Starting in 2027, Major League Soccer will transition from its current calendar-year schedule to a summer-to-spring format, aligning with top international leagues. The move has caused much discussion, but United States national team boss Mauricio Pochettino has thrown his full support behind the move, saying it's a great step forward for the game in America.
MatériaMais Notícias
O Palmeiras praticamente terminou seu ano em outubro, e apesar dos dois títulos no início do ano, fez uma temporada muito decepcionante para as atuais pretensões do clube.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras x Boca Juniors: Conmebol divulga análise do VAR de disputa entre Rony e RojoPalmeiras06/10/2023Fora de CampoVÍDEO: Marcos, ídolo do Palmeiras, lamenta eliminação e reclama de ‘joguinho’ do BocaFora de Campo06/10/2023PalmeirasAnderson Barros revela o que o Palmeiras pensa sobre a contratação de Bruno HenriquePalmeiras06/10/2023
+ Veja tabela da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui
Com um elenco muito enfraquecido desde o início de temporada, Abel só foi perdendo jogadores, a diretoria não trouxe ninguém, e a base não foi usada como deveria.
Quando apontávamos investimentos de outros clubes que deram muito resultado neste segundo semestre, o deboche e prepotência mostravam um ar de quem acha que está certo até quando está errado.
continua após a publicidade
No banco de reservas, Abel Ferreira abraçou uma escalação que pouco deu resultado desde a lesão de Dudu, e a teimosia de não dar mais oportunidades pra garotada ficou nítida na eliminação para o Boca.
A arrogância do treinador nas últimas coletivas também demonstra que ele não sabe perder e que está muito pouco preocupado em criar um ambiente democrático e de diálogo dentro do clube.
continua após a publicidade
O Palmeiras vive hoje trancado dentro do seu CT, afastado do seu povo, e quem toma as decisões não suporta ser questionado, seja quem escala ou quem está no cargo máximo dentro do clube.
Eu já cansei de ficar defendendo o trabalho a todo custo por conta de um passado recente de sucesso. Os oito títulos nos últimos três anos não podem fazer com que personagens fiquem maior que o clube.
+ Cinco motivos que explicam a queda do Palmeiras na Libertadores!
Dificilmente esse time terá forças para brigar pelo Brasileiro e o primeiro passo para construir um 2024 com mais humildade e pé no chão, é admitir que a briga agora é pelo G-4.
Teun Koopmeiners says he can be himself and "feels much better" at Juventus after Luciano Spalletti’s arrival, with the Dutch midfielder taking subtle aim at former coaches Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor for using him out of position. Now operating deeper and with greater freedom, Koopmeiners has rediscovered his confidence and influence as Juve look to regain momentum.
Spalletti unlocks Koopmeiners’ identity at Juventus
The Dutch international has spoken openly about the transformation he has experienced under new Juve coach Spalletti, claiming that he "now can be Koopmeiners," after months of tactical uncertainty. The Dutchman, signed from Atalanta for €51 million in the summer of 2024, struggled to find rhythm, consistency and tactical clarity during a turbulent spell under Motta and later Tudor.
Across his first 57 matches at the club, Koopmeiners was deployed in a range of roles, attacking midfielder, inverted winger, false nine, box-to-box profile, and even as a forward playing with his back to goal. None of these positions suited the deeper, rhythm-setting midfielder he was known to be both at AZ and Atalanta.
For him, everything shifted with Spalletti's recent arrival, as the veteran manager held a direct conversation with him about his preferred positioning and the attributes that allow him to dictate matches. In response, Spalletti redeployed Koopmeiners as a deeper, left-sided centre-back in a back three, a role that grants him time on the ball, space to step forward in possession, and influence in Juventus’ first phase of build-up.
The change has not only stabilised Koopmeiners’ performances but has also altered Juventus’ structure. Juve’s 1-1 Champions League draw against Sporting CP, where Koopmeiners’ incisive vertical pass triggered Dusan Vlahovic’s equaliser, highlighted the immediate benefits of the positional adjustment.
AdvertisementAFPKoopmeiners speaks out on Motta and Tudor misfits
Koopmeiners made little effort to disguise his frustration with how he had been used previously. Speaking after the draw with Sporting, their second under Spalletti, he admitted: “I feel much better in this position, because I'm not a striker who plays with my back to the goal like I did at the start of this season.”
He continued, pointing clearly toward the tactical disputes of recent months: “For example, when I played like [Francisco] Conceicao against Villarreal… well, that's not me.”
The message was unmistakable, the roles assigned under Motta and Tudor pulled him far from the areas where his strengths lie. The Dutchman further explained that he had taken initiative to make changes: “Coach Spalletti knows me because I spoke to him about when I played in Netherlands and in this role.”
Deep-lying playmaker meets defensive backbone
Under Spalletti, Koopmeiners now operates at left centre-back in a back three, where he defends proactively but also initiates Juventus’ progression. He describes it as the ideal blend of responsibility and expression.
"Now I play in a role where I can demonstrate my qualities and help the team," he said. "It's true that in some games I thought: 'This role isn't for me.' I've always played to win, but when you don't play in your position, it's much more difficult. Now, however, I feel much better; this is a role that could truly be Koopmeiners."
The Dutchman acts as both a defensive wall and a launch point, his pass that unlocked Sporting’s back line for Vlahovic’s finish illustrated this perfectly. The shift also reflects Spalletti’s broader dressing-room influence, as Koopmeiners highlighted this positive change: “With Spalletti, there's a different way of coming onto the pitch, a new positive spirit.”
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images SportJuve prepare for Turin derby and Champions League tests
Juventus’ draw with Sporting means their winless run in the Champions League continues, with three draws and one defeat leaving qualification still far from secure. However, the renewed identity under Spalletti offers cautious optimism, especially if Koopmeiners continues to influence play from his new role.
Up next is the Derby della Mole against Torino, a match that historically carries emotional significance regardless of form. Juve remain four points off the top in Serie A and must build domestic momentum to remain part of the Scudetto conversation.
In Europe, they will next face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, where a win is required to revive their progression hopes. If the “real Koopmeiners” has indeed finally arrived, Juventus’ season may yet take an upward turn, and Spalletti’s tactical clarity could be the key to unlocking far more than one revived midfielder.
Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their attempts to sign Marc Guehi as Crystal Palace reportedly plan to sell the defender in January, amid interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. The England international was on the verge of joining the Reds in the summer, only for the Eagles to pull the plug at the last minute as they struggled to sign a replacement in time.
Manchester United pushed the boat out during the summer transfer window and now seem to be planning on their next capture ahead of the market opening for business again in January.
The English transfer window is now closed and Ruben Amorim will need to work with the players at his disposal for the time being, though he is in the process of sanctioning a departure that could be announced imminently.
Fabrizio Romano has reported on X that Andre Onana is set to leave on loan to join Trabzonspor, in a deal that will contain no loan fee or option to buy the player once his agreement comes to an end.
Concern over Onana’s performances at Manchester United have existed for a long time and his exit will be seen as a timely one by many supporters.
High-profile errors and the weight of the number one jersey at Old Trafford have left the Cameroon international seeking a new challenge, especially after Senne Lammens’ £18.2 million arrival from Royal Antwerp.
Speaking about the realities of Onana’s situation, Roy Carroll has given his own account of the difficulties he faced when between the sticks at the Red Devils, claiming that mental toughness is key for Amorim’s chosen stopper moving forward.
He stated: “It’s not easy playing for Manchester United at the moment, but it was hard back then because everyone was expecting the new Peter Schmeichel.
“Even then, if you made a mistake, it was big news. You had to be mentally strong and that is still the case. But we are not robots; we are all human beings. It is not so much what you do on the pitch as what you do off it.”
With a change of the guard within Manchester United’s backline apparent, the next domino could be about to fall once the January window opens.
Onana’s exit will leave Lammens between the sticks, and reports in Spain claim Manchester United could look to trigger Athletic Club defender Dani Vivian’s release clause in January, which stands at the £34.7 million mark.
Deemed similar to Dayot Upamecano by FBRef, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also keen on the Spain international, who has made 152 appearances for Athletic Club, registering seven goals and two assists.
INEOS must sell Man Utd flop who earns 4x more than Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United must move on from this flop who earns way more than Kobbie Mainoo.
2
By
Dan Emery
Sep 8, 2025
Seen as a market opportunity due to his favourable value, Vivian has already won five tackles and made 16 recoveries in La Liga this term, per Fotmob, illustrating his capacity to sniff out dangerous opportunities.
Harry Maguire is into the final year of his Manchester United contract, prompting interest from Saudi Pro League clubs in a money-spinning move for the England international.
With the Red Devils’ veteran at risk of departing, Vivian could be a natural replacement if circumstances align at Old Trafford over the coming months.
Heading into today’s Premier League showdown with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United found themselves winless from their opening three league fixtures.
Thankfully, that early-season curse has now been lifted as Eddie Howe’s Magpies just about got the better of the travelling Old Gold courtesy of a debut strike from £69m buy Nick Woltemade, who was thrust straight into action by the Toon boss.
Woltemade’s game-winning strike fell at the perfect time for the Tyneside hosts after Wolves had threatened with some early first-half efforts. Thankfully, while Vitor Pereira’s away side were wasteful, the home side were more clinical, with the ex-Stuttgart man heading home a teasing Jacob Murphy cross to break the deadlock.
Woltemade wasn’t the only inspired inclusion in Howe’s XI, however, as the 47-year-old reintroduced Joelinton back into the first team fold, who worked excellently alongside the duo of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali during the 1-0 victory.
Guimaraes and Tonali's relationship
Both Guimaraes and Tonali are solid first-team faces at this point, with both players in question starting every possible league game they can so far this season.
The Magpies’ number 39 wasn’t quite at his accurate best centrally with the ball at his feet, as seen in him relinquishing possession a near costly 19 times, but the forceful Newcastle captain did still make his presence known with six ground duels won during the tight win.
While Guimaraes wasn’t quite at his confident best roaming forward, his Italian counterpart was certainly lively in this capacity, with the energetic number eight even hitting the woodwork with one of his three efforts in a bid to make the victory more comprehensive.
With Joelinton also thrown back in the mix after injury, it must be rather easy for Howe to pick his midfield personnel when everyone is fit and firing, knowing he will get consistent greatness out of those at his disposal.
Other partnerships across the pitch will equally make Howe beam from ear to ear, with one duo, in particular, standing out once more against Wolves to now stake a claim at being even more important than the aforementioned duo of Guimaraes and Tonali.
Trippier & Murphy are looking like Howe's "best" pairing
Woltemade will hope, in time, that he can form a partnership that is held in high regard at St James’ Park, with Alexander Isak once bouncing off the likes of Anthony Gordon for fun, before he exited the building for Liverpool.
Newcastle’s right-hand side clearly boasts a healthy working relationship based on the 1-0 win, as both Kieran Trippier and Murphy worked together in harmony throughout to guide Howe’s men to a much-needed three points.
Trippier + Murphy Stats
Stat
Trippier
Murphy
Minutes played
90
89
Goals scored
0
0
Assists
0
1
Touches
96
51
Shots
0
4
Accurate passes
53/68 (78%)
17/26 (65%)
Key passes
5
1
Successful dribbles
0/0
2/3
Total duels won
4/6
3/5
Stats by Sofascore
Between them down the right-hand side, both Trippier and Murphy would amass a whopping six key passes from their combined 147 touches of the ball, with the right winger ultimately picking up the assist that saw Woltemade break his Magpies duck to hand Howe’s men a win.
But, away from their constant creativity, both the hard-working number two and the number 23 also won their fair share of duels to keep Wolves at bay, with a combined duels won count of seven come the full-time whistle.
This split-second ability to create, but also fight for their team’s cause, certainly puts them on the same pedestal as Guimaraes and Tonali, with journalist Craig Hope stating during the match that they make a “big difference” when together on the pitch, as the pair have the “best” understanding as a partnership.
This is high praise, indeed, with Murphy hopeful he can remain a part of Howe’s first team plans, even with Anthony Elanga breathing down his neck as a new £55m recruit.
Trippier, despite being 34 years of age, will also hope he has plenty more first-team minutes heading his direction, as Newcastle tries to build on these three points against Pereira’s visitors, with a Champions League humdinger against Barcelona next on the menu.
Newcastle can get Woltemade hitting Isak levels by unleashing "unsung hero"
Newcastle United take on Wolves at St. James’ Park as they look to get their season up and running.
ByAngus Sinclair Sep 13, 2025
A “fantastic” Liverpool player appears to be edging closer to sealing a move away from the club before the summer transfer window slams shut.
Isak and Guehi getting closer to Liverpool
The Reds’ summer got off to such an exciting start, not least because Florian Wirtz joined in a record-breaking move from Bayer Leverkusen, but there has been a feeling that the Premier League champions need to sign both Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi to make it a truly memorable window.
While there is work to do in that respect, it increasingly looks as though the Premier League pair could both be heading to Anfield, with positive progress made.
Firstly, Newcastle United are signing VfB Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, as well as retaining an interest in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, meaning a second offer for Isak from Liverpool is more likely to be accepted.
Meanwhile, the Reds have reportedly submitted a £40m offer for Guehi, following his appearance for Crystal Palace in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday evening, with the England international considered an ideal centre-back addition.
"Fantastic" Liverpool ace close to leaving
Now, according to various reports, Kostas Tsimikas is now close to sealing a loan move from Liverpool to Roma, with the transfer seemingly in its final stages and “one step away”. This comes after Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness] reported that the Greek was pushing for a move away from Anfield this summer.
This feels like a good outcome for all parties for now, prior to a likely permanent exit next summer, with Tsimikas unlikely to play much for Liverpool this season.
Kostas Tsimikas’ trophy wins at Liverpool
2025
Premier League
2025
FA Cup
2022
EFL Cup
2024
EFL Cup
2022
Community Shield
2022
Milos Kerkez’s arrival has pushed him further down the left-back pecking order, so barring injury woes in that position, opportunities will be limited.
Tsimikas has been a good servant for Liverpool, making himself a hero by scoring the winning penalty in the 2022 FA Cup final shootout victory over Chelsea, and being called “fantastic” by journalist Ian Doyle, but he has never quite felt like a genuinely excellent option.
Liverpool "ready" to complete record-breaking double deal for Isak and England star
Liverpool have to wait for two deals to be completed first.
ByCallum Kemp Aug 28, 2025
That’s not to say he hasn’t performed well at times, keeping the pressure on Andy Robertson, but his time at Anfield should be reaching its natural conclusion.
Vaishnavi Sharma’s 5 for 5, including a hat-trick, against Malaysia was the standout performance of the day
ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jan-2025
India’s Vaishnavi Sharma leads the team off the field after taking a five-for against Malaysia•ICC/Getty Images
India and Sri Lanka achieved their second wins in Group A of the Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup with easy victories over Malaysia and West Indies, respectively, in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.While Sri Lanka’s win was an all-round show in the first game, India’s left-arm spin duo of Vaishnavi Sharma and Aayushi Shukla set up the victory for India with big hauls, Vaishnavi starring with a hat-trick to complete a five-for.India chose to field in the second game of the day, as they had in their first game against West Indies, and it took them just 14.3 overs to dismiss the hosts Malaysia for 31. India conceded 11 extras and no Malaysia batter made more than 5.For India, VJ Joshitha started things off with a wicket in the second over, and Nur Aliya was run out in Joshitha’s next over. Shukla and Vaishnavi got going after that, with Vaishnavi taking 5 for 5 from her four overs, and Shukla 3 for 8 from 3.3 overs.That target was never going to pose a problem for India, and they got home in just 2.5 overs without losing a wicket, Gongadi Trisha hitting 27 in 12 balls and her opening partner Kamalini G scoring 4 off 5.India will finish the group stage with a game against Sri Lanka on Thursday, a fixture that will determine the Group A toppers. It’s also a game that will pit an outstanding bowling side – India, who have shot out their opponents for 44 and 31 in their two games – and a high-scoring batting side – Sri Lanka, who have so far hit 162 for 6 and 166 for 5, the top two scores in the tournament so far.Chamodi Praboda made big inroads in the powerplay•ICC/Getty Images
In the first game of the day, it was a slightly improved performance from West Indies after they were beaten by nine wickets by India in their opener, but it was not enough to challenge Sri Lanka, who ran away 81-run victors.Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka rode on contributions from opener Sanjana Kavindi (39 off 36 balls), captain and No. 3 batter Manudi Nanayakkara (41 off 31) and middle-order bat Dahami Sanethma (31 not out off 25), as well as 36 extras to put up a huge total.The target of 167 might have been too much for West Indies to get to anyway, and left-arm spinner Chamodi Praboda’s spell in the powerplay, where she accounted for Asabi Callender, Naijanni Cumberbatch and Jahzara Claxton, put the result beyond doubt.There were pockets of resistance after the initial setbacks, especially from captain Samara Ramnath, who scored a 23-ball 24 opening the innings, but there wasn’t much of note from the other batters – Claxton, Amrita Ramtahal and Kenika Casaar were the only others to just about make it into double digits.Aseni Thalagune took 2 for 16 to complement Praboda’s 3 for 16, and West Indies, always well behind the asking rate, only got as far as 90.
The 2025 summer transfer window has been one that many Newcastle United fans would likely want to forget.
They’ve had numerous transfer targets join Premier League rivals, including Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, who went to Liverpool and Manchester United, respectively. Furthermore, the club has spent the whole window with the shadow of Alexander Isak’s departure hanging over them.
However, they have also achieved some underrated wins with the likes of Anthony Elanga and Malick Thiaw. Eddie Howe’s side have also been closely linked to Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as a potential replacement for Isak.
Even with these signings, PIF are on the hunt for even more squad depth and are close to completing the signing of a talented Premier League player.
Newcastle agree £40m deal for Ramsey
Fabrizio Romano reported that Newcastle were closing in on a deal for Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, who only wants a move to St James’ Park. The 24-year-old has been with Villa since 2007 and has risen through the academy to become a regular feature in the first team.
Mike McGrath has now added that Newcastle have agreed a £40m fee with Villa, so the Magpies now need to open talks over personal terms, and a medical will be arranged once an agreement has been reached.
However, this is a rapidly developing deal and there’s speculation that the personal terms could be agreed sooner rather than later and the deal concluded swiftly after.
West Ham were also reported to have approached Villa for Ramsey, as per Romano, but were dissuaded when the player made it clear that he “only wants Newcastle”.
Newcastle will be getting a versatile player who is seen as similar to Barcelona winger Raphinha, as per FBref due to his dynamic ability to play in attacking midfield or on the wing.
From a Villa perspective, they were one of the clubs most at risk of a PSR breach, so it’s likely the sale is more out of necessity than not wanting him. As Ramsey is an academy product, he will be listed purely as profit in Villa’s accounts, making him a more valuable player to sell PSR-wise than a player that they had signed.
Ramsey elevates those around him
Ramsey’s last season at Villa had been an upgrade on his quiet 2023/24 campaign, with most of his highlights coming in the Champions League and the FA Cup. With Newcastle back in the Champions League, they’ll be hoping that Ramsey can emulate this cup form in black and white.
While Ramsey’s goal involvements aren’t quite at the level of some of Newcastle’s current midfielders and wingers, he is often instrumental in build-up play, which can allow his teammates to score and assist more often.
The 24-year-old averages 13.5 progressive actions per 90 minutes in the league and features in the top 15% of players for pass accuracy, meaning he not only retains the ball but often does something positive with it.
Howe can forget Isak: PIF in talks to sign "prolific" £26m CF for Newcastle
With Alexander Isak adamant he’ll never player for Newcastle again, the Magpies are in talks to sign a “prolific” striker worth £26m from Ligue 1.
1 ByBen Gray Aug 13, 2025
Additionally, he featured in the top 5% of players for dribble success rate. If PIF can get Ramsey, he will be able to get the ball to the forward line on a regular basis, allowing them to score more goals. While no one player may be able to replace Isak’s numbers, signings like Ramsey will bring up the squad’s numbers as a whole, helping to ease the goal burden.
Aston Villa have a lot of work to do before their Premier League season gets underway next month with a home tie against Newcastle United.
Several summer departures will likely take place, with Emiliano Martinez reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United, while Jacob Ramsey is attracting interest from Nottingham Forest. But, with their PSR concerns now a thing of the past, plenty of new signings could also arrive through the door soon.
In particular, some confidence-boosting attacking additions look to be a priority, particularly if Ollie Watkins ends up joining Martinez as another first-team face to have left the building.
Watkins does look to have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to who he could pick as his next club after Villa, with it being reported that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all keen on adding the England international to their respective sides.
Losing Watkins would be a notable blow, but Villa could begin to repair their depleted attack by adding reported target Alejandro Garnacho to their camp from the aforementioned Red Devils, alongside raiding Enzo Maresca’s men when going after a fresh centre-forward purchase.
An update from journalist Ben Jacobs via X indicates that Villa are in the running to land hot-and-cold Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson this summer, with Villa considering his name as they hunt down some more personnel up top.
It’s revealed that Chelsea won’t be pushing the ex-Villarreal attacker out the door – despite his hit-and-miss finishing ability – but they would consider bids if some are forthcoming, with Jackson reportedly available for around the £60m mark.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It would be an almighty gamble on Villa’s end to splash out some significant bucks on such an inconsistent performer but there are similarities, not just in the way they arrived in the country, but in their play styles too.
Indeed, the Villans took a risk when they landed Jhon Duran for £18m back in January of 2023, only to be immediately vindicated when he became a clinical hero for Unai Emery and Co.
After all, Duran didn’t dive into the English game boasting the most mind-blowing numbers for Chicago Fire, with only eight goals coming his way from 28 appearances in the Windy City.
Yet, he instantly became a favourite in the West Midlands for his high-octane performances in attack, culminating in a huge chunk of his 20 goals for Villa coming last season when he bagged 12 strikes from just 29 outings.
|
Duran’s Aston Villa stats in 2024/25 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Metric |
PL |
UCL |
|
Goals |
7 |
3 |
|
Assists |
0 |
0 |
|
Goal conversion percentage |
23% |
21% |
|
Goal frequency (minutes) |
89 |
79 |
|
Shots per game |
1.6 |
2 |
|
Via Sofascore |
||
Chelsea purchased Jackson for around the £32m mark in the same year the Colombian arrived in England, knowing plenty more could come from the 24-year-old in his new location, with Villa already on the receiving end of Jackson’s lethal bursts when he headed home this effort against them during his debut campaign in West London.
Indeed, Jackson fired home a promising 13 strikes in Spain before embarking on this daunting adventure with the Blues, and whilst there have been plenty of grumbles at Stamford Bridge over his wastefulness, he has shown in spells that he can be a deadly and impactful presence on his day, just as Duran has.
Amazingly, despite squandering a costly 43 big chances across his two top-flight seasons at Chelsea, Jackson does still have more strikes next to his name in the Premier League alone than Duran mustered up across his entire Villa Park stint, with 24 goals in 64 league clashes.
Despite that, there are stylistic similarities between the pair, as the numbers showcase.
|
Jackson vs Duran: 2024/25 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stat (per 90 mins) |
Jackson |
Duran |
|
Shots |
3.08 |
4.27 |
|
Shots on target |
1.38 |
1.93 |
|
Completed passes |
12.3 |
16.2 |
|
Progressive passes |
1.54 |
1.83 |
|
Shot-creating actions |
2.97 |
2.54 |
|
Successful take-ons |
0.73 |
0.42 |
|
Stats via FBRef. |
||
Analysing the data, we get a sense that neither are particularly involved in the play in large spells, registering fewer than 20 passes per game.
Likewise, neither striker particularly grabs the ball and takes a player on, completing fewer than one dribble per 90 minutes. Crucially, they both possess the ability to play on the shoulder of the last man and have a gangly playstyle associated with their height. Duran is 6 foot 1, while Jackson is 6 foot 2.
The 24-year-old Jackson might well welcome a fresh opportunity at Villa, particularly when taking in Emery’s transformative powers that worked wonders on the likes of Marcus Rashford last season. He had experienced an equally challenging time at Manchester United before bouncing back well with the Villans, amassing a blistering four goals and six assists in claret and blue.
Moreover, it’s even clearer from the Spaniard’s track record with Duran that he could be the manager to get even more out of a scapegoated Jackson, with the Senegal international once being labelled as a “special” talent by journalist Rahman Osman.
Of course, this move might well backfire if the 24-year-old’s wasteful displays rear their ugly head once more in the West Midlands. But, much like with Duran, it feels like a shot in the dark worth taking.
Better than Ramsey: Aston Villa register interest in £40m "superstar"
Aston Villa could soon win an attacking superstar who is better than Jacob Ramsey.
By
Kelan Sarson
Jul 17, 2025