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West Ham United have a proud history of developing and promoting some brilliant youngsters from their academy system.

The most recent one to really make his mark on the team and then be sold on for a massive fee was Declan Rice.

Freddie Potts looks like he could be the Hammers’ next homegrown superstar after his sensational Premier League displays before the international break.

However, while the club try their best to keep hold of their most promising talents, they aren’t always able to, and one youngster they may rue losing more than any other looks like he could be a bigger prospect than Potts and a future England star.

West Ham's next academy star

While Potts is the current academy product getting the attention and adulation from fans and pundits alike – justifiably so – he could soon be joined in the first team by another of Rush Green’s best: George Earthy.

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Now, the 21-year-old has made four appearances for the first team and even scored a brilliant goal against Luton Town in the Premier League a couple of years ago, but due to loan moves and injury, those four appearances have amounted to only 36 minutes.

In other words, most fans aren’t really thinking about the youngster, and those that occasionally do aren’t sure what sort of player they’ll be getting when he returns from his hamstring injury.

Well, firstly, even though his primary position is attacking midfield, the Havering-born gem has and can play in several positions across the pitch.

Second, he’s as comfortable scoring goals as he is providing assists, and has a seriously impressive record from his time in the academy.

For example, in 60 appearances for the u18s, totalling 4804 minutes, he scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.39 games, or every 111.72 minutes.

Appearances

60

55

Minutes

4804′

3618′

Goals

25

18

Assists

18

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.71

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

111.72′

113.06′

Then, during his time with the u21s, he scored 18 goals and provided 14 assists in 55 appearances, totalling 3618 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 113.06 minutes.

Finally, while he’s not played much for the Hammers, he has gained a decent amount of first-team experience from his time on loan with Bristol City last season, where he was named Young Player of the Season.

In all, so long as he can remain fit, West Ham have another superb homegrown talent on their hands in Earthy, which should help make up for them losing another, arguably more promising talent last year.

The Academy gem West Ham will rue losing

One of the most exciting talents to come through West Ham’s academy in the last five years or so was undoubtedly Divin Mubama.

During his time in West London, the Englishman was utterly unstoppable for the junior sides, racking up a staggering tally of 40 goals and five assists for the u18s and then 18 goals and two assists for the u21s.

This brilliant output saw him get a chance with the first team, and over the 22/23 and 23/24 seasons, he made 18 senior appearances, totalling 431 minutes.

West Ham

18

1

1

WH U21s

34

18

2

WH U18s

57

40

5

Man City

2

1

0

Man City U21s

9

8

4

Stoke City

15

5

1

However, in August 2024, then Premier League champions Manchester City came knocking, and despite their best efforts to keep him, Julen Lopetegui and Co had to make do with a measly £1.2m as he joined the Citizens.

To nobody’s surprise, the goalscoring machine continued his fine form in the North West, and ended the 24/25 campaign with 16 goals and four assists in 14 appearances for City’s u21s.

Moreover, Pep Guardiola gave him two run-outsrun-outs in the first team, and on his debut in an FA Cup game against Salford, he scored his first senior goal for the club.

Coming into this season, it was crystal clear that the 21-year-old is too good to play in the youth sides, and so he was sent out on loan to Stoke City in the Championship, where he has done a reasonable enough job.

For example, even though it’s his first season of regular first-team football, the “powerful” strike, as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored five goals and provided one assist in 15 appearances.

In addition to making his way in the club game, the Newham-born monster has also been in incredible form for England’s u21s.

In five caps, the game-changing marksman has already scored five goals and provided one assist.

Ultimately, it’s not West Ham’s fault, but if Mubama continues to develop in the way he has over the last year or so, they could really come to rue losing him.

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While things might not have ended as well as they could have, there are few figures more legendary in the history of The Arsenal than Arsène Wenger.

The Frenchman ushered in a period of immense success in the late 1990s and early 2000s that the club have not even come close to matching since.

However, with how things are going this season, that could soon be about to change.

Moreover, it would be fair to say that Mikel Arteta now has a star in his squad who’s undoubtedly the best player Arsenal have had since Wenger retired.

Arsenal's best players since Wenger retired

When looking at the best players signed by, or developed by, Arsenal since Wenger stepped away from management, there are more than a handful of names you could pick out.

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For example, for everything he did wrong, Unai Emery signed off on William Saliba’s move in the summer of 2019, and then just a year later, Arteta made his best defensive acquisition by bringing in Gabriel Magalhães from LOSC Lille.

Together, the centre-back pairing have been nothing short of exceptional over the last few years, and as things stand this season, have conceded just three goals in all competitions and should they win it, could go down as the best defensive partnership in Premier League history.

Ferdinand & Vidic

120

0.71

Keown & Adams

97

0.73

Campbell & Toure

59

0.73

Terry & Carvalho

85

0.76

Lescott & Kompany

58

0.76

Gabriel & Saliba

93

0.78

Van Dijk & Matip

72

0.81

Moving into the middle of the park, and, in this conversation, it’s impossible to ignore club-record signing Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain made his way to the Emirates under a tremendous amount of pressure, but from his first game to today, he’s proven to be worth every penny.

From his ability to break up play, carry the ball from deep, score important goals and deliver the ball with pinpoint accuracy from set-pieces, he, without a shadow of a doubt, is a “world-class” midfielder.

Staying in midfield, and while he had a down season last year, and has had some terrible luck with injuries this term, Martin Odegaard deserves to be in this conversation.

The Norwegian international was made club captain in the summer of 2023, won back-to-back Player of the Season awards, and, at his best, can be utterly mesmerising to watch on the ball.

However, with all that said, when it comes to the club’s best player since Wenger left, there is one star who stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Arsenal's greatest player since Wenger retired

While fans will have their own favourite players, it would be hard to deny that, as things stand, Bukayo Saka is the best player Arsenal have had since Wenger retired.

The Hale End icon made his first team debut under Emery in a Europa League game away to Vorskla Poltava in November 2018, and then earned his first start at home against Qarabağ FK a month later.

However, it’s been under Arteta that the Englishman has transformed from a versatile utility player who often popped up at left-back, into one of the best right-wingers in world football.

Not only that, though, but the 24-year-old game-changer has become the club’s talisman and the face of its rejuvenation over the last few years.

It shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise then that, following his hamstring injury and surgery last season, the Gunners became far less potent in attack.

Appearances

274

Minutes

20713′

Goals

74

Assists

72

Goal involvements per match

0.53

Minutes per goal involvement

141.86′

In his career to date, the North Londoners’ “legend in the making” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored 74 goals and provided 72 assists in 274 first-team appearances, totalling 20713 minutes.

That comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.87 games, or every 141.86 minutes, which is made all the more impressive by the fact he’s made 21 appearances at left-back.

As if his record at club level wasn’t enough, he has also won 46 senior caps for England, in which he’s scored 13 goals, provided nine assists and been named Player of the Year twice.

Ultimately, there is still much to come from Saka, but based on his already astounding record and the fact that he has become the club’s poster boy, it’s clear that he has been Arsenal’s best player since Wenger left the dugout.

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West Indies put up a fight with Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle scoring half-centuries but it wasn’t enough

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jun-2025South Africa’s men had their day at Lord’s and it might well have roused the women’s team because they came back from 0-1 down in the ODI series against West Indies with a power-packed performance. There were contributions all the way down the batting order to put up 309 for 9, led by Sune Luus’ enchanting 76 off just 65 balls. Nondumiso Shangase produced a career-best 55 having been trusted with the No. 3 position for only the second time ever. And Annerie Dercksen was around to provide the flourish at the end, even though wickets were falling, as South Africa picked off 106 runs in the last 10 overs.West Indies, in reply, built their innings around fifties from Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle but their challenge wilted in the face of some miserly spin bowling from Nonkululeko Mlaba, who brought up her best figures in ODI cricket with 4 for 33. Her dismissal of Matthews came at a crucial time with West Indies keeping up with the required rate at 107 for 2 in the 20th over largely thanks to their captain’s fluency. She made 56 off just 58 balls with nine fours.Cambelle kept fighting – 53 off 58 even though she hit just five boundaries – and West Indies arrived into the last 10 overs of the game with 221 runs on the board – 18 more than South Africa at the same time and only 89 away from victory with five wickets in hand. Mlaba and the eternally gifted Marizanne Kapp took a game that was in the balance and broke it with three wickets in 11 balls. Campbelle was gone. The West Indies’ lower order had been opened up and the game petered out to its only conclusion.Scoreboard pressure played a big part in all that. Having been put in, South Africa found the going a little tough with even their free-flowing captain Laura Wolvaardt only able to score 28 off 47 balls. But the openers’ willingness to weather that period – Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits stayed together for 15.1 overs – ensured the rest of the line-up had better conditions to bat in. It showed in how only one of the remaining top seven batters had a strike rate below run a ball. Luus was the major driving force for the innings, scoring her first ODI fifty in the last 20 innings, a sequence that goes back to September 2023. Her partnership with Shangase lit the torch paper – 85 off 69 – and that fire spread. Dercksen came in and kept up the tempo, adding 40 off 23 balls with Luus before Luus fell. But that was just a reason to go harder and Dercksen and Chloe Trying put on 57 off 34 for the seventh wicket.Tuesday’s ODI now becomes a decider before the two teams get together for a three-match T20I series.

Inter are prepared to spend heavily to sign Nico Paz, the 21-year-old Argentine sensation lighting up Serie A with Como. The Nerazzurri are reportedly ready to table a €58 million bid for the Real Madrid academy graduate, but Los Blancos’ €9m buy-back clause and 50% sell-on stake could derail the deal before it begins.

• Inter’s €58m move for Como star Nico Paz

  Inter are ready to make a statement in the upcoming transfer window by launching a €58m (£49m/$63m) bid for Nico Paz, the 21-year-old Argentine midfielder who has become one of Serie A’s brightest stars. Paz has impressed under Cesc Fabregas at Como, registering four goals and four assists in just seven matches, form that has attracted major European attention.

  The Nerazzurri see Paz as an ideal long-term partner for Lautaro Martinez and are eager to bring him to the San Siro. According to report from , Inter have already opened talks with the player’s entourage and are confident he would be open to a move. However, the situation is far from simple, as Real Madrid retain significant leverage in any future deal.

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• Real Madrid’s buy-back clause complicates Inter pursuit

  Los Blancos still hold both a €9m buy-back clause, valid until June 2026, and a 50% sell-on clause for Paz, making them central to any negotiations. The midfielder left Madrid in 2024 after finding limited first-team opportunities, but his rapid rise in Italy has not gone unnoticed in Spain.

  Madrid's rights to his transfer could block the deal, as Los Blancos could either re-sign him or negotiate from a position of strength. Real’s management, reportedly are monitoring the situation closely and have not ruled out bringing Paz back to the Santiago Bernabeu next summer, depending on the squad’s evolution.

• Real Madrid’s strategic dilemma over Paz

  For Madrid, Paz’s success presents a pleasant but complex dilemma as Los Blancos could easily trigger their buy-back clause for a fraction of his current market value, yet doing so would add another midfielder to a squad already stacked with talent, including Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde. But having so many options available already could make Madrid hesitant to bring Paz back immediately, although they would still benefit financially from any transfer thanks to their 50% sell-on clause. 

  Under Fabregas, Como have become one of Serie A’s most tactically ambitious sides, and Paz has flourished in a system that allows him to express his creativity and composure on the ball. Fabregas’ mentorship has been key to Paz’s transformation from a promising academy product to a complete playmaker with vision, tempo control, and attacking precision.

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• Getty Images
  

  What next for Nico Paz and Inter?

  While Inter remain determined, the balance of power lies firmly with Real Madrid and the player himself. Unless the Nerazzurri can convince Paz to commit to Milan before Madrid act, their €58m pursuit may never materialise. 

  Meanwhile, Como continue their impressive Serie A campaign, as they sit sixth, just one point behind Bologna in the table after a stunning 2-0 win over Juventus, led by another masterful display from Paz. As Inter weigh their next move and Real Madrid watch from afar, one thing is certain, Paz’s future is fast becoming one of European football’s most fascinating transfer sagas.

Australia batter Jake Fraser-McGurk has become the second overseas player after Jamie Overton, Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) English recruit, to confirm his pull-out from IPL 2025, which will resume on May 17. Fraser-McGurk, who was signed by Delhi Capitals (DC) at the mega auction for INR 9 crore (USD 1.07 million approx.) is understood to have informed the franchise that he will not rejoin the squad.The IPL has announced that Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has replaced Fraser-McGurk at DC for INR 6 crore. Mustafizur has previously played for DC in IPL 2022 and IPL 2023, picking up nine wickets across those seasons. However, he will not be eligible for retention by DC for IPL 2026 as per the tweaked replacement rules.The IPL’s original regulations permit teams to sign replacements in the event of illness or injury provided it occurs during or before their 12th match of the season. But the league has taken the call to change those rules, enabling temporary replacements to be signed for the remainder of the rearranged season.The Mustafizur signing, however, has run into complications, with the BCB stating that it hasn’t yet been approached for an NOC. Mustafizur has flown out to Dubai with the Bangladesh squad for the first of two T20I series – the other is in Pakistan – that are due to clash with the rejigged IPL schedule.From being indispensable towards the end of IPL 2024, Fraser-McGurk became dispensable for DC by the halfway mark this season after poor returns with the bat. Fraser-McGurk, 23, opened in DC’s first six matches, but returned single-digit scores in five of them with a highest score of 38 in an overall tally of 55 runs before he was benched.Despite that, the development won’t help DC, who remain in contention for the playoffs, as it is understood they are still waiting for confirmations from several of their first-choice overseas players.That list includes Australia left-arm quick Mitchell Starc and the South African pair of Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs.Stubbs is part of South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship final, which begins on June 11 at Lord’s, and CSA has said that the WTC-bound players will have to abide by the initial NOCs, which run up to May 25 – the original date for the IPL final.

كشفت تقارير إعلامية اليوم الأحد، أن نادي مانشستر يونايتد استبعد فكرة التعاقد مع أحد نجوم برشلونة خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي العام المقبل.

مانشستر يونايتد بدأت نتائجه في التحسن خلال الفترة الأخيرة من هذا الموسم، وذلك تحت قيادة المدير الفني روبن أموريم الذي على ما يبدو بدأ يرى نتائج لمشروعه مع النادي الإنجليزي.

واستطاع مانشستر يونايتد تحقيق ثلاثة انتصارات متتالية في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على كل من سندرلاند وليفربول وأخيرًا برايتون.

وأكدت صحيفة “ديلي ميرور”، أن مانشستر يونايتد كان يفكر بشكل جدي في التعاقد مع روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، نجم برشلونة خلال صيف العام المقبل، لكن راتكليف رفض الصفقة.

وأضافت أن راتكليف تحدث مع مدرب مانشستر يونايتد، روبن أموريم، وشرح له فكرة أنه لن يخاطر بضم لاعب في آواخر مسيرته الكروية مرة أخرى مثلما فعل الشياطين الحمر خلال السنوات الماضية.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تشكيل برشلونة المتوقع أمام ريال مدريد اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

مانشستر يونايتد ضم العديد من اللاعبين الكبار في السن عبر السنوات الماضية، مثل، كريستيانو رونالدو ورافائيل فاران وإدينسون كافاني وباستيان شفاينشتايجر، وكلف هؤلاء اللاعبين الإدارة أموالًا كثيرة.

ليفاندوفسكي يبلغ من العمر 37 عامًا وسوف ينتهي عقده مع برشلونة بنهاية الموسم الجاري، وعلى ما يبدو لن يقوم الفريق الكتالوني بتجديد عقد الدولي البولندي.

ودعم مانشستر يونايتد خط هجومه بشكل جيد خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الأخير، حيث تعاقد مع كل من بينجامين سيسكو من لايبزيج، وبريان مبيومو من برينتفورد، وكذلك ماتيوس كونها من ولفرهامبتون.

Newcastle United have turned their transfer window around, having for so much time across the past several months looked to have fallen by the wayside after a terrific 2024/25 campaign.

But, despite all the drama, Howe must be delighted with how PIF have pulled through with a series of exciting signings, the latest of which comes in the form of Nick Woltemade, who has joined from Stuttgart for a club-record £69m fee.

Woltemade, 23, scored 17 goals for the German side last season, and is considered to carry a deceptive depth of skill, belying his 6 foot 6 frame.

A thrilling addition, one of the most talented young nines out there, but Woltemade’s signing does come with the caveat that he is viewed as Alexander Isak’s replacement at the front of Howe’s system.

Isak remains a Newcastle player with t-minus 24 hours remaining of the market, but his incendiary comments earlier this month and fierce desire to leave St. James’ Park and sign for Liverpool have scoured all but the slimmest hopes of a harmonious and continuing relationship between the player and club.

Newcastle have only claimed two points from their opening three fixtures of the campaign, but the quality coursing through Howe’s squad remains intact, and the wins are sure to be around the corner.

However, it wouldn’t hurt to add another player to the ranks before the market slams shut on Monday evening, and there’s a feeling from some circles that PIF are gearing up to strike a deal for one of the world’s finest midfielders.

Newcastle lining up midfielder deal

Newcastle added Jacob Ramsey to their ranks in a package rising to £40m this month, but he was withdrawn with an issue against Leeds United, and injuries to Sandro Tonali and Joelinton against Liverpool have heightened the need for a deeper-lying midfielder.

And according to Spanish reports, an ambitious move for Eduardo Camavinga has beenprepared, though it will be difficult to land the Real Madrid star, with the La Liga giants issuing a firm not-for-sale response to intrigue.

Reports from earlier this week outline the Magpies’ interest in the France international, who has been valued at €70m (equating to around £61m) at this late stage of the window.

Camavinga, 22, would be a marquee addition for the Toon, and though Los Blancos are outwardly denying any chance of him leaving, there is a feeling that a bid entering the aforementioned ballpark would be considered.

What Eduardo Camavinga would bring to Newcastle

Camavinga joined Real Madrid from Rennes in his homeland in 2021, and he has won La Liga-Champions League doubles in 2022 and 2024, featuring 180 times for the Spaniards all told.

A deep-sitting midfielder, Camavinga blends grit and gusto from number six, specialising in combative defensive work and progressive passing play.

Thanks to FBref’s data, it can be observed that the Frenchman ranks among the top 9% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 19% for progressive carries, the top 16% for successful take-ons, the top 7% for ball recoveries and the top 1% for tackles won per 90.

Tonali’s injury heightens the need for such a player, but Camavinga could even prove to be an upgrade on the Italian maestro, statistically comparable to Premier League heavyweights like Ryan Gravenberch and Moises Caicedo.

Having bounced back from a lengthy suspension last term, 25-year-old Tonali became a mainstay in the middle of the park for the Magpies, instrumental in building top form throughout the winter and winning silverware thereafter.

But Camavinga might add even more to the St. James’ Park centre.

Injuries had a prohibitive effect on Camavinga’s form and fluency in La Liga last season, but from the matches he did play, he stood out. Indeed, his dynamism and range suggest he might even prove an upgrade on Newcastle’s star.

Matches (starts)

19 (11)

36 (28)

Goals

1

4

Assists

2

2

Touches*

53.5

53.4

Pass completion

89%

86%

Key passes*

0.6

0.8

Dribbles*

0.8

0.6

Ball recoveries*

4.7

4.9

Tackles + interceptions*

3.1

2.3

Duels (won)*

5.7 (60%)

3.7 (54%)

Similar players, Camavinga would ease the workload on Tonali while ensuring that Howe is able to rotate as Newcastle challenge both domestically and in the Champions League without working to the detriment of the squad’s performance levels.

Hailed for his “world-class” quality by journalist Thom Harris, Camavinga would cost a pretty penny to bring over to Tyneside, but there’s just cause for such a mammoth bid.

Of course, reservations stemming from the rangy player’s injury record are understandable, but while Camavinga, in his finest form, has a higher ceiling and more about him than the impressive Tonali, he wouldn’t displace the Italian, but rather, jockey for a position, perhaps leading Howe to eke out the best from both players.

A strong ball-carrying presence with physicality and athleticism to take him far in the Premier League, Camavinga could hit the jackpot by stepping away from Real Madrid and rehousing in Newcastle’s midfield, where he could showcase his skills as a talismanic part of Howe’s project, raising the level of those around him too.

Having enjoyed a trophy-laden start to his career, Camavinga could bring that mentality to the Premier League and take Newcastle to the next level, with the English club having enjoyed a taste of true success at the highest level and now hungering for more.

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They left their business late, but Fulham are now set to sign a second attacking target late on, with an agreement reportedly reached to sign a Premier League gem.

Update on Kevin and Fulham

Marco Silva was finally handed some good news after an afternoon to forget at Stamford Bridge on Saturday when reports emerged that Fulham had reached an agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk to sign Kevin. And whilst the Cottagers are still working on an agreement on personal terms, there’s no doubt that they are closing in on a top target ahead of the deadline.

Now that Fulham’s business is underway, Kevin may not be the only one to arrive. Fresh reports have indicated that the Cottagers have also revived a move for Raheem Sterling.

One of the most successful wingers in Premier League history, Sterling has endured a frustrating couple of years which wasn’t helped by a difficult loan spell at Arsenal last season. Now frozen out at Chelsea, he desperately needs the move that Fulham are seemingly attempting.

Of course, he wouldn’t be the first winger to revive the late stages of his career at Craven Cottage, either. Willian enjoyed two successful spells under Marco Silva and represents a fine example that Sterling should look to follow.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the deal, Fulham would be getting an experienced winger who has won all there is to win in English football.

With a matter of hours left until the transfer window slams shut, the West London club have burst into life and may yet welcome Kevin, Sterling and one other Chelsea gem before the deadline.

Fulham strike Tyrique George agreement

As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Fulham have struck an agreement to sign Tyrique George from Chelsea in a late deadline day deal worth £22m, plus add-ons. The young forward looked destined for AS Roma before a move collapsed late on, allowing those at Craven Cottage to come swooping in.

The 19-year-old is destined for something “special” according to scout Jacek Kulig last season and it’s hard to argue with that verdict. The teenager scored three senior goals whilst assisting five more last season and will now be hoping that more game time at Chelsea’s West London rivals means more goal involvement.

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In two swift moves, Fulham look destined to welcome Kevin and George – two young attacking stars – whilst a deal for Sterling has reportedly been revived. All three would undoubtedly turn a disappointing window into one that is full of promise.

Aston Villa fans have cheered on a lot of potent attackers in recent memory.

Indeed, last season saw the Villans masses become enamoured with the heroics of Jhon Duran, with the Colombian firing home a quickfire 12 goals from 27 appearances, before being picked up by Al-Nassr.

Of course, there is also Ollie Watkins still at Villa Park, as the England international chipped in with a lethal 17 strikes all across the 24/25 campaign.

However, with rumours continuing to circulate that Watkins might be leaving the West Midlands behind this summer for pastures new, a new striker looks to be a priority for Emery and Co. ahead of September’s approaching deadline, as a deadly target now comes into focus.

Villa maintain interest in £51m forward

Indeed, Watkins has been linked with a move away to Newcastle United and Manchester United in recent days.

Regardless of this rampant speculation, the 29-year-old has allowed his football to do the talking on Villa’s pre-season tour, as seen in the header above, cannoning into the net against Nashville SC.

Fulham attacker Rodrigo Muniz is allegedly on the Villa shopping list as they hunt down reinforcements up top, but Emery might well fancy a move for this alternative attacker instead from the Bundesliga.

As per Sky Sports Germany reporters Florian Plettenberg and Philipp Hinze, Villa also have their eyes on RB Leipzig marksman Lois Openda, with the report openly stating that the Belgian would be viewed as a viable replacement for Watkins.

Sunderland is also named as another Premier League outfit looking at the in-demand 25-year-old, with the Leipzig number 11 also now available at a far more reasonable £51m price tag, having once had a weighty £70m release clause above his head.

Villa will hope they can advance to the front of the queue for Openda’s services, having experienced great success in the past when snapping up a Belgian attacker who has been a hit in Europe, in the form of Christian Benteke.

How Openda can be Emery's own Benteke

Benteke’s name will most certainly still be uttered in the same breath as Duran and Watkins.

The current DC United centre-forward would instantly take the English game by storm when leading the line for the Villans with venom, as seen in him accumulating a prolific 19 goals across his debut top-flight campaign.

In total, at Villa Park by the end of his blistering three-season association with the club, the imposing Belgian would collect a deadly 49 strikes from 101 clashes, leading to former Villa teammate Andreas Weimann hailing him as an “unbelievable” talent.

Openda has been described in equally glowing terms for his goalscoring exploits at Leipzig – having been dubbed as “terrifying” to shut down by football journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor – with the hope history can repeat itself in the here and now as Emery wins his very own Benteke-style figure.

Benteke’s record before joining Villa vs Openda’s
Stat	Benteke	Openda
Games played	133	283
Goals scored	47	105
Assists	25	39
Trophies	1	3
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Amazingly, Openda is already ahead of where Benteke was when he burst onto the scene in England, with the 27-time Belgium international boasting a hefty 105 goals next to his name, lining up in the Bundesliga, Eredivisie, Ligue 1, and even the Jupiler Pro League, where Benteke initially made a name for himself.

It will, of course, come at a greater cost; therefore, with the DC striker only costing the Villans £7m to bring in from Genk 13 years ago. Whereas, the lethal Leipzig 11 will set Emery and Co. back around the £51m price range.

Still, this feels like a worthwhile amount of money to fork out for a striker who fired home a ridiculous 28 goals in all competitions across the 23/24 season.

He could well become even more of a nuisance up top in his new surroundings as the likes of Morgan Rogers could supply him with chances, as Villa attempt to lessen their worries about Watkins exiting by securing a deal for a potent Belgian who might soon follow in Benteke’s esteemed footsteps.

New Watkins: Aston Villa could see bid accepted for "super-fast" £60m star

Aston Villa target RB Leipzig’s star foward as Ollie Watkins replacement

By
Will Miller

Aug 2, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O volante Richard Ríos foi apresentado oficialmente pelo Palmeirasnesta sexta-feira (14), na Academia de Futebol. O colombiano, novo dono da camisa 27, falou sobre o apoio recebido pela torcida palmeirense desde a negociação e também projetou o seu futuro no clube.

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– Desde que eu cheguei, a família palmeirense me acolheu de uma forma muito importante para mim. Receber os comentários, mensagens e ligações é muito gratificante. Eu só entro em campo para fazer o meu trabalho, o meu melhor. Eu sempre quero evoluir, e é isso que vou fazer aqui- disse o volante.

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-Eu venho aqui sem pressão pelo técnico. A pressão vem de você estar nesse clube tão gigante. Eu venho fazer o meu trabalho, dar o meu melhor, que é o que o treinador fala todos os dias para o time. Dê o seu melhor, que o resto vem consequentemente. Então venho aqui dar o meu melhor, o que eu puder fazer para ajudar o clube a ganhar mais títulos.

Richard Ríos foi anunciado no último dia 28 de março, sendo o primeiro reforço do Palmeiras na temporada. O volante, que já disputou dois jogos, também comentou sobre a expectativa de ser o substituto de Danilo, vendido ao Nottingham Forest no início do ano.

– Respeito e admiro a carreira do Danilo, mas eu vim para fazer a minha. Se ele me colocar de camisa oito, vou dar o meu melhor e o meu máximo – afirmou.

>Maratona de jogos pesa, e Palmeiras começa o Brasileirão com suporte da base

O volante colombiano foi destaque nesta temporada do Paulistão pelo Guarani, chamando atenção especialmente pela sua versatilidade. Além disso, marcou dois gols, deu uma assistência e foi um dos líderes do competição em desarmes e passes-chave (que geraram chance clara de gol). Em sua apresentação, Richard Ríos afirmou que pode jogar em qualquer posição no meio-campo.

– Para mim é gratificante trabalhar com um treinador como o Abel. Não sei se você assistiu os jogos do Paulista. Até onde o Guarani chegou, fui um dos jogadores que mais desarme fez. Eu posso jogar em qualquer posição que o treinador me colocar – concluiu.

O jogador de 22 anos tem contrato com o Palmeiras válido até dezembro de 2025 e opção de prorrogação por mais uma temporada. Ríos se junta a Atuesta como o segundo jogador colombiano do elenco do Verdão, e o décimo da história do clube.