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With the summer transfer window approaching, Everton are reportedly among those racing to sign a relegated Premier League star, who is available at a bargain price.

Friedkin need statement Everton summer

So far, it’s been so good from The Friedkin Group. Everton are about to bid an emotional farewell to Goodison Park ahead of moving into their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium next season and the appointment of David Moyes has ensured that a new era will commence in the Premier League. The veteran manager returned to a number of doubters but has steered the club to safety with great comfort.

The Everton boss will have his eye on more than just surviving next season, however, as will Friedkin. The new owners have the chance to make their mark for the first time in a summer transfer window in Merseyside and rumours suggest that they’re planning to do exactly that.

Recent links have even suggested that the Toffees are interested in re-signing Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazilian has struggled ever since swapping Merseyside for North London and may yet be heading back in the opposite direction this summer.

It’s a reunion that would see a club hero return to commence a new era and one which could be spent away from the dangers of the dropzone. That said, Richarlison isn’t the only name who reportedly finds himself on Everton’s radar.

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Those in Merseyside have also reportedly set their sights on taking full advantage of the Premier League’s relegated trio and potentially landing one particular bargain deal when the summer arrives.

Everton racing to sign Wilfred Ndidi

According to The Boot Room, Everton are now racing to sign Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City this summer, triggering his £9m relegation release clause in the process. Friedkin are reportedly admirers of the experienced midfielder and are set to do battle with both Sheffield United and Burnley in pursuit of his signature at a bargain price in the coming months.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Wilfred Ndidi

Abdoulaye Doucoure

Starts

25

29

Tackles Won

46

27

Interceptions

24

9

Ball Recoveries

114

139

It becomes clear why Friedkin are admirers of Ndidi when comparing his talent to that of Abdoulaye Doucoure’s, who is on course to depart as a free agent at the end of the season. In comparison, as impressive as Doucoure has been at times, it is Ndidi who stands out for his work off the ball – work which deserves to stay in the Premier League.

Once described as an “incredible player” by former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, Ndidi will be one to watch this summer, especially amid his reported £9m release clause.

It’s a price that Everton should take full advantage of to not only land a replacement for Doucoure, but arguably an upgrade.

With just a couple of games to go in the Premier League this season, Chelsea sit in a superb position to claim a top-five place and secure a Champions League spot.

The Blues are two points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, but could be set for a last-day showdown with the Reds at the City Ground – in what will undoubtedly be a nervy affair.

However, regardless of what happens between now and the end of the campaign, Enzo Maresca deserves tremendous credit for the work he’s done during his first year in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian has achieved a 60% win rate in the role, with the prospect of winning the Europa Conference League firmly within their own grasp ahead of tonight’s semi-final second leg against Djurgarden.

However, given their previous work in the transfer market, it would be no surprise to see them spend big again to take the side to the next level under the manager’s guidance.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for new signings this summer

Since Maresca took the reins back in the summer of last year, he’s desperately been in the market for a new talisman to help lead the line and take Chelsea to the next level.

Liam Delap has been one player who’s been on their shortlist over the last couple of weeks, potentially moving to the Blues after his £30m relegation release clause became active.

However, he’s not the only attacking player in their sights, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao once again emerging on their shortlist, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Blues have begun talks with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a move to the club after registering 23 combined goals and assists across all competitions this campaign.

It also states that the Portuguese international is seen as a top-level reinforcement for Maresca, taking the side to the left level as a result – but it’s previously been reported he could cost in the region of €80m (£64m).

Why Chelsea’s £64m target would be a better signing than Gittens

Over the last couple of months, Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move to land Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens this summer, but no deal has yet been agreed with the Bundesliga side.

The 20-year-old has impressed in Germany this campaign, registering 12 goals and three assists to date, with other English sides such as Liverpool and Arsenal also interested in his signature.

The former Manchester City youngster looks almost certain to return to England this summer, but the Blues should look to swerve a deal despite their keen interest.

Such an interest in Leao proves the club are evaluating all options to improve their attacking department, needing to make the right call over whom to land to fill the void in the final third.

When comparing the Milan star’s stats with those of Gittens, he’s managed to outperform in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be to Maresca’s side.

Leao, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more combined goals and assists than the Dortmund star’s, whilst also completing more take-ons, showcasing the threat he possesses in attacking areas.

He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries per 90, along with more passes completed into the final third – having the tools to aid other people in improving their own tallies in the final third.

How Leao compares to Gittens in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Leao

Gittens

Games played

33

30

Goals & assists

16

11

Progressive passes

3.6

2.1

Passes into final third

1.5

0.8

Shot-creating actions

4.4

3.7

Take-ons completed

46%

45%

Aerials won

57%

41%

Stats via FBref

His all-round dominance doesn’t stop there, winning more of the aerial duels he’s entered, potentially offering Maresca an added option in central areas should they fail to land a new striker.

£64m may appear to be another hefty fee to splash out on a new signing, but Leao has proven in Serie A this campaign that he has all of the qualities needed to improve the Blues squad.

As a result of the latest transfer story, the hierarchy should look to forget about any deal to land Gittens in the coming months, subsequently putting all of their focus into a deal for the Milan star.

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Liverpool have opened talks over a deal for an attacking midfielder, who has now been told he can leave his club for a fee of just £19m this summer, according to a report.

Reds set sights on attacking midfielder

In recent days, the Reds’ pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong appears to have gained traction, with a move for the Dutchman, who is set to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, now edging closer after advanced talks were held.

However, Frimpong is not the only Leverkusen star who could be on his way to Anfield this summer, with Arne Slot also looking to bring in a new attacking midfielder, and talks have been opened over a deal for Florian Wirtz.

That said, the German will not be cheap, with a £126m price tag mooted, so FSG could also look at bringing in a low-cost alternative, and an approach has now been made over a different attacking midfielder, who could be available for a bargain fee.

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According to a report from France (via The Boot Room), Liverpool have now opened talks over a deal for Lyon star Rayan Cherki, who has been informed he can leave the French club for a fee of just £19m this summer.

Cherki has just 12 months remaining on his Lyon contract, which means he is set to be allowed to leave for a very low price at the end of the season, and the Reds are now in discussions to bring the attacking midfielder to Anfield.

There may be competition for the Frenchman’s signature, however, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City also making contact to ask about a potential deal.

"Wizard" Cherki draws comparisons to Lionel Messi

The 21-year-old has enjoyed an extraordinary season with Lyon, picking up 31 goal contributions in 43 appearances in all competitions, having particularly caught the eye with his displays in the Europa League.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Ligue 1

29

8

10

Europa League

12

4

8

Coupe de France

2

0

1

Such is the starlet’s ability, he has received very high praise from teammate Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who said: “He is the best natural talent I’ve ever seen. An absolute master, a wizard with the ball.”

“He is two-footed, has no fear, keeps going and going, can get past people with such ease, such finesse.”

Former Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has even gone as far as likening the youngster to one of the greatest-ever players in the past, saying: “Cherki is comparable to (Lionel) Messi in terms of technical quality.”

A fee of just £19m could be an absolute steal for a player with the potential of Cherki, and a move to Anfield would surely be a very attractive proposition for the playmaker, given that Liverpool defied expectations to secure a record-equalling 20th league title this season.

Burnley will be striving to return to their Premier League glory days under Scott Parker with the Clarets once a top-flight regular when Sean Dyche was positioned at the helm.

Indeed, the former Turf Moor favourite even steered Burnley to a very impressive seventh place finish come the end of the 2016/17 season, before the close of his up-and-down reign at the club saw relegation down to the Championship served up.

Vincent Kompany failed in his efforts to reinstate Burnley as a Premier League staple when he was in charge, meaning Parker will now be hopeful he can buck the trend, especially if a number of new, impactful signings enter through the door to help him out.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse Burnley's list of summer targets

Unfortunately, the majority of the transfer gossip coming out of Turf Moor currently involves outgoings rather than incomings, with CJ Egan-Riley reportedly closing in on a move away to RC Strasbourg.

But, there have been a few names in the air to excite Burnley fans regarding incomings, with Zian Flemming now a permanent part of Parker’s camp after a bright loan stint, alongside the newly promoted side showing a keen interest in the Swedish leagues when it comes to 20-year-old forward Abdoulie Manneh.

But, one of the freshest reports involving the Clarets sees them allegedly chasing down the services of £10m Union Berlin right-back Josip Juranovic alongside Daniel Farke’s Leeds United.

Journalist Graeme Bailey revealed a development recently, stating that Burnley are one of four Premier League clubs – which includes Fulham and West Ham United alongside the Whites and the Clarets – keeping close tabs on the attack-minded full-back.

Juranovic’s eye for an assist could see Burnley win their best option down the right flank since Kieran Trippier donned a Clarets strip, with the now Newcastle United man first earning his stripes in the Premier League on the books of the Lancashire side.

How Juranovic can be Burnley's best right-back since Trippier

It might well be forgotten about now that Trippier began his journey in the top-flight with the Clarets, considering his name is now synonymous with the elite division.

Indeed, the Magpies veteran has notched up a mammoth tally of 203 games in the Premier League, with a healthy 38 assists also coming his way across that stretch of clashes.

But, whilst his consistent heroics at St James’ Park have seen him win multiple England call-ups alongside lifting a solitary EFL Cup, his sturdiest overall career total of assists still stands with Burnley, with 37 coming his way from 185 games.

Juranovic will be aiming to come in and be as explosive down the right channel for Parker’s men, therefore, with the Zagreb-born defender already proving across his varied career to date that he can cut open a team for fun much like Trippier at his peak.

Juranovic’s G/A numbers by club

Club played for

Games

Goals

Assists

Hajduk Split

165

3

13

Union Berlin

62

4

6

Celtic

53

6

3

Legia Warszawa

41

2

10

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Looking at the table above, it’s clear Juranovic has been able to thrive when launched into some tough domestic divisions previously, with a high ten goal contributions coming his way from 62 games at his current employers in Berlin, alongside also starring in Scotland, Poland and his native Croatia.

Off the back of this, he should be able to come in and succeed in the Premier League, with his performances for Croatia on an international stage even seeing European football expert Zach Lowy label the 29-year-old as “immense.”

Further capable of lining up as a winger, a centre-back or a midfielder if needed, he could also be a perfect utility body for Parker to depend upon, away from potentially being Turf Moor’s second coming of Trippier.

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Despite losing sporting director Paul Mitchell, Newcastle United are pushing on with their summer transfer plans and could now sign one of their top targets for £65m when the window swings open.

Paul Mitchell to depart Newcastle

After just one season at the club, Mitchell has made the decision to leave St James’ Park and hand Newcastle the job of finding a new sporting director this summer. In truth, Mitchell never truly made his mark in Tyneside and always had a tough job on his hands after replacing Dan Ashworth, only to enter a club desperately looking to comply with PSR regulations.

The sporting director released a statement after his departure was confirmed, saying: “I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley, the players, staff, owners and fans. It has been an honour to be part of the club and to work with some incredible people.

“I’m leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales – someone who I have worked so closely with in my career – moving on soon. The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building. I’d like to wish everyone connected with Newcastle United a bright and successful future.”

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Off the pitch, the Magpies will suddenly be an intriguing side to watch this summer as they look towards the market not just for fresh arrivals for Eddie Howe’s squad, but also a new name behind the scenes.

With Champions League qualification only boosting their spending power ahead of the window too, whoever comes in to replace Mitchell could have quite the job on their hands. Their first move, no matter the new name, may even be to sign a Premier League rival for a hefty price.

Newcastle could now sign Kudus for £65m

According to Football Insider, Newcastle could now sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United for £65m this summer, with the London club ready to sell one the Magpies’ top targets for a hefty fee in the coming months. However, it is a fee that his £20m less than the attacker’s release clause, which should come as a boost to PIF.

It’s a deal that PIF have already explored and one that certainly seems feasible following the Hammers’ disastrous season. As Kudus eyes bigger and better things, those at St James’ Park could spend big to come swooping in.

Despite enduring a frustrating season in a poor West Ham side, Kudus has still found himself at the centre of Graham Potter’s praise. The 50-year-old manager told reporters at the end of March: “I think Mo has had probably a season that, from his perspective, would be a little bit disappointing, not because of his lack of effort or anything like that, but sometimes these things happen.

“Speaking personally, he’s been great with us in terms of how he’s worked every day, fantastic. He has built his fitness up, built his condition up to the point where he can sustain things a lot better now.”

Having reportedly explored a deal to sign the winger, whether Newcastle decide that Kudus’ £65m valuation is worth pursuing will be the big question when the transfer window opens.

Lionel Messi is regarded by many as the greatest footballer of all time, but the Barcelona and Argentina legend named another South American superstar as the best ever.

Some of the best quotes on Lionel Messi

Since making his Barca debut back in 2004 at the age of 17, Messi has dominated world football and has dazzled with the ball at his feet.

Regarded as Barcelona’s best ever player and the greatest footballer of all time by many, Messi made just under 800 senior appearances at the Nou Camp, winning every honour possible.

Lionel Messi’s Barcelona honours

Years won

Champions League

2006, 2009, 2011, 2015

La Liga

2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

Copa del Rey

2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021

FIFA Club World Cup

2010, 2012, 2016

UEFA Super Cup

2009, 2011, 2015

Spanish Super Cup

2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018

His individual brilliance is highlighted by lifting eight Ballon d’Or’s between 2009 and 2023, and as to be expected, there are plenty of quotes praising Messi down the years.

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Many have been left stunned by watching Messi during his career, but who has caught the eye of the Argentine over the years?

Messi called Ronaldo Nazário the “best” he’s seen

Messi was asked by TyC Sports back in 2020 who he thought was his top rival for ‘Greatest of all Time’ status, and instead of naming long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo, the Argentine selected Brazilian striker Ronaldo as his greatest.

Before the days of Messi and Cristiano, the former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid striker was one of the most recognisable names in football.

Powerful, extremely quick, incredible control and a clinical finisher, Ronaldo had every attribute a forward would want and every defender dreads.

A two-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo was also called “as good as Pele” by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whereas another iconic striker, Thierry Henry, said the Brazilian “reinvented the centre-forward position”.

If it wasn’t for a number of serious injuries, Ronaldo could have been spoken about in the same bracket of Messi and Cristiano, but even still he certainly left his mark on the former.

As part of an ambitious overhaul which has received the green light from those upstairs at Craven Cottage, Fulham are now reportedly ready to open talks to sign a Champions League midfielder this summer.

Fulham working on fresh Marco Silva deal

When Tottenham Hotspur sacked Ange Postecoglou, there may have been some nerves around West London regarding Marco Silva’s Fulham future. Those nerves have since been eased courtesy of Thomas Frank, however, who is reportedly set to swap Brentford for the Lilywhites. Now, the Cottagers are reportedly keen to agree a fresh deal with their manager.

As things stand, the former Everton manager has just one year remaining on his Fulham contract, which will leave those in West London with a major problem this time next year unless anything changes.

Whilst concerns continue to grow over his contract situation, Silva has remained as calm as ever. When asked about whether he had rejected a new deal or whether negotiations were even underway, the Fulham boss told reporters: “No, not at all. We didn’t even start. I know there are some rumours around that I refused something but from my side, it’s not true at all.

“Our connection is very, very strong and it’s clear there are so many things for the club to be careful about with players’ contract situations, there are many important decisions ahead with the summer coming up after a great season where we improved like all the other years before.

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“We managed to reach some great numbers again, the best Premier League points tally in our history and if you want to improve, you have to focus on the most important things. I’m not saying the manager’s situation is not important but I’m under contract with the club, I just wanted to clarify that the conversations didn’t start and that’s not for professional reasons but it was just not the moment.”

Whilst the Portuguese manager remains in charge too, Fulham could be well positioned to seal a shock deal to welcome back an impressive midfielder this summer.

Fulham ready to make Palhinha move

According to GiveMeSport, Fulham are now ready to open talks to sign Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich if the Bundesliga champions are willing to show their midfielder the door in the coming months. His arrival would be part of an ambitious plot to overhaul Silva’s side with as many as five fresh faces this summer.

The Portugal international is, of course, a name well-known around Craven Cottage given that he swapped West London for Bayern just one year ago. After making just six Bundesliga starts, however, the 29-year-old could be on his way back to the Premier League already.

Silva is certainly likely to welcome Palhinha back with open arms too, having praised the midfielder during his time at the club. The Fulham boss told reporters in Palhinha’s final season at the club: “His attitude, his commitment, the way he leads the others around are things that are hard to find in football.”

There’s no doubt that the midfielder’s return would suit all parties, but that’s not to say negotiations would be easy. Palhinha currently reportedly earns around £162,000-a-week at Bayern Munich, which is unlikely to be matched by Fulham.

Farooqi has led Afghanistan’s charge in the T20 World Cup, moving the ball both ways to have the batters in trouble

Matt Roller14-Jun-2024

You can’t see me: Fazalhaq Farooqi channels his inner John Cena•ICC via Getty Images

Fazalhaq Farooqi has shrugged off two months on the bench at the IPL to lead the bowling charts early in T20 World Cup 2024. His combined figures across three matches are 12 for 42 in 11.2 overs and he believes that working with Dwayne Bravo will help him to deliver when the pressure is on Afghanistan in the Super Eight.Farooqi’s left-arm angle has proved lethal with the new ball; he swings it both ways and can also nip it off the seam. Seven of his 12 wickets, including two in two balls against PNG on Tuesday, at this World Cup have come in the powerplay – the most by any bowler in the first six overs – setting up a seven-wicket win which assured Afghanistan’s place in the second round.Related

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Those two wickets highlighted his skill, and his ability to move the ball both ways. Both pitched on a good length in the off-stump channel but where the first shaped back a touch to take the shoulder of Lega Siaka’s bat, the second moved into the left-hander Sese Bau to kiss his inside edge. On both occasions, Rahmanullah Gurbaz took excellent diving catches behind the stumps.”For me, my mentality is simple,” Farooqi told reporters in Tarouba. “Whenever I was playing in Under-19 or Under-16, I thought: I’m not the big man. I’m not someone big and tall and bowling very fast. At that time, I was just thinking to improve my skill to do something different from the others… I was going to learn to bowl swing and that now for me is simple.”Fazalhaq Farooqi has picked up seven wickets in the powerplay, the most in the T20 World Cup 2024•ICC via Getty Images

Farooqi did not play a match for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season and quickly turned his attention to the World Cup when he realised he would spend the IPL running drinks. “Unfortunately I didn’t get any chance to play in IPL but I was working on my skill, to improve my skill to do better for Afghanistan,” he said. “I just try to give my hundred percent and just back my skill.”He has worked closely with Hamid Hassan, Afghanistan’s bowling coach, but also has a long-standing relationship with Bravo, who is with them as a bowling consultant for this World Cup. They have played several seasons of franchise cricket together in the UAE, for both Delhi Bulls (Abu Dhabi T10) and MI Emirates (ILT20), and Farooqi has regularly picked Bravo’s brains.He said that Bravo’s influence on Afghanistan’s seamers would become apparent when they bowl at the death in pressure situations. “DJ Bravo, I am with him from last four years. I’m playing every time in the same team… he just wants to give to us some tips for how we bowl in the death, how we bowl in the crucial situations. He is everyone’s mentor.”He’s an old-ball bowler, for the death. But whatever I’m doing with the new ball, that’s my skill. He just supports me. He says, ‘you’re doing good’ and that’s the main thing, if you got some support from the senior players… He’s giving me [tips], especially in the death, how should I bowl in the pressure time, how should I use the slower ball, how should I use the length ball.”Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s captain, singled Farooqi out for praise, comparing his impact with the ball to Gurbaz’s influence with the bat. “It’s very important to have someone like him. In the batting unit, you have the top order who go there like Gurbaz and smash it from the first ball,” Rashid said. “It’s the same with the bowling unit as well.”Someone like Fazal, who is coming in and attacking each and every ball, that allows us to have a strong base as a bowling unit. And then it does help you in the middle overs as well if you get a couple of wickets… We are lucky to have him on the side [because he] gives us the best start with the new ball and then makes the job a little bit easier in the middle.”Jonathan Trott, Afghanistan’s head coach, believes there is more to come from Farooqi. “He’s been really good,” Trott said. “I think when he gets his line and with the pace and the swing, he’s very dangerous. I still think with the amount of talent, I still think he can even bowl better. I still think there’s even better bowling in him: he’s that talented.”Afghanistan face West Indies in St Lucia on Monday before heading into a Super Eight group that will also feature India and Australia. It is a daunting task, but Farooqi said that their recent successes – both against New Zealand in Guyana last week, and at last year’s 50-over World Cup – means that they believe they can beat anyone.”Before, we were a little bit pressurised,” he said. “We just thought we can’t win the match against the full member teams or the biggest national teams. But when we won the matches in 2023 ODI World Cup, we now have found some confidence. Now everyone has belief in our skills… This is the first time we just qualify for the Super Eight and we are so happy. Back home, every people are happy and proud of us.”

It’s now less than three weeks until Aston Villa’s pre-season schedule begins.

The Claret and Blue Army will take on neighbours Walsall at the Bescot on Wednesday 16 July, before heading to Germany where they’ll face Hansa Rostock at Ostseestadion.

Unai Emery’s team will then head stateside for a three-game series, facing Eintracht Frankfurt in Louisville and then a pair of MLS outfits, namely St. Louis City and Nashville, before returning to the Midlands for a meeting with Roma.

Before any of that, will President of Football Operations, Monchi, land any new signings?

Aston Villa targeting new attackers

As outlined by Jacob Tanswell and Gregg Evans of the Athletic, Aston Villa are in serious danger of breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules​​​​​​​, having recorded losses of £195m over the last two seasons.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

This predicament forced them to sell, namely losing Jhon Durán back in January when Saudi came calling.

Al-Nassr paid a reported fee of £71m over the winter, with Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford arriving to replace him, albeit it’s unclear if either will be returning, following the expiration of their loans.

With Rashford certainly the less likely of the two to be back in claret and blue, John Townley of Birmingham Live is reporting that the Villans are targeting a move to sign Jesús Rodríguez.

He adds that the Real Betis winger is ‘attracting widespread interest from across Europe’, namely from RB Leipzig, Como and others.

Nevertheless, Villa are purportedly ‘confident’ of convincing Rodríguez that linking up with Emery ‘would best support his development’, with a report by Spanish outlet Marca stating that 19 year old has a €35m (around £30m) release clause.

Why Jesús Rodríguez is a bigger talent than Marcus Rashford

As alluded to earlier, it seems very unlikely that Rashford will be returning to Villa next season, despite a generally successful loan spell, in which he scored four goals and registered six assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.

Manchester United’s reported £40m price tag is seemingly putting off all potential suitors, hence why Jamie Jackson of the Guardian is reporting that Barcelona would be interested in taking Rashford on loan, but cannot sanction a permanent deal.

Thus, the Villans have seemingly turned their attention to Rodríguez, so let’s compare the duo.

Rodríguez vs Rashford 2024/25 comparison

Statistics

Rodríguez

Rashford at Villa

Appearances

32

17

Minutes

1,739

940

Goals

3

4

Assists

2

6

All statistics below are on a per-90 basis.

Shots

1.6

1.6

Chances Created

0.6

1.7

Take-ons completed

3.1

1.7

Take-on success %

47%

34%

Touches

53

47.5

Touches in the box

6.4

5.6

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt and Squawka

As the table outlines, while Rashford’s raw data, goals and assists are better, Rodríguez’s underlying numbers are more impressive, while the pair are stylistically very different.

Rashford is about end-product, while the Spanish teenager is much more of a dribbler, as underlined by his higher take-on statistics, as well as the fact he registered more touches, both in the opposition’s penalty area and in general.

John Menzies of Football España documents how the 19-year-old enjoyed a ‘breakout season​​​​​​​’ at Betis, making his senior debut against Gévora in the Copa del Rey as recently as last Halloween.

By the end of the campaign, he had established himself as a key figure in Manuel Pellegrini’s team, starting 15 La Liga matches from 1 December onwards, as well as four matches during the Conference League knockout stages, on target during the quarter-final victory over Jagiellonia Białystok, en route to the final in Wrocław.

This summer, Rodríguez has been away at the U21 European Championships, starting and netting against Italy in Trnava, before Santi Denia’s side were dumped out by England in the quarter-finals last weekend.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him an “explosive winger”, asserting that his best attributes are his “acceleration, dribbling and work rate”.

Meantime, Luke Petty of Breaking the Lines believes the teenager is ‘already an outstanding asset’ thanks to his high-quality dribbling and ‘exceptional athleticism’, which allows him to cover ground easily, leaving him in the 99th percentile when it comes to regaining the ball via pressing, according to Statsbomb.

Thus, it is clear that Rodríguez is a highly talented youngster, perhaps even more so than Rashford, meaning he would be an excellent addition for cash-strapped Villa.

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Posts ByBen Gray Jun 26, 2025

كشف حلمي طولان، المدير الفني لـ مننتخب مصر الثاني، عن اللاعبين البدلاء لمواجهة تونس وديًا، بعد قليل، ضمن الاستعدادات للمشاركة في بطولة كأس العرب.

وتقام مواجهة مصر وتونس على ملعب هيئة قناة السويس في الإسماعيلية، اليوم السبت، في مباراة ودية.

طالع | حلمي طولان يعلن تشكيل منتخب مصر الثاني أمام تونس وديًا.. خماسي دفاعي

ويتولى حلمي طولان مسؤولية منتخب مصر الثاني، للمشاركة في كأس العرب، بعد رفض حسام حسن المدير الفني للمنتخب الأول، المشاركة، بسبب تعارض موعد البطولة مع كأس أمم إفريقيا.

ويشارك منتخب مصر في بطولة كأس العرب المقامة في قطر، في نسختها الثانية، التي تبدأ في 1 ديسمبر المقبل، وتختتم بالنهائي يوم 18 من الشهر ذاته.

ويلعب منتخب مصر مباراتين وديتين أمام تونس، واحدة اليوم، وأخرى في التاسع من شهر سبتمبر الجاري. بدلاء منتخب مصر اليوم أمام تونس

محمود جاد، مصطفى العش، أحمد هاني، علي الفيل، مصطفى سعد، يحيى زكريا، غنام محمد، حسام حسن، ميدو جابر، حسين الشحات، أحمد عاطف “قطة”، محمود عبد الحفيظ “زلاكة”.