Nottingham Forest have already received good news to start of the week and could now be set to close a deal for a talented Premier League star, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Nottingham Forest see Europa League place rubber-stamped
Despite a lengthy process, Crystal Palace’s CAS appeal has been rejected and Nottingham Forest will be a Europa League side this season, as journalist Martyn Ziegler communicated on X.
He stated: “EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Palace understood to have lost appeal to CAS against UEFA ruling that they must play in Europa Conference League instead of Europa League. It means Nottingham Forest will play in EL.”
At the end of the day, Nottingham Forest weren’t the club involved in misgivings, though Nuno Espirito Santo will be delighted to hear that his side will mix it in Europe’s second competition.
Of course, signings will be necessary to ready his squad for the campaign ahead, hence why the Tricky Trees are said to be preparing a bid for Ipswich Town left-back Leif Davis.
AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah is on Nottingham Forest’s radar, again illustrating the level of ambition on show at the City Ground following an excellent campaign last year.
Evangelos Marinakis and company are no strangers to defying expectation, and his side could now be on the verge of sealing another impressive capture courtesy of recent developments.
Romano: Nottingham Forest on the verge of signing James McAtee
Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Nottingham Forest are close to signing Manchester City playmaker James McAtee for over £20 million and his ‘Here We Go’ tagline is set to follow soon.
The renowned reported stated: “EXCLUSIVE: Nottingham Forest are closing in on James McAtee deal with Manchester City! Agreement at the final stages for fee in excess of £20m, NFFC confident to get it done… here we go, expected soon.”
Nottingham Forest now set to hold talks with agents of "amazing" £26m star
The Tricky Trees are planning to try and hash out a deal for a new midfielder.
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A smilar profile to Brennan Johnson, per FBRef, McAtee scored seven times in 27 appearances last season and is capable of playing in attacking midfield or on the flank, offering versatility across the forward areas.
Later on, Romano confirmed that a full agreement has been reached on personal terms with Nottingham Forest and the England Under-21 international, detailing that he wants a move to the City Ground despite several requests from elsewhere.
With the Premier League season set to kick off, McAtee is the definition of a statement signing for the Tricky Trees and his arrival at a bargain price will be deemed as extremely smart business by supporters.
Such is the toxicity of an online fanbase that very rarely do you get a signing that unifies a bunch of supporters, particularly Arsenal.
Their fans love a vent, they love sharing their frustration but there is also an incredible collective unity. That was seen when Eberechi Eze signed for the Gunners on Saturday.
While a deal was wrapped up by Wednesday evening, this move has been in the pipeline for a couple of weeks now with reports suggeting that they had initially agreed the framework of a move back on August 10th.
After that, Spurs stole in and it looked as though Andrea Berta and Co were set to ignore their summer-long interest.
Well, an injury to Kai Havertz turned the tide. Arsenal need another body and they brought one in swiftly, spending over £60m to bring the Crystal Palace star to the north of London.
If reports are to be believed, they might not be done just yet.
Another late signing for Arsenal on the cards
With the arrival of Eze it is highly likely that Arsenal are now done the in the transfer market when it comes to incomings.
That won’t faze many fans, for this has been a cracking window.
Yet, the one player that’s continued to elude the club despite several months worth of links is Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.
Reports earlier in the window suggested that talks had been held but interest has never been followed up. Well, according to reports in Spain, a bid was actually made for the Brazilian.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Reportedly, Arsenal have actually submitted an offer worth £67m for the player. However, amid interest from Manchester City, Madrid are not prepared to sanction a sale unless their asking price of around £78m is met.
As a consequence, this is probably one deal too many for Berta this summer.
Why Rodrygo is as exciting as Eze
Wow, just wow. What a deal this is. The moment that Arsenal were able to steal Eze away from their biggest rivals is an event that fans won’t be forgetting in a hurry.
Eze certainly feels like the missing piece of the puzzle. Capable of playing from the left wing or behind the striker as more of a number 10, he’s a maverick, he’s a dribbler, he’s a goalscorer, he’s a creator. He’s got everything in his locker to be a success at Arsenal.
2024/25
43
14
11
2023/24
31
11
6
2022/23
40
10
4
2021/22
19
1
1
2020/21
36
3
6
What fans have perhaps bemoaned the most over the last year is the predictability of the club’s tactics but Eze will certainly help give this attack some unpredictability.
Rodrygo would help do the same and one might still argue that, despite added depth on the left wing now, they don’t have an elite option.
We’re clutching at straws here, but Noni Madueke’s favoured position is on the right and Eze’s preferred role would be more central.
Thus, signing Rodrygo, whether it be now or in the future would be the final piece of the puzzle on the left of Arteta’s forward line.
Real Madrid'sRodrygoarrives at the stadium before the match
While he did go 17 games without scoring at one stage last term, the 24-year-old still netted 14 goals and supplied 11 assists. Remarkably, that is the exact same haul as Eze registered for Crystal Palace across all competitions in 2024/25.
In the words of former teammate Luka Modric, he’s a “superstar” talent. He’s also a maverick, just as Eze is, ranking among the top 20% of positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90 minutes and among the best 13% for progressive carries per 90, via FBref.
In the shadow of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr at Madrid, since new boss Xabi Alonso came to the club he’s not received much game time and it feels like it’s only a matter of time before Rodrygo grows frustrated and forces a move away from the Spanish capital.
This is a deal that will likely go into 2026 but there’s no doubt that he’s a fabulous player, someone boasting the same level of unpredictability and excitement in attack as Mr Eze.
He'd get Gyokeres firing: Arsenal in talks for "world-class" star after Eze
Arsenal could be about to land another top-level star after agreeing a move for Eberechi Eze.
ESPNcricinfo has learned that Rajshahi’s overseas players have been paid one-fourth of their total payment, when that figure should be at least 75% by now
Mohammad Isam26-Jan-2025Durbar Rajshahi’s overseas players refused to play their BPL game against Rangpur Riders in Dhaka on Sunday over the franchise’s non-payment of dues. When captain Taskin Ahmed was asked about changes in the playing XI by TV commentator Danny Morrison at the toss, he confirmed their absence.”We have few changes. Four or five. Because no foreigners today. All the local players are playing today,” Taskin said.The BPL’s rules state that a team must field a minimum of two overseas players in their XI this season. The BCB put out a statement soon after the toss saying the tournament’s technical committee had granted approval for an all-local XI in this instance. “The Durbar Rajshahi team… has applied to the BPL Technical Committee for special approval to field a team consisting solely of Bangladeshi players for today’s match against Rangpur Riders due to the non-availability of overseas players,” the BCB said.Related
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Durbar Rajshahi's local players skip training to protest non-payment of fees
“After a review of the request and in accordance with the provisions outlined in Clause 1.2.8 of the Match Playing Conditions of BPL 2024-25, the Technical Committee has granted approval for Durbar Rajshahi to field a team consisting of only Bangladeshi players for this match.” This was the first instance of a team playing a BPL game without overseas players in its XI.ESPNcricinfo has learned that Rajshahi’s overseas players have been paid only one-fourth of their total payment, when the BCB’s rules for the franchises stipulate that they must pay at least 75% of their total dues during the tournament. The franshise did not pay its local players anything until the players protested, skipping training in Chattogram a couple of weeks ago.The Rajshahi team owner Rahman also ran into trouble with their Chattogram hotel when he couldn’t pay that bill on time. TV reports showed a security person stationed outside his hotel room, and a car he was using was reportedly seized.The team changed hotels in Dhaka on Sunday morning. The overseas players remained at the hotel in Dhaka while Sunday’s match got underway at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.Incidentally, Rajshahi went on to win the match, a low-scorer that went into the last over with Rangpur needing an improbable 25 but almost pulling off a heist through No. 8 Mohammad Saifuddin who hit three sixes and a four for his side to fall short of the target by just three runs. That meant Rajshahi had done the double on league leaders Rangpur in the space of four days; Rangpur had won eight in a row before running into Rajshahi for back-to-back defeats.*Rajshahi’s overseas players this season are Ryan Burl, Mohammad Haris, Mark Deyal, Miguel Cummins, Aftab Alam and Lahiru Samarakoon. Burl was in the top three of both their runs and wickets charts this season going into Sunday’s match, and had starred in their previous game when they became the first side to beat Rangpur this season.*
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal was quick to congratulate Ousmane Dembele after seeing the Paris Saint-Germain star beat him to the 2025 Ballon d’Or award. The teenager finished second in the rankings but didn’t go home empty-handed as he won the Kopa Award for a second year running, and his father is confident that it will be a different story next year.
Dembele beats Yamal to 2025 Ballon d'Or
Dembele has been crowned the best male player in the world after winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or award. The PSG star pipped Yamal to top spot after inspiring Luis Enrique's side to a quadruple last season. The campaign also brought a first Champions League title for the French giants after a 5-0 victory over Inter in the final.
AdvertisementYamal congratulates Dembele on Ballon d'Or win
Yamal may have tasted disappointment in Paris but he was spotted congratulating Dembele on his win with a handshake, a warm hug and a few words. The teenager also did not go home empty-handed as he won the Kopa Trophy for the second year in a row.
Warning fired out by Yamal's father
Yamal's father, Mounir Nasraoui, was at the ceremony and fired out a warning after seeing Dembele beat his son to the top prize. "Next year is ours," he told COPE after the awards had been handed out in Paris.
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Getty Images SportBarcelona hoping for Yamal return
Yamal will now return to Barcelona and hope to return to action with Hansi Flick's side soon. The teenager is currently sidelined with injury and it's not clear yet when he will be available again. Barcelona take on Real Oviedo next in La Liga on Thursday and then face Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Michael Owen has taken aim at Ibrahima Konate for the French defender's role in Liverpool's first defeat of the season away at Selhurst Park. Up until Saturday afternoon, the Reds had been unassailable in the Premier League, winning five of their opening five games and opening up a five-point gap at the top of the table. With Palace taking the three points, they climb to second in the table.
The Eagles rise to beat Liverpool again
Oliver Glasner's side reached their 18th game without defeat, a run which has seen them win both the FA Cup and the Community Shield – the latter coming against Liverpool at Wembley. The Eagles have been impressive and have now matched their longest-ever unbeaten run, closing the gap on Saturday's opponents and moving to within three points of the league leaders. Palace were dominant against the Reds in the first half, earning a well-deserved 1-0 lead through Ismaila Sarr, and looked set to strengthen their grip on the game. With the minutes ticking away, Palace appeared to be close to earning a great victory over the champions, but Federico Chiesa popped up late to equalise. The Eagles did not give up and Eddie Nketiah chested down a loose ball and flashed an effort past Alisson in the Liverpool goal to steal all the points in the 97th minute. The Eagles deserved the victory and Michael Owen believes the Liverpool defence were at fault for their first defeat of the season. The former Reds striker even singled out Konate for criticism, claiming the French defender was lost and unable to cope with the rampant Palace attack.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTiredness is not an excuse for Owen
Speaking after the game, via , Owen said: "I don't know whether it was tiredness, but they rested a fair few players in midweek in the Carabao Cup. They weren't their usual selves. We are early in the season, I'd be hesitant to blame it on that [tiredness].
"I mean, Konate in the first half didn't know what he was doing. I can't say that it was because of rustiness or tiredness. We've seen one or two performances like that from him this season that have been quite similar.
"I wouldn't use that excuse, I would give praise to Crystal Palace, they're a proper team. They've beaten Liverpool in the Community Shield, it wasn't a fluke. I'd be more inclined to say Palace played very well."
Slot spots weakness in the Liverpool team
Slot admitted that the Reds were not at the races in the first half and deserved to be behind at the break. The Dutch coach then added that he felt that the Reds turned the game around in the second half and could have earned a positive result, but fell apart thanks to a set-piece. Speaking to the , Slot said: "Very difficult first half. They did really well and deserved to be 1-0 up, we were lucky it was only 1-0. Second half it was the opposite. It took a while before we scored and we did with a few minutes left. But from a second set piece they won the game. If you want to compete you need a very positive balance with set pieces and even more in this league. It was one of our biggest strengths last season, now we have conceded two against Newcastle and two here. But this league is more and more and more about set pieces."
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Getty Images SportKonate still in Madrid's sights
Liverpool head to Istanbul this week to continue their European campaign. The Reds face Galatasaray before travelling to west London to take on a faltering Chelsea. The Blues made it back-to-back defeats after a loss to Brighton on Saturday, but will be determined to rebound with a victory over the Reds. It marks a tricky week for Konate who, under pressure from pundits and critics, will need to raise his performances to the level he reached last season. The Frenchman may have been distracted by rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid. Los Blancos are plotting to bring Konate to the Spanish capital on a free transfer next summer, emulating the move they made on Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer. The Spanish giants may feel compelled to step up their interest in the central defender after their key target William Saliba turned them down. The Arsenal centre-half has agreed to a new deal with the Gunners that will keep him in north London until 2030.
On ESPNcricinfo’s Match Day show, Agar said Kohli’s ability to rotate strike leaves bowlers with little chance to exert pressure
ESPNcricinfo staff05-Mar-2025Bowlers struggle to build pressure on Virat Kohli in ODI cricket, and one key reason for that is his ability to rotate the strike, Ashton Agar said on ESPNcricinfo’s Match Day show after the batter’s match-winning 84 in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy in Dubai.Agar also said Kohli’s ability to manage the pressure from one end by finding the gaps makes him among the most difficult batters to bowl to in ODI cricket, and that combined with the other batters’ big shots makes it very difficult for teams to defend totals against India. Terming his innings as a “masterclass”, Agar said bowlers rarely feel like they’re on top of a batter of Kohli’s quality.”That’s the frustrating part about bowling to him,” Agar said in the post-match show on ESPNcricinfo. “It is not the damage that he can do to the fence, it’s just the fact that you cannot build pressure on him. So it’s really hard to get him out in a sense. You never really feel like you’re on top of him unless the ball is really spinning. And you don’t get a lot of pitches in one-day cricket like that.Related
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“He has this fantastic ability to hit your best ball, the top of middle stump, slightly spinning away, he holds the bat’s face slightly longer than other batters do, opens it in the last second, and hits it in the cover point gap. He’s probably the best in the world at doing that and he’s very difficult to build pressure on.”India batted around Virat beautifully. The guys who came in kept pushing the rate and allowed Virat to do his thing, hit the odd boundary and just keep ticking over. I saw a stat that Virat has scored the most singles since the year 2000, which is phenomenal. It was a bit of a masterclass from him and all the batters contributed nicely.”1:55
Kumble: Kohli always in control during chases
Kohli scored 64 of his 84 runs on Tuesday with ones and twos to slowly take the game away from Australia. Although he has been dismissed six times to legspinners since the start of 2024 for an average of only 12, he dominated Tanveer Sangha and Adam Zampa to score 35 in 33 balls against the leg-spinning pair before falling to the latter. Sanjay Manjrekar observed that Kohli was back to playing shots off the back foot.”Now you have five fielders inside the circle, so it’s not easy as it used to be – like during our times – when you had four fielders,” Manjrekar said. “Very rarely has he hit the ball straight to the fielder and hasn’t got a run.”So that one issue against spin that he had where he couldn’t rotate strike, hopefully that’s out of his system now. Because today was an affirmation that he is back to that very nice footwork, off the back foot playing late, finding gaps all the time. He was the best batter to find gaps from both sides [on Tuesday].Anil Kumble said he continued to be impressed by Kohli’s propensity to make tricky targets look easy.”He rarely makes a mistake,” Kumble said. “He’s totally in control. Especially in run chases. In a chase of around 265, he’s in total control except for the one chance to Maxwell. It’s not just this innings but every time he bats in a run chase, there’s hardly any loss in control. He’s always in control of this situation.”Kohli’s latest half-century marked his third 50-plus score in Champions Trophy semi-finals and his fifth in ICC knockout games. He is only one half-century away from Sachin Tendulkar’s record of six fifty-plus scores in ICC knockout games, while India are one more win away from making it two ICC titles in a row.
Since joining Arsenal earlier this year, Andrea Berta has exceeded all expectations.
The new Sporting Director may not have been responsible for the signing of Martin Zubimendi, but he and his team deserve the credit for the other seven additions made to Mikel Arteta’s squad over the summer.
That includes the potential game-changers Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, who were included in the club’s Champions League squad.
Yet, he still needs to improve the club’s ability to move on players, including one in particular who earns more than Eze and Gyokeres.
Arsenal's Champions League squad
With the excitement of transfer deadline day and the return of the Premier League, it’s easy to forget that the Champions League draw took place last week, and the first games of the league stage are scheduled to take place in under two weeks.
Wage Burners
Football FanCast’s Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.
The Gunners’ first match will see them travel to Spain to play Athletic Bilbao, and while we can take a guess at what the starting line-up will be, we now know the squad Arteta has picked.
There are 23 names on the list – with Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly being on the B list due to their ages – and not too many surprises.
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka,Arsenal's Cristhian Mosquera,Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi,Arsenal's Noni Madueke,Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri andArsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly line up
The likes of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhães, Gyokeres and Eze are all there, for example.
Interestingly, so is Max Dowman, as being so young, he does not qualify as a ‘locally trained player’, which is someone who has spent three full seasons with the club between the ages of 15 and 21.
If the Hale End gem ends up playing in the league phase, he will become the youngest player in the competition’s history, taking the record from Youssoufa Moukoko.
Another positive inclusion is Kai Havertz, which suggests reports of him being able to return to the fray before Christmas were accurate.
Arsenal's KaiHavertzwith manager MikelArtetaafter being substituted
However, there is one notable absence: a player who earns more than Gyokeres and Eze and should probably be moved on next year.
The Arsenal star earning more than Eze & Gyokeres
Given their performances over the last few seasons and the signings they’ve made, it should come as no surprise that Arsenal have a substantial wage bill, one that is further inflated by the additions of Gyokeres and Eze.
The former earns around £200k-per-week and the latter around £175k-per-week, which for one of the most prolific strikers in Europe and one of England’s most creative midfielders, seems about right.
Yet, both earn substantially less than Gabriel Jesus, who is on around £220k-per-week, which works out to £11.4m-per-year, or about £36m since he put pen to paper in early July 2022.
Since joining the club, the mercurial forward has made 96 appearances, in which he’s scored 26 goals and provided 20 assists.
In other words, in wages alone, he has cost around £375k-per-appearance, £1.38m-per-goal and £1.8m-per-assist.
Wages (Total)
£220k (£36m)
Appearances
96
Cost per Appearance
£375k
Goals
26
Cost per Goal
£1.38m
Assists
20
Cost per Assist
£1.8m
Unfortunately, the 28-year-old star has been left out of the UCL squad due to the ACL injury he suffered against Manchester United in January, and he’s likely to be out of the team overall until the end of the year at the earliest.
Now, it has to be said that, when fit, the former Manchester City monster is one of the most entertaining and skilful attackers to watch in the Premier League, and someone who would be a massive boost to Arteta.
However, since moving to North London, he has suffered seven injuries, which have forced him to sit on the sidelines for 519 days and miss 79 games and counting.
Ultimately, the “frustrating” Brazilian maestro, as dubbed by Micah Richards, shouldn’t be blamed for his horrendous misfortune in this regard.
However, it is impossible to deny the fact that he is extraordinarily injury-prone and, therefore, regardless of his undeniable talent, he cannot be relied upon as an important member of the squad.
Therefore, while it might sound harsh, Berta and Co should look to move him on at the end of the season, as he cannot sit on the sidelines on his wages for another campaign, only to leave for free in 2027.
He's "England's future LB": Arsenal sold Hale End's own Hincapie last year
The promising full-back looked brilliant in Arsenal’s academy.
Jimmy Haslam, who owns the Columbus Crew and Cleveland Browns, claimed that MLS has a "long way to go" before it is able to consider itself a top-five league. He called on the league to "put a better product on the field" and suggested that a promotion-relegation system could potentially drum up interest as MLS continues to struggle in drawing consistent TV audiences.
Getty Images SportCalling for improvement
Haslam acknowledged that while MLS has made progress, it remains far from its ambition of becoming one of the world’s top leagues. Speaking at a conference in London, he stressed that improving the quality and watchability of the soccer is essential, adding that building a more loyal domestic audience would be an important first step.
"We still have a long way to go. The Premier League on Saturday mornings is a good draw in the United States. We still have a long way to go in getting people to watch our product on TV, which is where true value is created," he said, according to Sports Business Journal.
Haslam compared what MLS teams receive from their TV contract in comparison to what teams get in the NFL.
"Our NFL contract pays $420 million a year; our MLS contract pays $4 million a year.” Haslam said.
AdvertisementPro-rel offers an option
Haslam also fielded questions about promotion and relegation. It has long been a point of contention within the American soccer sphere. Some have claimed that it simply isn't feasible in MLS. Others claim that it would add a certain jeopardy that brings about more interest in the soccer week in, week out. Haslam acknowledged he isn't sure promotion and relegation will be a part of MLS, but stressed the league has to look at potential changes to gain more traction.
"Do we ever get to that MLS? I’m not sure,” Haslam said. "We’re going to have to change some things up. I don’t know whether MLS is 10th or 12th, but it’s not amongst the top leagues. And if we want to go to – I’ll make up a number, to five or six – we’re going to have to do something different. Could that be a possibility? It could."
Getty ImagesThe threat of USL
For the first time in recent memory, MLS is facing serious competition in USL. The league announced its intention to attain Division I status in 2027, with promotion-relegation to follow a year after. That was backed up by a financial commitment from private investment firm BellTower Partners last week.
USL CEO Alec Papadakis highlighted it as a potential inflection point in their growth.
"The investment underscores their confidence in, and alignment with, our vision for the future of the USL," he said. "It strengthens our ability to deliver on that promise by advancing top-tier Division One, introducing promotion and relegation, and aligning American soccer more closely with the global game.
"As we enter this next chapter, we have charted a bold course for the sport in the United States. With Kewsong [Lee]’s strategic perspective, operational acumen, and proven leadership, we gain an invaluable partner in the ongoing effort to bring that vision to life."
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Getty Images SportEye on the playoffs
In the meantime, MLS is heading toward the business end of its season. Decision day is set for Oct. 18, while the Supporters' Shield remains up for grabs. Haslam's Crew have slipped of late, but secured a playoff spot in September.
West Indies seamer signs for fifth consecutive season with defending champions
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Mar-2025Kemar Roach, the West Indies fast bowler, will return to Surrey for his fifth consecutive season of County Championship cricket after signing a deal to play in the first four rounds.Roach has taken 93 wickets at 25.60 in 28 first-class appearances for Surrey, the defending champions, playing a key role in the club’s three consecutive title wins. He will be available for the season-opener against Essex, starting next Friday, as well as games against Hampshire, Sussex and Somerset.”I’ve enjoyed every moment of my time with Surrey over the last four years and I’m excited to join up with the team again,” Roach said.Related
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“The Kia Oval is my second home and the environment led by Alec Stewart, Gareth Batty and Rory Burns is one of the best I’ve been a part of. I’m looking forward to contributing to more success for Surrey in whatever way that I can.”Roach’s arrival adds further depth to a bowling attack that has been strengthened by the signing of Matt Fisher from Yorkshire over the offseason, with New Zealand allrounder Nathan Smith also due to join the club from May.Alec Stewart, Surrey’s high performance cricket advisor, said: “Kemar has been a big part of our dressing room in the last four years and it is great to have him back. His quality, work ethic, and commitment to the club speak for itself.”I am confident he will once again play an important role at the start of this season, and the group is looking forward to working with him again.”
Aston Villa have not had the best of starts to the 2025/26 campaign, having picked up just one point from their opening three Premier League fixtures, yet to break their duck.
There was an acceptance from Unai Emery and the powers that be that the summer transfer window would weigh heavily on the club after missing out on Champions League football following a contentious final-day defeat at Manchester United.
However, a late flurry of activity indicates progress and promise. Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliot completed deadline-day loan moves; Victor Lindelof joined on a free transfer after his deal with Man United expired.
The late moves salvaged Villa’s frustrating summer, especially since Monchi and Damian Vidagany have retained the services of the most talented first-teamers.
Aston Villa have kept their best players
In August, Aston Villa sold Jacob Ramsey to Premier League rivals Newcastle United for a £43m fee. A poignant one, for sure. However, the sale of the homegrown talent has turned pure profit for the club, and perhaps played a role in securing a series of late-window additions.
Loan deals for Marcus Rashford, Axel Disasi and Marco Asensio came and passed, but the likes of Ollie Watkins and John McGinn remain at Villa Park after offers from divisional competition were resisted.
Watkins might not be coming off the back of his best season, but he still notched 17 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, while McGinn’s leadership, energy and presence within the dressing room are factors not easily replaced.
While the opening weeks of the campaign have felt somewhat stale, the mixture of fresh quality and abiding experience emphasises the club’s capacity to challenge in the Europa League and push for a high finish in the Premier League.
These players will play important roles this season, but none more so than Morgan Rogers, who was exceptional last season and might be viewed as the talisman of Emery’s project.
How Morgan Rogers' market value compares
Last month, Rogers was named the PFA Young Player of the Year for the 2024/25 Premier League season. The honour bears testament to his extraordinary strides in such a short time, only joining Villa from Middlesbrough in the Championship in January 2024.
The 23-year-old earned opportunities across the second half of the 2023/24 season in the Premier League, but it is last year that he truly came into his own, scoring 14 goals and supplying 16 assists across all competitions, including a haul of 19 goal contributions in the league alone.
He scored a hat-trick against Celtic in the Champions League and bagged a consolation goal as Villa were knocked out against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, with pundit Jamie Carragher hailing him as an “unstoppable” force.
The Lions might have started the campaign without much of a roar, but you can bet your bottom dollar that Rogers will be among the driving forces when Emery does create a winning formula for the months ahead.
Athletic and enterprising, no matter the tactical role handed to him, Rogers typically plays in a forward-thrust central midfield berth or out on the left flank, where his pace and power allow him to take on defenders and split lines.
Left winger
93
24 (10)
Attacking midfield
48
14 (10)
Right winger
43
9 (17)
Centre-forward
23
7 (4)
Young he may be, but Rogers has already led a storied career, developing his talents in the EFL after first looking for success within Manchester City’s packed youth academy.
The exciting part is there’s still so much for the England international to give, so much potential as yet untapped.
Senior figures at Villa feel Rogers has the potential to become one of the very best in the Premier League, defining the coming years for Emery’s side and perhaps fetching a transfer fee to rival that of Liverpool’s Alexander Isak, who joined the champions from Newcastle United for a British record £125m fee on deadline day.
Isak's Premier League record before joining Liverpool.
One of the most dangerous strikers in the world, Isak’s name has come to be feared in English football, and he has made incremental progress across his three terms on Tyneside. Rogers, too, has shown the signs of bit-by-bit development, and could find himself stretching into even loftier conversations with another knockout year under Emery’s wing.
Indeed, as per CIES Football Observatory, Rogers has been valued at £99m, whereas Isak actually comes in at a smaller price: £89m.
Of course, this doesn’t paint an accurate picture in actuality, since Isak has just moved to Merseyside for a record-breaking fee. Still, it underscores the Three Lions star’s potential to develop into a star of a similar stature, having made such impressive progress across just one full season in the top flight.
Isak, 25, wasn’t refined when leaving Real Sociedad and arriving at St. James’ Park in 2022, but his years under Eddie Howe’s tutelage have shaped him into a superstar. So the parallels can be found with Rogers at Aston Villa.
Whether Aston Villa succeed in nurturing Rogers toward a world-class level remains to be seen, but there’s no question that he has the skills and passion to achieve just that.
Already considered by leading data and analytical site in CIES Football Observatory to have a projected value above that of Liverpool’s new striker (though take that with a pinch of salt, given Isak’s actual price), Rogers is the Midlands outfit’s biggest star, and many feel the best is still to come.
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