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With 323 runs in seven innings, Rahul is averaging nearly 65 in IPL 2025 and is the third-highest run-getter among Indians this season

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Apr-20253:37

‘Axar calm and authoritative as a leader’

KL Rahul scored his third half-century in IPL 2025 on Tuesday night in Delhi Capitals’ (DC) win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), taking his tally to 323 runs in seven innings after missing the start of the season for the birth of his child. He is DC’s highest run-getter this season and the latest innings – a match-winning 42-ball 57 – was yet another performance where his skills as one of the most dangerous Indian T20 batters was on display.He is now averaging nearly 65 in his first season with his new franchise, and Cheteshwar Pujara has credited Rahul for leaving last season’s “baggage” – the fallout with LSG – at the door and moving on.”Just move on, don’t carry any baggage from the past,” Pujara said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut, reflecting on Rahul’s IPL 2025 form. “And that’s a good thing. Look, KL is a mature player. Last couple of years, he’s been batting well across formats. He doesn’t want to think about the past and wants to enjoy his batting and be in his zone, rather than think about what went wrong when he was playing for the LSG team.Related

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Pant goes the other way – what's the rationale?

“It’s good to move on, which will also help him play well for DC and even for the Indian team. Because, lately, he is someone the India team also relies on, the way he’s batting. Even as a person, he looks a lot more mature now, he understands his game very well. We have seen a different KL Rahul this season. When he started [against LSG], he didn’t look that [fluid], but still he picked it up.”On Tuesday, after LSG had put up 159 for 6, Rahul walked out with DC at 36 for 1 in the fourth over. He took his time to get going, only getting to 19 off 20 balls by the end of the tenth over, but with Abishek Porel scoring quickly at the other end, DC were still placed quite well at 80 for 1. Rahul got going after that with sixes in back-to-back overs, off Ravi Bishnoi and Aiden Markram, the spinners, and, while never frenetic, got to his fifty off 40 balls before finishing the game with his third six.Nick Knight, the former England opener, said Rahul might be thriving because he doesn’t have to shoulder the responsibility of captaincy, like he had to at LSG.”Captaincy can do funny things to you – sometimes you thrive on it, sometimes it’s a burden,” Knight said. “Whether that’s had any impact, of not being captain now, just being free and being able to play the match situation.”We’ve got this obsession in cricket that the best player has to be captain. That’s not always the case, is it? I’m not saying that’s the case with KL Rahul, or even Rishabh Pant, but he’s batting with so much freedom and looks relaxed in the crease.”1:51

Pujara: Mukesh got reverse swing, executed yorkers

Pujara: Mukesh is ‘always looking for a wicket’Pujara liked what he saw of Mukesh Kumar on the night, especially at the back-end of the LSG innings. His 4 for 33 ensured LSG finished with a below-par 159 that DC chased down with 13 balls to spare.”He is more than capable, even within the powerplay. He is someone who can take a couple of wickets in the powerplay, which he hasn’t done, but credit to him on how he came back after being hit in the powerplay,” Pujara said. “That yorker against Mitchell Marsh was probably one of the best [deliveries] in the IPL. He got the ball to reverse swing a bit, he executed his yorkers really well. Look, he is a confidence bowler, and he’s always looking for a wicket.”Knight also gave credit to DC captain Axar Patel for his bowling changes and making the best use of his resources. Axar had taken the new ball himself against the two overseas LSG batters – Marsh and Markram – and bowled four economical overs on the trot.”Axar, actually, had a good game,” Knight said. “I thought it was innovative to open the bowling with him [Axar]. I thought he used Mitchell Starc really well. It wasn’t swinging much up front so he took Starc out. Brought him back in the eighth over [ninth over] to make an impact and he did that with the Nicholas Pooran dismissal [later in the same spell].”Then he had Kuldeep [Yadav], himself and Mitchell Starc bowling in key moments in the middle to block LSG out. I thought it was an impressive performance from the skipper.”

Ryan Mason is now experiencing his first sticky patch of form in the West Bromwich Albion hot seat.

Indeed, after a fast-paced start from the Baggies saw Mason’s new side collect three league wins from a possible four, they have now tasted the bitterness of defeat two games on the spin to fall out of the very early Championship playoff race.

The stars Mason knew he could rely on in the opening few games have suddenly gone quiet, with Isaac Price one notable underperformer across West Brom’s last two games that had shone extremely bright during that patch of promising wins.

Still, the Northern Ireland international has shown more than enough already to appear ready for a promotion run-in, with the former Everton youth product already a favourite among the Hawthorns masses.

How Price compares to past West Brom stars

West Brom were in dire need of a fresh and exciting talent to take over from Tom Fellows after it was announced that the homegrown star was moving to Southampton in the summer.

While Price is nowhere near Fellows’ best just yet, with the rapid 22-year-old collecting a mammoth 14 assists last season, it’s clear that the “outstanding” number 21 – as he has been labelled by scout Jacek Kulig – is cut out for the challenges of the Championship, with a stunning five goal contributions already next to his name this season in all competitions.

Price’s ability to conjure up a moment of magic from nothing could soon see him reach the unbelievable heights of Mateus Pereira, too, if he keeps plugging along, with the beloved Brazilian once collecting an absurd 28 goal contributions at the Hawthorns to seal a passage up to the Premier League.

Of course, at just 21 years of age, the ex-Toffees starlet isn’t the finished product just yet. But, with his heroics for his nation also sticking out, it’s not the wildest shout that Price could soon make waves in the top-flight as well, much like ex-Baggies winger Grady Diangana was capable of before his time in the West Midlands fizzled out.

Arguably, the promotion-chasers once had an asset on their books who was even more talented than Price, but he would – unfortunately – never live up to his immense hype.

The West Brom star who never lived up to his hype

West Brom aren’t strangers when it comes to going after hotly-tipped starlets who have had a previous much-talked-about education.

Of course, in the here and now, Price benefited from an early education at Everton, with Oliver Burke also arriving at the Baggies in 2017, having shone briefly at boyhood club Nottingham Forest.

More impressively than Price on Merseyside, however – who never went on to enter the senior fray for the Toffees – Burke would go on to collect six goals and three assists in the men’s set-up at the City Ground, leading to Tony Pulis declaring that the Scotsman had “enormous” potential to be a top-flight success when arriving at the Premier League outfit in 2017.

In reality, in much the opposing fashion to Price, the 6-foot-2 forward would struggle to live up to his lavish praise, with just a weak one goal and three assists falling into his lap in the West Midlands. Amazingly, his 21-year-old counterpart has already bettered that meagre amount.

Burke’s career after West Brom

Stat

Burke

Games played

192

Clubs

7

Goals scored

22

Assists

13

Value at West Brom

£15m

Value now

£2m

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Since his misstep at the Baggies, which cost the then top-flight club a whopping £15m, the well-travelled attacker has at least managed to repair his playing days, with a recent hat-trick in the Bundesliga for current employers Union Berlin placing his name back in plenty of headlines.

However, having never quite lived up to his potential, Burke’s valuation has now fallen all the way to a meagre £2m, as per Football Transfers.

This will be a cautionary tale for Price to consider, with a big hope on West Brom’s end that the 21-year-old can only get better, even with the daunting Premier League potentially coming his way.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Sep 20, 2025

علق أيمن علي حسن رئيس اتحاد الدراجات على إصابة ابتسام زايد لاعبة منتخب مصر خلال مشاركتها في بطولة العالم.

وقال أيمن في مداخلة على ملعب “أون” عن إصابة ابتسام زايد في بطولة العالم: “لاعبة منتخب مصر كانت تشارك في بطولة العالم في تشيلي، وسافروا يوم 18، وبدأوا اللعب يوم 22”.

وتابع: “بدأت يوم 22 سباق النقاط وحصدت المركز الـ15 عالميًا، ثم كان لدينا يوم 24 سباق اسمه الإقصاء بمشاركة 24 لاعبة بعد التصفيات، وكل لفتين بهما سبرينت، واللاعبة الأخيرة تودع المنافسة”.

طالع.. صورة | الاصابة تحرم ابتسام زايد من استكمال بطولة العالم للدراجات

وكشف: “طبعًا في اللفة الثامنة خرج خمسة، وابتسام كانت في موقع ممتاز يؤهلها للمنافسة على الصدارة، لكن حصل تصادم بينها وبين أربع لاعبات، فوقعت، وتعرضت لإغماء مؤقت، وانتقلت على الفور إلى المستشفى”.

وواصل: “عندما استفاقت أخذت حوالي 12 غرزة فوق حاجبها الأيسر، طبعًا حادثة كبيرة جدًا، فالحمد لله اتنقلت على المستشفى، وعملوا لها الإجراءات اللازمة، والحمد لله لا كسور، كلها كدمات والخياطة فوق الحاجب”.

واختتم: “عادت الحمد لله إلى الفندق، وكشف عليها رئيس اللجنة الطبية في الاتحاد الدولي، وقال إن أحسن شيء أن تحصل على راحة أسبوع، وفي التقرير الطبي مكتوب إنها راحة أسبوع، ولا تخوض السباق القادم (الأومنيوم)، وكان سيلعب يوم 26”.

Manchester United have been here before. And they are here again. Ruben Amorim was brought in from Sporting Lisbon to replace the floundering Erik ten Hag but his Red Devils side have sunk to a new low since his appointment.

Sunday’s chastening defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad kept United in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

It is, in fairness, just four matches into the new season, but with Chelsea travelling to Old Trafford next weekend and no European football on the cards, it’s crucial that an upswing is made and quickly.

Already dumped from the Carabao Cup by League Two’s Grimsby Town, United haven’t quite collapsed this term but they do need to right the wrongs, especially since Amorim’s win percentage is the lowest of any manager at the club in 80 years.

After finishing 15th last season and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, the summer transfer window felt crucial, but much has been left to be desired.

Man United's missed summer targets

Man United did address a series of issues in the summer transfer market, welcoming Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, arguably the Premier League’s two standout forwards beneath the Champions League zone last season.

However, INEOS failed to sign a centre-midfielder, and scrambled to replace Rasmus Hojlund at number nine, eventually landing on Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig, signing him for a £74m fee.

Sesko ghosted throughout United’s recent drubbing by Man City, and while the talent is undeniable, it’s clear there’s much work to be done.

Does Amorim have the time on his side to nurture the Slovenian’s skillset over the coming months, years?

The deadline day signing of goalkeeper Senne Lammens adds further cause for optimism, with Andre Onana now gone, but Altay Bayındır stood between the sticks against Pep Guardiola’s side, still trusted despite his wobbles, two years on from his £4m move from Feyenoord in Turkey.

Lammens and Sesko are both 23, and both first-teamers might bloom into superstars at Old Trafford.

However, Amorim needs a fast turnaround, and he may well be frustrated that his side didn’t manage to sign two of their biggest targets instead of the developing talents.

Amorim wanted his own Donnarumma and Haaland at United

Both of those targets, coincidentally, remain at Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez.

At the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Martinez bid farewell to Villa Park. Teary-eyed, the distinguished shot-stopper appeared to be gearing up for a move away, and Man United were heavily linked.

But it wasn’t to be, with United opting to settle for Bayindir and sign Lammens instead. Thus, the Argentina hero is staying in the Midlands.

No doubt, Amorim has got his hands on an exciting up-and-comer, but Martinez is “genuinely world-class”, as said by Sky Sports’ Dan Bardell, and has 198 Premier League appearances and a World Cup gold medal to his name.

The 32-year-old’s distribution is good, but it’s his shot-stopping and command in the box that draws the plaudits. With Gigi Donnarumma standing in the opposing box at the weekend – another United summer transfer target – it’s perhaps frustrating to some that an established keeper has not been welcomed to Amorim’s project.

Watkins might also have been a top-class addition. The 29-year-old isn’t on the level of the finest striker in the league, the brace-bagging Erling Haaland, but he’s certainly got the skills to lead the line with confidence at Man United, actually described as “one of the best 9s in the world” by Statman Dave.

The England striker was reportedly really keen on joining Man United this summer, but ultimately, that wasn’t the track INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe headed down.

One that got away

The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast’s One That Got Away series.

Expand Collapse

Still, a powerful runner with sharp intelligence and silky link-up play, Watkins could have been an invaluable addition to this United side, certainly bearing the experience and know-how to have made more of himself against City, whereas Sesko let the game pass him by.

Players like Haaland and Donnarumma make up the benchmark for a team like Amorim’s United, chasing something greater than they’ve achieved in recent years.

But it’s easier said than done, and there’s little to suggest that the signings made have what it takes to propel the club back into the ascendancy with the speed that is required.

Man United’s strategy has been tailored toward a new emphasis on Prem-proven players, and though they haven’t clicked into gear yet, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have both shown flashes of brilliance so far this season; they look well-oiled and comfortable within the English game.

Sesko is a raw striker, and that’s why Jason Wilcox and co may be kicking themselves for failing to sign someone like Watkins. Older the Three Lions star may be, but he knows his game inside and out, and he’s a high-level goalscorer.

Watkins’ Premier League Career

Season

Apps

Goals (assists)

24/25

38

16 (8)

23/24

37

19 (13)

22/23

37

15 (6)

21/22

35

11 (2)

20/21

37

14 (5)

Data via Sofascore

Viktor Gyokeres is the same, and did so well under Amorim’s wing at Sporting Lisbon. You can certainly see why the Portuguese tactician wanted to sign him this summer.

Ultimately, United have to cope with the options at their disposal, and while the likes of Lammens and Sesko have plenty of potential yet untapped, there’s no denying that this was not a season that could afford a transitional period.

Instant results are still expected, and Martinez and Watkins, both so accomplished in the Premier League, might have proved the icing on the cake to achieve that.

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Posts ByMatt Dawson Sep 15, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for another proven winger to complement Thomas Frank’s current squad, following Timo Werner’s return to parent club RB Leipzig and reports that Son Heung-min may have played his last competitive game for Spurs.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2025

Despite a fairly promising first six months in north London, Werner ultimately proved to be a flop after chairman Daniel Levy decided to extend his loan spell by a further season, with former boss Ange Postecoglou publicly criticising the German for lacklustre displays.

“He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should,” said Postecoglou after Spurs’ draw with Rangers in the Europa League.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

“When you’ve got 18-year-olds [playing], it’s not acceptable to me and I said that to Timo. He’s a senior German international.

“The moment we’re in right now, it’s not like we’ve got many options. I need everyone to at least be going out there trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.”

With the ex-Chelsea forward ending his brief Spurs stay, Frank could be left even more short in the wide area if Son does leave N17 after 10 years.

Saudi sides are expressing a keen interest in the South Korean star, and the Lilywhites may well decide that now is the right time to cash-in on him, taking into account his age and the fact he’s about to enter the final 12 months of his deal.

Spurs did seal a permanent deal for Mathys Tel, who put pen to paper on a £30 million move from Bayern Munich, but the club cannot afford to leave their new manager short of attacking options given their status as a Champions League club next term.

They’ve been linked with a host of big-name forwards in the last week, including Man City’s Jack Grealish, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Frank’s former star at Brentford, Bryan Mbeumo.

All of these players are likely to command a marquee price tag, alongside fellow reported target Mohammed Kudus.

The West Ham winger has an £85 million release clause in his contract, which becomes active in July, but Graham Potter’s side could sell for around £65 million.

Tottenham initiate talks to sign West Ham star Mohammed Kudus

That is according to GOAL, who also report that Tottenham have “initiated” talks with West Ham over signing Kudus.

Frank’s side have apparently told the Hammers that they’re keen on striking a deal for the Ghanaian, but both clubs haven’t dealt with eachother when it comes to transfers since Scott Parker’s move to Spurs in 2011.

Both clubs most commonly refuse to do business, and for this reason, it is believed that West Ham would much rather Kudus join Chelsea instead, who are also keen on the African winger.

There is also some negotiating left to do, as Daniel Levy only wants to pay £50 million for Kudus as things stand, so they’re some way short of West Ham’s current asking price.

Only Man City’s Jeremy Doku completed more successful take-ons per 90 in the Premier League than Kudus last season, highlighting his devastating dribbling ability, with the former Ajax star also attempting more shots at goal than Dominic Solanke on average (WhoScored).

He would be a truly excellent addition, but Levy will still need to invest significantly here.

Former England fast bowler is currently club president at Gloucestershire

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2024

David “Syd” Lawrence was made Gloucestershire president in 2022•Gloucestershire CCC

David “Syd” Lawrence, the former Gloucestershire and England fast bowler, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).A powerfully built fast bowler, Lawrence played five Tests for England as well as making 280 appearances for Gloucestershire, during which he took 625 wickets for the club. In 2022, he became Gloucestershire’s first black president.His diagnosis, announced by the club on Friday, makes him the latest in a line of sportspeople affected by MND, closely following the death of former rugby league player Rob Burrow from the disease earlier this month.Will Brown, Gloucestershire’s outgoing chief executive, said: “Everyone at the club is devastated to hear of the news from David Lawrence and his MND diagnosis.”David is an icon of the game, a club legend and a trailblazer as the first British-born Black player to play for England. More than that he is the best of people, kind, loving, considerate and an inspiration to all of us here at Gloucestershire.”Working with him since he has been club president has been both an awesome and humbling experience – he has opened doors we didn’t even know were there, helped us learn and become a friend to so many of us. That friendship is a very special thing and one I know we all cherish.”I know I speak for everyone associated with the club in sending all our love to David, Gaynor [Lawrence’s wife] and all of their family and friends.”Lawrence played five Tests and one ODI for England between 1988 and 1992, but suffered what was effectively a career-ending injury aged 28 when he fractured his kneecap as he ran in to bowl against New Zealand in Wellington.He attempted a comeback five years later, playing four first-class games for Gloucestershire before retiring, but he continued to stay fit and took up competitive bodybuilding in later life.In 2021, he spoke about his experience of racism at Gloucestershire, for which the club offered an unreserved apology. He has since been involved with delivering the African-Caribbean Engagement Programme in Bristol.Ian Thomas, managing director of member services at the Professional Cricketers’ Association, said: “The PCA is in deep shock at the tragic news David Lawrence has recently received. David has been an inspiration throughout his cricket and post-cricket career and we have no doubt he will continue to fight and show his determination to fight MND.”The PCA and the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, the players’ charity, will be here for David and importantly, his family, offering the best possible support.”

What a big summer it is going to be for Leeds United.

Daniel Farke’s side are hoping to defy the odds and avoid relegation in the Premier League, something that has become notoriously more difficult over the past few seasons. In the last couple of campaigns, all six previously promoted sides were relegated.

So, it will have to be an odds-defying campaign for the Whites, who were the team to beat in the second tier last season. They won the Championship, picking up 100 points and losing just four games. Farke will be hoping to count on his players to step up even more in 2025/26.

However, they will be active in the transfer market too. In fact, they are stepping up their hunt for a midfielder to help upgrade their options in the middle of the park.

Leeds' hunt for a midfielder

Farke already has some talented midfielders at his disposal, including Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev. So, to strengthen in that area, and potentially upgrade on the likes of Brenden Aaronson, would be a huge statement of intent.

According to a report from the Yorkshire Evening Post, the Whites have ‘included’ Noah Sadiki on their shortlist to beef up the midfield this summer.

However, he’s not the only one. Indeed, they are said to have ‘identified’ Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra ‘as a potential midfield addition’. The Senegal international is a player ‘they believe will be Premier League quality’ ahead of next season.

It would appear that this a move firmly in the works now with Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett further revealing on Tuesday that the Elland Road outfit have lodged a bid of £21m to sign Diarra.

Why Diarra would be a good signing

If Leeds were to sign Diarra this summer, they would be adding a “complete midfielder” to the squad. At least, that is how football analyst Ben Mattinson described the Senegal international, implying he can play all over midfield.

That “Swiss Army Knife” type profile would surely work well in Farke’s midfield, and give him plenty of tactical flexibility. Diarra is both a goalscorer and creator, finding the back of the net four times and registering five assists for Strasbourg last season.

Impressively, the 21-year-old, who is already the Strasbourg captain after coming through their academy, scored on the international stage for Senegal against England one week ago. He showed good intelligence to curve his run behind the Three Lions defence, carrying the ball into the six-yard box and slotting home from a narrow angle.

Diarra could be the perfect upgrade in the Leeds midfield for Aaronson. The USA international has previously struggled in the Premier League.

He has made 36 appearances in the top flight of England, mainly operating as a number 10 and a right-winger, but has just four goals and assists to his name.

Despite scoring nine times and registering two assists in 46 Championship games last season, there have been doubts about Aaronson’s scalability to the top flight. The Whites’ former goalkeeper, Paul Robinson, told Football Insider he is “nowhere near Premier League level”.

So, if they do bring Diarra in as his replacement, the numbers on FBref suggest it’d be a good move. Not only did he average more goals and assists per 90 minutes than Aaronson, with 0.34 compared to 0.28, but his off-the-ball work was better, too. Diarra’s 3.45 ball recoveries each game trumped Aaronson’s tally of 3.09.

Diarra and Aaronson key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Diarra

Aaronson

Goals and assists

0.34

0.38

Progressive passes

4.44

4.05

Passes into final third

2.45

2.13

Interceptions

0.50

0.20

Ball recoveries

3.45

3.09

Stats from FBref

If Leeds can agree a deal to sign Diarra somewhere around the £21m mark, it would be a fantastic piece of business. They are signing a leader and an international-class midfielder, capable of playing numerous roles.

As far as an upgrade on Aaronson goes, time will tell, but the stats are there to suggest this is the dream move for the Yorkshire club this summer.

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery Jun 17, 2025

Aston Villa have a busy couple of weeks ahead amid their need to ensure they don’t overstep the FFP mark and one of their star men is now being lined up for a move ato Manchester United.

Aston Villa's balancing act in light of PSR

Profit and Sustainability Rules have become a contentious topic for fans who don’t support one of the traditional ‘Big Six’ clubs. However, they have become a frustrating reality that everyone now has to abide by.

Unfortunately, Aston Villa are now at risk of breaching regulations after recording £202.6 million in pre-tax losses over the past two years, which is the most out of anyone in the Premier League.

Losing a maximum of £105 million over three consecutive years is the limit for top-flight clubs, which has created plenty of speculation regarding potential sales to bridge the gap.

BBC Sport columnist Fara Williams has named Jacob Ramsey as a player Aston Villa could sell to make ends meet, as she said: “It does feel like Aston Villa will have to sell some key players this summer if they are to bring others in and keep within PSR regulations.

“There has been a lot of rumours around it and I believe Jacob Ramsey was a name being mentioned who, as a homegrown player, they would make more money from.”

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The Villans could tempt the defender into a move.

Posts 2 ByTom Cunningham Jun 11, 2025

The Villans have also passed on signing Marcus Rashford permanently, prioritising Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho as a more affordable alternative.

Nevertheless, the feeling around the West Midlands is one that Aston Villa must sell before they can buy, and Unai Emery could now have a dilemma on his hands following recent developments.

Emiliano Martinez in talks with Man Utd

Now, according to reports via CaughtOffside, Emiliano Martinez is in talks over a move to Manchester United and may be a sacrificial lamb for Aston Villa amid their current PSR state of limbo, and he is thought to be open to the idea of moving to Old Trafford.

Due to the Red Devils’ status as a domestic rival, the Villans are reportedly demanding a fee north of £40 million to sell the World Cup-winning stopper this summer, who has been identified as a successor to Andre Onana under Ruben Amorim.

Emiliano Martinez in 2024/25 – Premier League (Fotmob)

Appearances

37

Goals conceded

45

Clean sheets

8

Penalties saved from penalties faced

1/2

Labelled “magnificent” by Alan Shearer, Martinez now appears primed for a move elsewhere, begging the question of who could replace the Argentina international between the sticks.

Going off recent times, OGC Nice stopper Marcin Bulka is a prominent target for Aston Villa, illustrating that Emery may have his eyes on a younger alternative in the event he is left searching for new blood.

Either way, Martinez has been a brilliant servant in the West Midlands and would be sorely missed, even if his departure feels like the best source of action for all parties involved.

Ruben Amorim declared on the Old Trafford turf, following the final day victory over Aston Villa, that the “good days are coming” for Manchester United – a statement that appeared fanciful considering the club’s 15th place Premier League finish and Europa League final heartbreak.

The Portuguese coach has talked the talk during a turbulent first six months in Manchester, but can he actually walk the walk?

What is clear is that the 40-year-old is in dire need of reinforcements if he is to make a success of it at the club, with that fact having seemingly sparked a hectic and exciting start to the window for the Red Devils.

Much to the fury of rival supporters, United have already poached Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo looking set to follow – two moves that have heightened hope regarding those future ‘good days’.

If a drastic improvement is to be made next season and beyond, however, those deals must surely be the tip of the iceberg. This is the time to rip it up and start again, following a wretched decade of recruitment.

With that in mind, here’s a look at how Amorim’s starting lineup could potentially look next season, if all goes to plan on the transfer front for newly crowned director of football, Jason Wilcox…

1 GK – Vanja Milinkovic-Savic

Whether Andre Onana could have done better or not to keep out Brennan Johnson’s deflected effort in Bilbao could be debated long into the night. What is evident is that United reached the showpiece in spite of the Cameroon stopper, not because of him.

Indeed, the 29-year-old – who has been touted for a departure this summer – made five errors leading to a goal in the Premier League and Europa League in total, having hardly inspired any confidence at all since his £47.2m switch from Inter in 2023.

Enter, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. Once on the books at United as a teenager, before swiftly departing after failing to earn a work permit, the 6 foot 6 Serbian has been heavily linked with a return to Old Trafford. With just a year left on his deal at Torino, reports have suggested he could cost just €20m (£17m).

The 28-year-old conceded just 42 goals in 37 Serie A games last season, while ranking in the top 7% of goalkeepers in Europe’s top five leagues for save percentage. Sign him up.

2 RCB – Leny Yoro

After an injury-hit start to life in England, Leny Yoro truly came into his own in the final months of the season, notably scoring his first goal for the club away in Lyon.

Still only 19 and with a penchant for surging forward from deep, a player Rio Ferdinand dubbed “the best in the world” at that age could well kick on again next term as a mainstay of the backline.

3 CB – Harry Maguire

Stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag in 2023, amid talk of a move to West Ham United, the subsequent redemption arc of Harry Maguire has been a joy to behold – a moment epitomised by his last-gasp winner at home to Lyon.

Described as “perfect” for a back three by Amorim, the 32-year-old – who will soon enter the last year of his contract – deserves to be a consistent figure in the backline once again.

Fitness permitting, of course.

4 LCB – Lisandro Martinez

Speaking of fitness, while Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined with an ACL injury, the World Cup winner is surely a shoo-in to start at left centre-back, having begun to come into his own in 2025, before his cruel setback.

The scorer of crucial goals away to Fulham and Liverpool, the 27-year-old is a ball-playing warrior when fit and firing.

Ayden Heaven may be the long-term solution, although Martinez surely has to start when back in contention again.

5 RWB – Amad

Is he a wing-back or a number ten? That much remains to be seen, although if the evolution of Amorim’s 3-4-3 set-up is to occur, a more attack-minded presence, like Amad, is needed in at least one of those wide berths.

The diminutive livewire ranked alongside Bruno Fernandes as the shining light of 2024/25, having ended with 21 goals and assists in all competitions.

Amad’s Man Utd record by coach

Manager

Games

Goals

Assists

Erik ten Hag

24

3

3

Ruben Amorim

27

8

8

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

8

1

1

Ruud van Nistelrooy

4

2

1

Ralf Rangnick

1

0

0

Michael Carrick

0

0

0

Total

64

14

12

Stats via Transfermarkt

Tied down to a contract until 2030, the 22-year-old could be the face of a new era in Manchester – not least with friend and teammate, Alejandro Garnacho, looking set for an exit.

6 CM – Bruno Fernandes (C)

The heart and soul of Manchester United, talismanic skipper Bruno Fernandes has shunned the Saudi riches to stay put next season, having rounded off last term by sweeping the club’s end-of-season awards. And rightly so.

While there is a curiosity over just what this team would look like without him – as well as his actual suitability for a starting berth in this system – the Portugal star simply has to remain the centrepiece of the side.

As Amorim admitted earlier this year, he is “one of the best players in the world”. You don’t find those so easily…

7 CM – Douglas Luiz

The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell has noted that United are seeking an ‘athletic number eight’ this summer. Douglas Luiz – who was linked with a move last month – certainly fits the bill.

A player of proven Premier League quality – having even been hailed as “better than [Declan] Rice” in some quarters – the former Aston Villa man needs rescuing from his Juventus hell, having started just six games last term following his £42m switch last summer.

While it has not been made clear how much the Brazilian would be available for, perhaps an astute loan offer could be in order, as Wilcox and co still seek to comply with PSR restrictions.

8 LWB – Pervis Estupinan

The Red Devils did already prise Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in January, yet at just 20 years old, the Dane is far from the finished article, having notably looked ‘out of his depth’ in the 1-0 loss to Spurs – according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

In Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan, United could then find a perfect upgrade in that wing-back role amid links to the 27-year-old, a player whom Fabian Hurzeler has hailed as “one of the best left-backs in the Premier League”.

The need for players of top-flight quality is evident, with the £38m-rated Seagulls defender another who fits the bill.

9 RAM – Bryan Mbeumo

Speaking of Premier League quality, what a signing it would be if Mbeumo does make his way to Manchester, with the Cameroon international seemingly preferring a move to Old Trafford, despite interest from Champions League sides Arsenal, Newcastle and Spurs.

Fresh off the back of scoring 20 league goals for Brentford, the 25-year-old would surely enhance Amorim’s floundering forward line, with no United player even reaching double figures for goals in the top-flight last season.

While negotiations continue over a potential fee for the versatile winger, if a deal is to be agreed, it would be yet another statement one for the INEOS regime.

10 LAM – Matheus Cunha

Speaking of statements, already in the door is the aforementioned Cunha, with the Brazilian – like the man above – seemingly unperturbed by United’s lack of European football next season.

With 15 league goals of his own in 2024/25 – having scored 12 the previous campaign – the 26-year-old is another proven, albeit maverick talent who could re-energise Amorim’s attack, with echoes of a certain Eric Cantona already emerging.

Much work would need to be done to reach those heights, of course, yet this deal should hopefully prove to be another transformational one.

Going into the final day, it is very much all to play for if you’re an Aston Villa supporter.

Last Friday night, the Villans beat Tottenham 2-0 at Villa Park, thanks to second-half goals from Ezri Konsa and then Boubacar Kamara.

This means, having won eight of their last nine Premier League games, Unai Emery’s team sit sixth, outside the coveted Champions League spots by virtue of goal difference.

Nevertheless, they could still gatecrash the top five with victory over Manchester United on Sunday, if just one of Chelsea fail to win at Nottingham Forest, Newcastle fail to beat Everton or Manchester City lose at Fulham comes to pass simultaneously.

Those bedecked in claret and blue heading to Old Trafford on Sunday will need their transistor radios at the ready, but could this turn out to be a final Villa appearance for one of the club’s most beloved figures?

The latest on Emi Martínez's Villa future

According to widespread reports, including from Mick Brown of Football Insider, goalkeeper Emi Martínez is expected to leave Aston Villa this summer.

Speaking on the Guardian Football Weekly podcast, Dan Bardell says “it looks like he’s going to go”, which he believes will be a “huge loss”, describing the Argentine World Cup winner as “irreplaceable”, while acknowledging that Villa have to sell a key player before 30 June to comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

Numerous clubs are interested in his services.

Jacob Tanswell and Gregg Evans of the Athletic note Saudi Pro League ‘interest’, reports in Argentina note that Manchester United have ‘made an offer’, while Eduardo Burgos Rodríguez of AS claims that Atlético Madrid have begun ‘informal inquiries’.

Since arriving from Arsenal for £20m in 2020, Martínez has made 211 appearances for the Claret and Blue Army, becoming an undisputed fans’ favourite, also picking up back-to-back Yashin Trophies at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, being named the best goalkeeper in the world.

However, with the 32-year-old seemingly set to depart, could Villa actually recruit an upgrade?

Aston Villa's target to replace Martínez

According to a report by Birmingham Live, Aston Villa are ‘interested’ in signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García.

James McNicholas and David Ornstein of The Athletic document that Arsenal are also in the running to sign the 24-year-old Spaniard, who has a €25m (around £21m) release clause.

According to a report in Spain, this will plummet down to just £12.6m, if Blanquiazules are relegated on the final day of the La Liga season come Saturday evening.

How García could actually improve Aston Villa

Given this interest, could García actually be an upgrade on Martínez? Well, let’s assess the numbers to find out.

Emi Martínez vs Joan García 2024/25 comparison

Statistics

Martínez

García

Appearances

52

37

Minutes

4,590

3,330

Clean sheets

15

7

Goals conceded

61

51

Saves

146

136

Save %

71.6%

75%

Penalty saved %

33.3%

33.3%

Post-shot xG – goals conceded

+4

+7.1

Opposition crosses faced

605

655

% of crosses stopped

11.2%

9.3%

Pass completion %

79.3%

71.5%

Errors leading to an opposition shot

8

4

Average Sofascore Rating

7.25

7.37

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table outlines, Martínez and García’s statistics are broadly very similar this season, which is certainly impressive from the Spaniard’s point-of-view, considering his team are hovering just above the La Liga relegation zone.

García’s save percentage is impressive, but the statistic that stands out the most is his post-shot xG – goals allowed figure of +7.1, which means he ranks tenth across all of Europe’s top five leagues, or fourth if you remove Ligue 1 from the equation, behind only Nikola Vasilj (St. Pauli), Mile Svilar (Roma) and Finn Dahmen (Augsburg).

For context, Martínez is down in 104th when it comes to the same metric.

Analyst Ben Mattinson labels García “one of the highest potential goalkeepers in the world right now”, elsewhere praising his “cross claiming” and “composure on the ball”, assertions that are supported by the data.

Meantime, Sive Vishwa of Breaking the Lines backs him to become ‘one of the best goalkeepers’ of his generation, while Fintan O’Reilly of Total Football Analysis believes García has been the ‘all-round best performing young goalkeeper’ across Europe this season.

So, as much as Villa supporters adore Martínez, if they’re able to replace him with a highly-rated shot-stopper, who is six years his junior, for a bargain fee, from a business point of view, this does make sense doesn’t it?

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Posts ByTom Cunningham May 22, 2025