatility and while he isn't the quickest of players, his agile feet and deceptive twisting gait allow him to saunter through the half-spaces and wreak havoc with playmaking prowess – sound like anyone?

Aston Villa "close" to securing deal for £137k-per-week ace this summer

Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a summer signing.

ByJosh Barker May 5, 2024

Grealish, of course, dazzled in claret and blue prior to departing for the Etihad – chalking up 73 goals and assists in 213 games for the club – with it undoubtedly big shoes to fill if Baena is looking to emulate the Englishman in the Midlands.

The seeds have been sown at Villa Park and Emery's outfit are hardly short of ambition, but this statement signing must now be made to ensure that a place among Europe's elite can be contested for once again next year, and again, and again.

da 888casino： Fabrizio Romano has provided a Manchester United manager update regarding Erik ten Hag and his Old Trafford future, while also commenting on the ongoing speculation surrounding former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Man Utd manager rumours

da betcris： The Red Devils are currently gearing up for an FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City at Wembley, in what could prove to be Ten Hag’s final game in charge. There has been plenty of noise over the Dutchman’s future, with previous reports even suggesting Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have already decided to sack Ten Hag this summer.

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He could be just what is needed for Sir Jim Ratcliffe this summer.

Posts ByBen Browning May 21, 2024

Ratcliffe also refused to publicly back Ten Hag in the media recently, instead looking back at the previous regime behind the scenes.

"This is not about the manager, if you look at Manchester United in the last 11 years, it's not doing terribly, none of the managers have done terribly well. There's been some really good coaches that have come to Manchester United so you know the conclusion from that has to be that the environment for the coach has not been a successful one because none of them have been successful.

"And, you know, Erik's working in that same environment, so our focus is on how do we change that environment and the structure that provides the environment for the coach.”

In regards to a possible successor, Pochettino’s name has emerged in the media after he and Chelsea decided to go their separate ways this week. talkSPORT have claimed that the Argentine would be “keen” on a move to Old Trafford, whereas The Sun have stated that the Red Devils are lining up a move for the 52-year-old, who was previously linked with a move prior to Ten Hag's arrival in 2022.

Fabrizio Romano shares new Man Utd manager update

Talking to CaughtOffside in a story shared in the last 24 hours, Romano said that currently, there is nothing in the Pochettino to United rumours, with the Argentine “open for a new chapter and he feels absolutely ready for any opportunity”. Interestingly, the transfer expert also confirmed that Ten Hag is “not sure of staying at the club” beyond the summer.

The FA Cup final against City could well be make or break for Ten Hag. Defeat and United would end the season finishing bottom of their Champions League group stage, an eighth-place finish in the Premier League and no silverware in either domestic cup competitions, potentially paving the way for someone like Pochettino or Thomas Tuchel to come in ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.