Milos Kerkez has been branded a “muppet” and told he has “mashed potato for brains” following a calamitous outing for Liverpool at Burnley. The energetic left-back, who joined the Reds from Bournemouth in the summer transfer window of 2025, was hooked after just 38 minutes at Turf Moor as he found himself walking an unnecessary disciplinary tightrope.

Long-term replacement for Robertson

Kerkez was acquired by the reigning Premier League champions as a supposed upgrade on veteran Scottish full-back Andy Robertson. The 21-year-old has gone straight into Arne Slot’s favoured starting XI.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDisasterclass! What Kerkez did at Burnley

He did, however, do his claims to regular selection few favours during a forgettable performance at Burnley. Kerkez was booked inside 22 minutes of that contest for simulation – with a dive being taken inside the penalty area.

Why Slot had to take Kerkez off at Turf Moor

With the threat of one mistimed challenge seeing him sent for an early bath, Slot decided to take no risks and sent Robertson on in place of Kerkez. Those watching on from afar were left less than impressed by the Hungarian defender’s antics.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyHow fans reacted to Kerkez's performance

@BenwyneJones posted on social media: “Unfortunately Kerkez has mashed potato for brains.” 

@Ful_ler added: “Kerkez can have no complaints, diving like some muppet.” 

@Errol0151 chimed in with: “Kerkez been ragged off against Burnley. Lad it's not looking good.” 

@UsiBenno said: “1 thing about Slot, he is ruthless. Good decision hooking Kerkez, who was having a stinker and 1 tackle away from getting sent off.” 

On a similar note, @JayP2160 added: “Look I like Kerkez but the man is too aggressive at times. He needs to find that level of control to it.”

Leeds United submitted a near club-record bid to sign a “revelation”, and the 49ers quickly received a response, according to a report.

Leeds stepping up striker pursuit

The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises are still yet to bring in a proven Premier League striker ahead of the new campaign, and given that failing to do so could have a major impact on their survival chances next season, they have now stepped up their pursuit.

Talks have recently been held over a deal for former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has 89 career goals to his name, and the Whites now appear to be closing in on the centre-forward, subject to a medical, as revealed by David Ornstein on X.

However, Calvert-Lewin was not the top target for Daniel Farke’s side, with journalist Ben Jacobs stating Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz was at the top of their shortlist.

The ex-Everton man was regarded as a back-up option for Rodrigo Muniz, and a recent update on Leeds’ pursuit of the Fulham striker suggests they made a proposal prior to sealing an agreement for Calvert-Lewin, following on from an intial £32m bid back in June.

According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Whites submitted a new offer of around €40m (£34.5m) for Muniz, which was subsequently knocked back.

Leeds’ record signing is Georginio Rutter, who cost £35.5m, and they were prepared to spend a similar amount on the Fulham centre-forward, but it now appears as though he could be on his way to Atalanta.

Leeds at risk of missing out on Muniz

Taking to X, Fabrizio Romano has since revealed that Atalanta are making progress in their pursuit of the Brazilian, who is keen on joining the Serie A side.

“Atalanta are confident to get Rodrigo Muniz deal done with Fulham as talks are advancing. Muniz, keen on move to Serie A with negotiations underway.”

Leeds officials sent as major club want rid of their Ballon d'Or nominee striker

The Whites could step up their move for his services…

2 BySean Markus Clifford Aug 11, 2025

As such, Leeds now look set to miss out on a deal, which is likely to be disappointing, as there are plenty of signs the Fulham star could’ve been a better signing than Calvert-Lewin.

Not only is the former Flamengo man much younger than the Englishman at 24-years-old, but he has also outscored him over the past two Premier League campaigns, scoring a combined 17 goals, while Calvert-Lewin has just ten to his name.

Once described as a “revelation” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Muniz has the ability to fire Leeds to safety, so it is a gamble to have pursued the ex-Everton man instead, given his patchy injury record.

Tottenham have stepped up their pursuit of a number 10 after James Maddison’s serious knee injury, with the club confirming some very bad news on Thursday.

The England international is now set to undergo surgery on a ruptured ACL, which is expected to keep him out for the majority of 2025/2026 – dealing a major blow to Thomas Frank ahead of his first full season in charge.

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

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Frank watched on from the sidelines as his Spurs side were thrashed 4-0 by Bayern Munich on Thursday, and while it’s important not to read too much into pre-season, the Lilywhites looked bereft of ideas in Bavaria.

Upgrade your next EPL matchday at Seat Unique

Secure your matchday experience with Seat Unique.

Buy Premium Now Expand Collapse

The trouncing occurred almost immediately after Tottenham confirmed the dreadful news about Maddison, and supporters are very keen to see chairman Daniel Levy swiftly enter the market for a new playmaker.

The 28-year-old joins Dejan Kulusevski, who was also sidelined with a serious knee injury earlier this year, on the sidelines – with Tottenham now minus two key creators.

Club legend Son Heung-min drew the curtain on his 10-year stay in north London with an MLS record-breaking £20 million move to Los Angeles FC earlier this week too, following an emotional goodbye in Seoul – further emphasising the need for Levy to bring in another attacker.

According to recent reports, Spurs are wasting no time in trying to find a man who can help to fill the voids left by Maddison, Kulusevski and Son.

Sky Italia reporter, Gianluca Di Marzio, claims that Tottenham have already had a £35 million bid rejected for Como starlet Nico Paz, while it is also believed that Spurs made contact over signing top Everton target Jack Grealish in the last few days (Fabrizio Romano).

Liverpool attacker Harvey Elliott, who’s attracting serious interest from the Bundesliga after his stellar Euro Under-21 campaign with England, has been mooted as a potential target as well.

Harvey Elliott keen to join Tottenham after direct talks with Thomas Frank

Despite RB Leipzig’s advancing pursuit of the 22-year-old (Florian Plettenberg), Football Transfers have shared that Spurs are not completely out of the race just yet.

According to their information, Elliott has held direct talks with Frank about joining Tottenham, and he’s keen – seeing a move to London as the ‘ideal opportunity’ to compete for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions squad ahead of the World Cup next year.

Frank apparently views the Anfield sensation as “central” to his attacking plans, and the Dane has already informed Elliott of his ideas to use the attacker as Tottenham’s new number 10 in Maddison’s absence.

The former Fulham starlet could leave Merseyside for around £40 million, but Liverpool are insistent that a buy-back clause must be included in any proposed deal.

It is claimed that Levy is “willing to meet all of Liverpool’s demands” when it comes to terms, meaning negotiations are poised to take a positive turn.

Elliott’s sky-high potential, and the fact he can help to fill Tottenham’s ‘locally trained’ Champions League quota, make him a standout attacking candidate at pretty good value.

The player stands to earn far more minutes down south than he does under Arne Slot next season, so this deal could be a serious win-win for everyone involved, as Liverpool also need to balance the books after a serious summer of spending.

Sylhet Divison, Dhaka Metropolis and Chattogram Divison picked up big wins. Here is the summary from week five of NCL 2024

Mohammad Isam18-Nov-2024Sylhet Division continued to lead the National Cricket League points table after beating Dhaka Metropolis by an innings and 139 runs. The game lasted barely three days as Sylhet posted only their fourth win by an innings in first-class cricket, and their third win this season.Dhaka Metro were bowled out for 130 runs in the first innings, with Nasum Ahmed, fresh off the ODI series against Afghanistan, taking four wickets. Fast bowlers Rejaur Rahman Raja and Khaled Ahmed took three wickets each.Amite Hasan’s century then helped Sylhet to a big lead, as they made 376 runs. Amite batted for four-and-a-half hours, on his way to 101 with 13 fours. Sylhet then shot out Dhaka for 107 runs in 33.4 overs, with Khaled taking five wickets. Raja picked up three wickets.Related

Imrul Kayes announces red-ball retirement

'Wasn't in my destiny' – Bangladesh's nearly man Farhad Hossain ends first-class career

Prolific run-getter Amite Hasan close to Bangladesh Test call-up

Dhaka Division picked up their first win of the season, beating Khulna Division by nine wickets at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. The match will also be remembered in domestic circuit for being Imrul Kayes’ farewell red-ball match after he announced his retirement from Tests and first-class cricket.Khulna however couldn’t give Imrul the perfect send-off as they were bowled out for 172 on the first day. Fast bowler Sumon Khan picked up six wickets while left-arm quick Salauddin Sakil took two wickets.Dhaka fell 12 runs behind Khulna, getting bowled out for 160. Medium pacers Al-Amin Hossain and Masum Khan along with left-arm spinner Aridul Islam Akash took three wickets each.Sumon Khan returned figures of 6 for 50 in the first innings•BCBKhulna then got bowled out for 91 runs, their lowest NCL total against Dhaka. Fast bowler Anamul Haque took four wickets while Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby took three and Sumon two. Rony Talukdar and Ariful Islam then knocked off the required 104 runs in 17.2 overs, as Khulna finished the game on the third afternoon.Chattogram Division won their second successive match, beating Rajshahi Division by nine wickets. Fahad Hossian and Ahmed Sharif starred with the ball as the once first-class giants Rajshahi continued their long-term downward spiral.Batting first, Rajshahi were bowled out for 112 runs. Fahad took five wickets while Ashraful Hasan and Ifran Hossain took two each.Chattogram made 252 in reply, with Shamim Hossain top-scoring with an unbeaten 84. He struck four sixes and two fours in his 128-ball knock. Legspinner Wasi Siddiquee and medium pacer Sabbir Hossain took three wickets each.Sabbir struck a half-century thereafter to help Rajshahi get to a better score, but they were still bowled out for 220. Sharif took five wickets while offspinner Nayeem Hasan took three. Sadikur Rahman and Sajjadul Haque were at the crease when Chattogram reached 83 runs, to complete the win on the third day.Barishal Division remained the only winless team in this year’s NCL after they drew with Rangpur Division in Rajshahi. Batting first, Barishal were bowled out for 336 runs with fifties from Iftakhar Hossain, Salman Hossain and Tasamul Haque.Rangpur replied with 322 runs, with Abdullah Al Mamun top-scoring with 65. Ruyel Miah and Moin Khan took three wickets each.Barishal then made 358 runs in 101.1 overs, again with three fifties in their innings. Iftakhar and Salman repeated with fifties, as well as opener Abdul Mazid, who made 52. Mukidul Islam took three wickets.Rangpur batted out the ten overs remaining in game, reaching 24 for no loss.

Xabi Alonso revealed Jude Bellingham is stepping up his recovery and could return for Real Madrid before October, with El Clasico the key target.

• Alonso says Bellingham is back in training
• Spaniard optimistic about his return before October
• Clasico on October 26 seen as key comeback target

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Alonso has offered a positive update on Bellingham’s recovery from shoulder surgery. The midfielder has been sidelined since going under the knife to fix a recurring dislocation that first struck against Rayo Vallecano in November 2023. He had continued to play with heavy strapping for both Madrid and England before the issue worsened, forcing him out of action at the start of the 2025-26 campaign. 

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 22-year-old has already missed three La Liga fixtures this season and will miss Los Blancos' opening Champions League games. The club are desperate to avoid rushing him back, but Alonso confirmed that Bellingham is already in partial, non-contact training. With El Clasico against Barcelona looming on October 26, the priority is to have him fit and firing for the biggest fixture on the Spanish calendar. 

• WHAT XABI ALONSO SAID

  In his press conference before the Real Sociedadclash in La Liga, Alonso gave an encouraging update on the midfielder’s progress: "I want to be a little optimistic and hope he's ready before October. He's doing partial, non-contact training, but Jude is making a great effort in his recovery. Let's see if he can take steps forward next week, and when we feel good, we'll be waiting for him."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MADRID AND BELLINGHAM?

  The Englishman will miss Madrid’s upcoming clash against Real Sociedad this weekend, but his rehabilitation continues to progress positively. The target remains for him to be available in time for the El Clasico showdown with Barcelona, though Madrid will prioritise his long-term fitness over rushing him back.

Dimitar Berbatov was a completely unique player during his time at Manchester United, with no player able to emulate such a skillset over the last few years.

He often looked completely uninterested, but would often come alive in and around the 18-yard box, as seen by his tally of 56 goals in his 149 appearances for the Red Devils.

The Bulgarian also had a sensational first touch and close control, as seen by his superb Elastico Spin against West Ham United back in October 2008.

Given the lack of goalscoring threat currently within Ruben Amorim’s side, as seen by their tally of 44 Premier League goals last season, the supporters must wish they had a player of the 44-year-old’s calibre.

However, the board are clearly trying to resolve such an issue this summer, leading to various top-level talents being linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have both already completed their big-money moves to join United, costing the hierarchy a staggering £130m to complete both deals.

The likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Dušan Vlahović have also been touted with moves to join Amorim’s side, but it appears they have been sounded out by the hierarchy.

However, the main player currently in their sights for the current window is Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins, that’s according to talkSPORT’s latest update.

They claim that Amorim desperately wants a move for the 29-year-old this window, making him his top target for the centre-forward position at the Theatre of Dreams.

Their article also states that Unai Emery’s side are reluctant to lose their main forward, subsequently slapping a £60m price tag to fend off any interest from the Red Devils.

Why United’s latest target would be the next Berbatov

Despite the interest in Watkins’ signature, RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has also been a player United have been making moves to sign this summer.

The Red Devils hierarchy have already held talks with the Bundesliga outfit over a potential move for the 22-year-old, with a real conflict over who the club should target between the boss and the board.

However, given his tally of 21 goals throughout 2024/25, he would cost a pretty penny, leading to his current employers demanding £78m to part ways with the Slovenian international.

Despite the move for Sesko, it’s clear Amorim prefers a move for Watkins, arguably a better choice, given the Englishman’s similarities to former fan-favourite Berbatov.

In the Premier League last season, the Villa forward produced numerous stats and moments that would see him replicate the Bulgarian if he moved to United.

Watkins, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by journalist John Townley, registered 16 league goals last year, with his effort against Everton highlighting his poacher instinct – something which Berbatov also possessed at Old Trafford.

His comparison to the former professional is further reflected in his ability to produce beautiful touches, having the talent to lay off other teammates around him.

The 29-year-old’s underlying stats are just as impressive, registering 1.4 shots on target per 90, at an accuracy rate of 44% last season – having the ability to change the side’s fortunes in attacking areas.

Ollie Watkins’ stats for Aston Villa in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	38
Goals & assists	24
Goals per shot on target	0.4
Progressive passes	1.1
Pass accuracy	72%
Progressive carries	1.9
Carries into final third	1.3
Aerials won	1.9
Fouls won	1.2
Stats via FBref

He also notched 1.9 progressive carries and 1.1 progressive passes per 90, subsequently able to further showcase his similarities to previous players who have worn the red shirt.

Whilst the debate remains about which striker the club should go for, there’s no denying that Watkins would offer an immediate option in the club’s quest for glory next season.

If he can have as much success in Manchester as Berbatov did, it would be an excellent pickup and one that could finally end the side’s hunt for a new talisman.

Bad news for Onana: Man Utd make contact for "incredible" star after Sesko

Manchester United are making huge moves in the transfer market this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 31, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur kicked off the Thomas Frank era in the Premier League with a terrific 3-0 win over Burnley in front of their own supporters on Saturday.

It was an almost-perfect start to the manager’s tenure in North London, thanks to two goals from Richarlison and a neat finish from Brennan Johnson.

The former Brentford boss will be particularly pleased with the impact that new signing Mohammed Kudus made out wide, as the winger set up two of the three goals with brilliant play on the wing.

It was Richarlison who produced the standout moment in the match, however, as the Brazil international wonderfully found the back of the net with an overhead kick finish to put himself in contention for goal of the season on matchday one.

Despite the 3-0 win, Frank will know that there is plenty more work to be done to improve the team, particularly when it comes to creativity in the middle of the park.

James Maddison (seven) was the only central midfielder in the squad who managed more than two assists in the Premier League last season, which speaks to the lack of creativity in that area of the pitch.

Upgrade your next EPL matchday at Seat Unique

Secure your premium matchday experience through Seat Unique. Options include premium tickets to fine dining experiences or unmatched player meet and greets.

Buy Premium NowBuy Premium Now Why Spurs need more creativity in their team

The Lilywhites need to bring in a new star who can provide a creative spark from a central midfield position to take the team to the next level offensively, particularly in the big games against the best teams.

In the 2024/25 campaign, Ange Postecoglou’s central midfield options simply did not create enough from midfield. Maddison, as aforementioned, was the only player who could be relied upon to create chances, and he played in attacking positions as well as in the middle of the park.

James Maddison

5.91

7

Rodrigo Bentancur

1.00

0

Lucas Bergvall

0.82

1

Pape Matar Sarr

0.79

2

Yves Bissouma

0.63

0

Archie Gray

0.20

0

As you can see in the table above, the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, and Yves Bissouma offered very little when it came to creating quality opportunities for their teammates in the Premier League.

This is why the Europa League champions should be in the market to find their next Christian Eriksen before the end of the transfer window, as the Danish magician was a creative wizard during his time at the club.

The Denmark international delivered 88 assists in 305 appearances in all competitions for Spurs, per Transfermarkt, and hit double figures for assists in five seasons.

Eriksen often played as a central or attacking midfielder for Tottenham and consistently provided quality at the top end of the pitch with his inventive passing to create chances for his teammates on a regular basis.

Spurs now need to find their next version of the former Manchester United maestro, and the club are reportedly moving closer to signing a similar type of midfield talent.

Spurs closing in on Premier League midfielder

According to Miguel Delaney, Tottenham Hotspur are close to agreeing a deal to sign Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze to bolster their squad.

The reporter claims that the Lilywhites are looking at a fee of around £55m, plus further add-ons, to convince the Eagles to part ways with the midfield star, but there is no agreement in place yet.

Transfer Focus

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

It had been claimed by The Telegraph that the England international was set to be absent from the Palace squad for their clash with Chelsea on Sunday, but the playmaker showcased his professionalism by blocking out the noise to play for his current club.

Journalist Jack Rosser noted that talks are ‘advancing’ with Spurs over a deal to sign Eze, backing up Delaney’s claim of a move being close, but added that the midfielder wanted to play for the Eagles rather than watch on from the sidelines against the Blues.

It is now down to Tottenham to clear the final hurdle to finalise an agreement with Oliver Glasner’s side to bring the 27-year-old over to North London before the end of the window.

Why Spurs need Eberechi Eze

Eze was once described as a “magician” in midfield by pundit Micah Richards. A magician in midfield is now exactly what Spurs need to bolster their team, which is why they need to seal a deal for the Palace star.

The England international is a versatile star, who can play in central midfield, attacking midfield, or as a winger, and is a proven performer in the Premier League who could come in to hit the ground running for Frank.

Eze has hit double figures for goals in each of the last three seasons in all competitions for Palace, per Sofascore, including 14 in the 2024/25 campaign, which shows that he can make a significant impact as a goalscorer.

It is his creativity, though, that could make him Frank’s own version of Eriksen, after a haul of 12 assists and 17 ‘big chances’ created for the FA Cup winners last season.

xAG

0.22

Top 31%

Assists

0.28

Top 21%

Through balls

0.38

Top 25%

Key passes

2.02

Top 18%

Shot-creating actions

4.69

Top 11%

Successful take-ons

2.33

Top 10%

As you can see in the table above, Eze ranked highly among his positional peers in the Premier League when it came to creating chances for his teammates.

These statistics, along with his ‘big chances’ created and assist tally, show that the 27-year-old star is the kind of creative midfielder that Spurs are currently lacking, particularly with Maddison out for a significant period of time with an ACL injury.

He has proven that he can create chances at an impressive rate from the middle of the park in the Premier League, whilst also carrying a big threat as a goalscorer, which suggests that the quality is there for him to be Frank’s own version of Eriksen.

At the age of 27, Eze is also in the prime years of his career and Tottenham could be signing him at the perfect time, as he has found consistency in his play in the final third, as shown by his terrific output last term.

Readers like you help support FootballFanCast. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

Worth more than Kudus & Eze: Spurs have struck gold on "incredible" talent

Tottenham Hotspur already have a player who’s value has soared in North London in recent times.

3 ByEthan Lamb Aug 17, 2025

Aston Villa’s rise under Unai Emery has been defined by sharp recruitment, shrewd coaching, and an ability to identify players who are ready to step into the limelight away from the shadows of Europe’s biggest clubs.

In Morgan Rogers, Villa found exactly that: a player once on the books at Manchester City, who needed a platform to showcase his ability.

Just 18 months on from swapping the Etihad for Villa Park, Rogers has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s brightest attacking midfielders, demonstrating the value of spotting untapped potential.

That model has become central to Villa’s approach in a summer where financial pressures have forced them to balance ambition with pragmatism.

The club has already lost academy graduate Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United in a bid to meet Profit and Sustainability Regulations.

Aston Villa enter the race for Barcelona talent

As long as Emery’s side seek to compete at the highest level, their transfer strategy must be both precise and opportunistic.

It is within this context that Villa are eyeing their next move.

Transfer Focus

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

The profile of the target is clear: highly talented, underused at an elite club, and brimming with the potential to grow into a genuine superstar once given a consistent role.

In other words, another Rogers-style signing.

Reports via Sport Witness revealed that Aston Villa have joined Wolves and Marseille in the battle to sign Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, a player described by “spectacular” Sergio Busquets.

The 21-year-old is valued at €30m (£25m), with Barça facing a difficult dilemma over his future, and the player has already received an offer from Villa to leave Camp Nou behind.

Casado is a La Masia graduate and a Catalonia native, factors that make the political optics of a sale complicated.

The club knows moving him on could cause friction among supporters, yet their long-standing financial problems remain unresolved.

The midfielder currently earns €10,000 a week, and Wolves are reportedly prepared to quadruple that to tempt him into a Premier League move.

Why Casado could be the next Rogers

Villa’s interest comes at a time when Emery’s squad has stumbled slightly at the start of the campaign, collecting just one point from their opening two fixtures.

With a Europa League campaign to navigate and squad depth already tested, adding quality in midfield is a priority.

Casado, who featured 23 times in La Liga last season and played ten Champions League matches, fits the bill as both a ready contributor and a long-term investment.

Wolves have been proactive in making contact, particularly as they look to rebound from a difficult start under Vítor Pereira, losing their first two league games after selling key players Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri.

Yet Villa possess a crucial advantage: the opportunity to offer a proven pathway of development.

Rogers’ success after leaving City is proof of what can be achieved at Villa Park.

Casado’s qualities suggest he could thrive in the same way Rogers has at Villa.

A deep-lying playmaker with the versatility to cover at right-back or centre-back, he brings both defensive solidity and creative incision.

His underlying numbers are striking.

According to FBref, he ranks in the 91st percentile compared to positionally similar players in Europe for assists per 90 (0.20), the 94th percentile for touches (86.03) and passes into the final third (7.49), while completing 90.1% of his passes – evidence of his reliability in possession.

Defensively, he averages over three tackles per game, highlighting his work rate and adaptability.

What makes Casado particularly intriguing is how his career echoes Rogers’ trajectory. Like the English midfielder at City, Casado is blocked by world-class competition at Barcelona.

Both players require a club prepared to give them consistent minutes in a competitive environment without the suffocating expectation that comes with being part of an elite, star-studded squad.

Rogers grasped that opportunity with both hands, making 54 appearances last season across competitions, scoring 12 goals and assisting 14, while playing a key role in Villa’s Champions League run.

His initial £8m transfer fee now looks like one of the bargains of the decade, and his market value has since risen to £50m.

Casado, at £25m, represents a bigger outlay, but one that could prove similarly shrewd if his development mirrors that of Rogers.

There is also the question of timing.

Casado recently left his agent and will be represented by Jorge Mendes from October, a move designed to secure his long-term future.

While he has publicly insisted it is not a step motivated by salary, Mendes’ involvement inevitably increases the likelihood of a move abroad, given his extensive Premier League connections.

For Villa, the chance to repeat the Rogers model is obvious. Casado is young, versatile, technically gifted, and already tested in both La Liga and the Champions League.

He might not yet be a guaranteed starter for Barcelona, but under Emery, he could become an essential cog in a side that thrives on midfield dynamism and tactical flexibility.

If Casado makes the move, his ceiling is immense.

Busquets’ endorsement underlines his pedigree, while his statistical profile suggests a player capable of dictating play at the highest level.

Like Rogers, the conditions are right for him to flourish away from the glare of his current surroundings.

For Aston Villa, it is about recognising that the next superstar might not be the finished article, but a rough diamond ready to shine.

He's like Duran & Benteke: Aston Villa make £65m star their top target

Aston Villa are eyeing up a new striker who is a mix of Jhon Durán and Christian Benteke.

ByWill Miller Aug 23, 2025

Manchester United players have reportedly become worried over the changing atmosphere in the dressing room following the club’s difficult start to the season. The Red Devils currently sit 14th in the Premier League table after suffering two defeats from their opening four league games, while Ruben Amorim’s men also suffered an embarrassing 12-11 penalty shootout defeat against League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.

• Mood sours in United ranks after derby-day defeat

  According to a new report in the Manchester Evening News, the mood has soured in the United ranks following the club’s 3-0 derby-day defeat against rivals Manchester City last Sunday. A strike from Phil Foden and a brace from Erling Haaland consigned Amorim’s side to a damaging defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  United players were optimistic ahead of 2025-26 campaign

  The report also states that spirits were high in the United camp following a positive pre-season tour of the United States. However the squad are reportedly concerned by how quickly the energy has sagged since then, with United having lost to Arsenal on the opening weekend of the 2025-26 campaign before drawing 1-1 with Fulham on August 24. United secured their only victory of the season so far in the 3-2 win over Burnley on August 30.

• Amorim laughs off speculation over future after Ratcliffe talks

  United’s minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe held talks with manager Amorim on Thursday amid the club’s struggles on the pitch. However the Portuguese played down the severity of the meeting, joking that he was offered a new contract during the discussions.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  United's next match: Red Devils play host to Maresca's Chelsea

  Amorim is hoping to lead United to a much-needed victory when they entertain Chelsea on Saturday afternoon. Enzo Maresca's Blues head to Old Trafford having made an unbeaten start to the 2025-26 Premier League season, recording two wins and two draws from their opening four games.

Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions of rising up the Premier League in 2025/26 have now fallen into the hands of Thomas Frank, after the Dane was selected as Ange Postecoglou’s replacement.

The 51-year-old has already made the perfect start to the new league campaign, winning their first outing against Burnley, needing to build on such a result in their hunt for success.

However, if the new manager is to be a success in North London, he will need investment from the hierarchy to secure key depth and quality in key areas of the pitch.

£85m has already been spent by owner Daniel Levy, but with less than two weeks left in the window, added reinforcements are still desperately needed in various areas of the pitch.

The number ten position and another deep-lying option are also being considered by the club ahead of the transfer window slamming shut on September 1st.

Spurs making move for another midfield star

In recent days, Eberechi Eze looked to have edged ever closer to completing his own move to join Spurs, with the player himself stating his desire to join Frank’s side this summer.

That has been followed by the bombshell news that rivals Arsenal have now hijacked the transfer, with the Englishman instead said to be leaning toward joining the Gunners instead, as per David Ornstein on X.

Thankfully, he’s not the only midfielder currently in the hierarchy’s sights – resulting in Barcelona star Marc Casado emerging as another option for the club, according to Spanish outlet Sport via Sport Witness.

They claim that the Lilywhites have made an approach for the 21-year-old Spaniard, but are waiting for approval from the LaLiga side before pushing through with a deal.

The report also states that Chelsea have previously shown interest in his services, but the Lilywhites remain present in a deal, leading to a €30m (£25m) price tag currently being mooted.

Why Casado is as talented as Eze

It’s undeniable that the potential deal for Eze generated huge excitement among the fanbase in recent days – with the hope of offering Frank’s side needed quality and versatility needed within the final.

The fact that the England international can operate behind the striker, or even off the left-hand side, would have solved two of the current problems within the current first-team squad.

His tally of 16 combined goals and assists in his 34 outings, the joint-most of any Spurs player in 2024/25, would hand any suitors added creativity and goal threat – something which Frank has been hunting for all window long.

However, there’s only so much the 27-year-old would be able to achieve on his own in any case, and in Casado, they could find a player who is undoubtedly just as talented, especially if the youngster can replicate the numbers he produced from his most recent season in Spain’s top-flight.

His tally of six assists in his 36 outings showcases his ability to provide chances for players around him – just as Eze has done in a Palace jersey – but his underlying metrics are just as impressive, posting numbers that are way beyond his youthful years.

Casado, who’s been dubbed “spectacular” by former Barça star and one of the best midfielders ever, Sergio Busquets, ranked in the 94th percentile for passes into the final third (7.7) – showcasing his ability to get the ball into attacking areas.

Casado’s LaLiga stats (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

23

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

89%

Progressive passes

5.9

Passes into final third

7.7

Take-on success

44%

Tackles won

1.4

Interceptions made

1.3

Blocks made

1.2

Stats via FBref

Further talents on the ball are also reflected in his 44% take-on success rate and 89% pass completion – figures that would benefit the midfield colleagues ahead of him.

However, in his deep-lying position, the youngster will also be required to regain possession for the Lilywhites, something which shouldn’t be an issue if he can replicate his tally of 1.8 tackles per 90.

The combination of all the aforementioned stats could arguably make Casado the perfect ball-winner and playmaker at the heart of Frank’s side – adding a new dimension to the club in the process.

If he can put both skills together with the Lilywhites, he will have all the tools to be a huge success, with the £25m transfer fee potentially a bargain.

The prospect of the Spaniard linking up with Eze would have been one for the fanbase to get excited about, although the signing of the Barca starlet on his own would be enough cause for fanfare.

Related Frank's answer to Gibbs-White: Spurs make enquiry for "phenomenal" talent

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making a move to land a star who could thrive under Thomas Frank.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Aug 20, 2025