Wolves: Tim Spiers provides Guedes update

The Athletic’s Wolves correspondent Tim Spiers has provided an update on the possibility of the West Midlands club luring Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes to Molineux this summer.

What’s the story?

Speaking on the Talking Wolves YouTube channel, Spiers explained: “So he’s one, again, given who he is and his agency, he’s just constantly on Wolves’ radar, obviously because they know it’s a deal that they can do.

“So that link will perpetually be there, really. If a forward option came up this summer, he’d be right at the top of the list for them.”

The winger has one year left on his current deal with the La Liga outfit and is a client of Jorge Mendes, who represents numerous members of Wolves’ squad.

Therefore, the Portuguese agent’s association with Guedes could seriously increase the likelihood of the 25-year-old signing for Wolves this summer.

Wolves must sign Guedes

If Wolves are to strengthen any position this summer, you would argue that it would have to be in attack, with Bruno Lage’s side ending the campaign with one of the Premier League’s lowest scoring records.

Despite finishing 10th, the Old Gold scored just 38 goals in as many top-flight matches, with only the three relegated clubs scoring fewer goals.

Moreover, creativity from the flanks has been limited in the league this term, with Daniel Podence being Wolves’ most potent winger with two goals and three assists.

Guedes would undoubtedly improve Wolves’ front line, with the 29-cap Portugal international scoring 11 goals and setting up a further six in La Liga this season as Valencia finished ninth in the Spanish top flight.

This campaign has been a major improvement in front of goal for the winger, who scored just five goals in La Liga last season alongside six assists.

Guedes’ strong pedigree is clear to see, making him an excellent prospective signing for Wolves.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old can be accommodated straight into the team, with Francisco Trincao set to return to Barcelona after an unsuccessful loan spell, whilst Adama Traore could still leave despite Barcelona not taking up the option of making his loan deal permanent.

Wolves supporters will want to see intent from the board this summer, particularly after such a poor end to the campaign. With the prospective signing of Guedes, fans would certainly be appeased.

AND in other news: Wolves now closing in on “special” £23.4m-rated signing, it could be bye-bye Neves

Liverpool eye swoop for Cody Gakpo

Liverpool could make a swoop for Dutch winger Cody Gakpo after he has recently been talking about his future.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the 22-year-old is ready to assess his future this summer as he looks increasingly likely to leave PSV Eindhoven for pastures new.

Gakpo told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf that “anything can happen this summer”, putting Liverpool on standby alongside other suitors.

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Arsenal and Manchester United have also been linked with the winger, and the Reds could face a battle for his signature.

Imagine him and Salah

Liverpool have had a remarkable season, and it could get even better. They are in the Champions League final and could snatch the Premier League title away from Manchester City on the last day of the season.

Jurgen Klopp is seemingly keen on adding to his squad and planning for the future despite that success. His diligent transfer business over the last couple of years, such as bringing in Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, has rejuvenated the title-winning team from 2019/20.

Gakpo, who could be available for just £42m this summer, would be an excellent addition to the squad. Journalist Valentijn Driessen described the winger as “constantly threatening” after he scored the winner in the KNVB Cup final against Ajax last month.

With 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions this season, it’s hard to think that he wouldn’t add something to the Liverpool side. Although Diaz also plays in Gakpo’s preferred left-wing position, the Dutchman can operate on the right or even as a centre-forward if necessary.

This versatility will only please Klopp further and added competition isn’t a bad thing, especially when the German wants the team to challenge for every competition they enter.

Liverpool fans will surely be excited to think of a wide comprising of serial goalscorer Mohamed Salah and Gakpo, and it may just become a reality this summer.

AND in other news, Klopp eyeing £150m “wonderkid” who “suits Liverpool’s style”, it may be bye-bye Salah

Leeds United handed Raphinha injury boost

Leeds United are back in action on Sunday with a crucial Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at Elland Road.

With the Whites currently in the relegation zone, they will need to make sure that they do all they can to pick up all three points this time around and hope that Burnley and Everton do the opposite in their games.

Their previous outing turned out to be yet another disappointing one for Jesse Marsch and his side, who lost 3-0 to Chelsea in midweek.

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One concern which arose during this defeat was that Raphinha looked to have picked up an injury problem, which eventually led to him being taken off in the 78th minute.

Looking ahead to this clash against Graham Potter’s side, it seems as though an update has emerged which will have lots of Whites supporters buzzing.

What’s the news?

Leeds journalist Phil Hay shared a post on Twitter relaying news from Marsch in his recent press conference regarding the fitness and availability of Raphinha.

According to the Leeds manager, the winger will be fit enough to play against the Seagulls this weekend.

Taking into account how the Brazilian is currently the Whites’ top scorer in the league this season with 10 goals and three assists to his name in 33 appearances, this will come as a huge boost to everyone of an Elland Road persuasion ahead of the Brighton clash.

To further highlight how important the 25-year-old has been for the Whites in the current campaign, he has the highest number of shots (78) and shots on target (19) at the club. He also has the highest number of shot-creating and goal-creating actions to his name out of anyone at Leeds.

The 25-year-old’s overall performances in 2021/22 have earned him a season rating of 6.94/10, making him the joint-highest rated outfield player at the club according to WhoScored.

With all that in mind, it’s undeniable that having him available to take on Brighton will have Whites fans elated and give the home side a much bigger chance of securing a victory than if they didn’t have him.

Marsch and everyone else connected with Leeds will undoubtedly be hoping that Raphinha can push his side to a much-needed victory against the south coast club as they make the long trip to Elland Road.

In other news: Insider drops huge Leeds transfer claim involving “big names”, supporters will love it

Crystal Palace: Eagles join the race to sign Pepe

Crystal Palace are just one of several clubs to have joined the race to sign FC Porto winger Pepe during the upcoming transfer window, according to a Portuguese source.

The Lowdown: Pepe’s caught the eye

The 25-year-old first joined the Dragons on a five-year deal from Gremio last summer and has become more of a main feature in Sergio Conceicao’s starting XI since the departure of Luis Diaz back in January.

On the back of committing his future to the club long-term, his current contract with Porto isn’t set to expire until 2026, but nonetheless, his form has been good enough to attract suitors from England’s top flight.

He has already been linked with a move away from the Portuguese giants to Arsenal, but the Gunners aren’t the only ones taking a look…

The Latest: Palace in contention

In a new report published by Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Patrick Vieira has already made contact and ‘collected information’ about Pepe, with the Selhurst Park outfit believed to be one of the serious contenders in the battle for his signature.

The source further states that Palace are set to face ‘tough’ competition for their man though, with Premier League rivals Arsenal also closely monitoring the forward.

It’s believed that the player is protected by a release clause of €70m (£59.8m), but Porto would be willing to allow him to leave for €60m (£51.3m), despite the English clubs named only valuing him at €50m (£42.7m).

The Verdict: Perfect competition

Pepe has enjoyed a decent run of form during his first full season at Estadio do Dragao, scoring six goals and registering five assists across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Palace do already have strong options with Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise currently occupying both flanks, but the Brazilian is an exciting young talent and could improve the quality and competition for places in the first team.

With Vieira possibly looking for a suitable attacking upgrade on Jordan Ayew – who could be set to depart the Eagles in the coming months – Pepe could be the ideal candidate to make the switch to the top-flight and help the English giants aim for a top-half finish next season.

In other news… Palace are already believed to have held contract talks with one of their star players.

West Ham: Journalist says Irons could target Egan

West Ham United could target Sheffield United stalwart John Egan if defender Craig Dawson leaves the east London club, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: West Ham enjoy busy summer…

The Hammers seriously backed manager David Moyes this summer with eight major signings, displaying their real intent to remain among the Premier League’s elite clubs.

West Ham have enjoyed a brilliant couple of seasons under the 59-year-old, having qualified for Europe in both of their last two full campaigns, prompting GSBK to supply the Scotsman with fresh faces as a result.

Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer, Emerson Palmieri and club-record acquisition Lucas Paqueta were all permanent signings in the summer, but reports suggest the east Londoners are already weighing their next moves.

The Latest: West Ham eyeing Egan?

Speaking to This is Futbol, O’Rourke now believes that West Ham could target Blades ‘leader’ Egan – in the words of The Athletic’s Kate Burlaga – if Dawson elects to depart the London Stadium.

He explained:

“Yeah, Egan’s a good player, he obviously has Premier League experience as well from Sheffield United’s time in the top flight.

“He’s a Republic of Ireland international, obviously doing quite well with Sheffield United right now who are top of the Championship table as well.

“So, if West Ham do end up losing Craig Dawson, I’m sure Egan is somebody who’s on the list of targets that David Moyes is looking at.”

The Verdict: Like-for-like?

The 29-year-old has been a fixture in Paul Heckingbottom’s high-flying side so far this term, with Egan playing more league minutes than any other Sheffield United player (WhoScored).

In that time, Egan has averaged a superior amount of clearances and blocks per 90 compared to all of his team-mates, so it is clear why the centre-back would appeal to West Ham and Moyes.

While this potential move could revolve around Dawson’s possible exit, we believe that Egan could certainly be a like-for-like heir to the east London favourite.

Sunderland: Chris Rigg eyed by Newcastle

An update has emerged on Sunderland youngster Chris Rigg and interest in his services ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Black Cats’ arch-rivals Newcastle United are eyeing up a swoop to snap the young prospect up from Wearside.

The report claims that the club are ‘desperate’ to keep hold of the 15-year-old talent but may struggle to do so as teams circle around him, with Everton also said to be keen.

It is stated that the Magpies are plotting a £2.5m raid on the Stadium of Light, although it is unclear if that will be enough to tempt Kristjaan Speakman into selling or not.

Tony Mowbray would be gutted

The Sunderland head coach would be gutted by the sale of a highly-rated talent with the potential to make the breakthrough into the first-team.

It would be a disaster for the Black Cats if sporting director Speakman opts to sell the youngster to Newcastle for £2.5m, for more reasons than one.

Firstly, the message that it would send to supporters would be a damaging one. It would signal to the fanbase that they are not in a place where they can manage to keep hold of their brightest prospects and that their noisy neighbours are more appealing as a club, which may not go down well on Wearside.

Along with that, Sunderland may well be losing a player with the quality to make an impact in the first-team in the future. At the age of 16, he has already made his way to the under-21 squad and captained England at youth level.

Journalist, and supporter of the club, Josh Bunting hailed the gem last month, tweeting:

“15 years of age and Chris Rigg is really impressing for Sunderland at 21’s level this afternoon. Making things happen, lovely and comfortable on the ball and confident at driving at the opposition. He is a key player to keep, can’t lose players like him at this stage.”

This, along with interest from Premier League clubs, suggests that he is a future star for the Black Cats and that is why losing him would be a huge blow for Mowbray and the club.

The Sunderland boss will surely want to keep talented players on Wearside and that is why the prospect of losing Rigg should leave him gutted, as the 15-year-old is a player with the scope to develop into a key player given the hype he has attracted at such a young age.

Therefore, selling him to their bitter rivals would be a disaster for Speakman and one that the sporting director must avoid in the coming months.

Marc Roca: Leeds eye own Jorginho

Leeds United are closing in on their third signing of the summer…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the Yorkshire giants are in talks to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca, who is free to leave the Bundesliga champions, in a £10m deal.

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It’s thought that Leeds director of football Victor Orta believes the Spaniard would be an ideal fit for the Premier League and that manager Jesse Marsch is also keen to sign him.

Premier League rivals West Ham United are also credited with interest but David Moyes is looking elsewhere.

The Whites have already signed RB Salzburg duo Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen, so Roca could be their third major move ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Similar to Jorginho

After bolstering attacking midfield and the right flank, it would make sense to add another piece to the engine room, and one that is more defensively minded.

Roca fits the bill as the perfect signing for Marsch, his system and the gaps currently left in his squad.

The 25-year-old has struggled for game-time at Bayern, largely due to a string of injuries and the sheer competition, with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, whenever he has been given an opportunity or is fit, he has impressed, as claimed by BBC Sport’s Raj Choban, who said:

“Marc Roca to Leeds. I like it a lot. He impressed me in the run of games he got in December/January when Kimmich & Goretzka were injured,” he said. “Good defensive positioning & passing range. He’s the best Kalvin Philips replacement as a 6 that they could get. Or even to play with Phillips.”

Indeed, that reinforces the view of journalist Joe Donnohue, who described Roca as a “smooth operator” who can “steady the tempo & pick valuable forward passes”.

Fear not, Leeds fans – the former Espanyol powerhouse could be the perfect double-pivot partner to Kalvin Phillips, rather than his replacement.

That’s because Adam Forshaw has struggled to keep fit, Mateusz Klich has struggled for form, and both Pascal Struijk and Robin Koch are centre-backs by trade.

As per FBRef, Roca has plenty of similar characteristics to Chelsea midfielder Jorginho (and even Spurs’ Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg).

The £45k-per-week brute ranks inside the top 7% of his positional peers across Europe for pressures (24.85 per 90), top 8% for passes attempted (70.63 per 90) and top 13% for progressive passes (5.67 per 90).

That makes him appear to be the perfect link between defence and attack and in Marsch’s pressing system, he could fit like a glove, especially with the power of Phillips next to him.

In the 6-foot Roca, Leeds could sign their very own Jorginho and given his successes in England, it could prove to be a bargain £10m spent.

AND in other news, Orta must now ruthlessly axe Leeds’ £30m “worst signing”, he’s been “hellaciously bad”…

Nancy's dream 1st signing: Celtic want Kenny upgrade with "hint of Haaland"

Celtic appear to be inching ever closer to finally appointing their long-term successor to Brendan Rodgers, who resigned last month after a loss to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

Martin O’Neill has been in interim charge for the Hoops since Rodgers left the club, and oversaw three wins in four matches before the international break, including a 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock last time out.

The experienced boss may not manage another game for the Scottish giants, though, as Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy appears to be on his way to Parkhead.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reports that the French manager has been given permission to speak with the club this weekend to discuss a move to Glasgow.

If Nancy does take over at Parkhead, he will be looking to build on the success that Rodgers, as shown in the graphic above, achieved during his second stint at the club.

The Columbus Crew tactician should also look to build on some of the good work that O’Neill has done in his interim spell, as the experienced boss has got the best out of Johnny Kenny.

How Johnny Kenny could fit in Wilfried Nancy's set-up

The Ireland international has scored four goals in four matches under O’Neill in recent weeks, having only scored two goals in his first 17 appearances for the club in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

This shows that the former Shamrock Rovers star has stepped his game up since Kelechi Iheanacho suffered a hamstring injury last month, as he has shown that he can be relied on to score goals for the Hoops.

Kenny has been playing as the sole number nine in a 4-2-3-1 system for O’Neill, after playing a similar role in a 4-3-3 set-up for Rodgers, but Nancy’s preferred formation, per Transfermarkt, is a 3-4-2-1.

Diego Rossi, who is a similar profile of player to Kenny in terms of his build and attributes, has typically been deployed as one of two second strikers operating behind a focal point centre-forward in that 3-4-2-1 shape, although he has also played as part of a front two in a 3-5-2 or a 4-4-2.

Diego Rossi under Wilfried Nancy

2024

2025

Appearances

48

37

Shots

112

123

xG

13.14

15.54

Goals

21

19

xA

5.60

6.46

Big chances created

14

11

Assists

7

5

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Rossi has thrived in that role under Nancy in the last two seasons, racking up 40 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

Kenny, therefore, could look to thrive as one of the two players behind a starting number nine, as he perhaps lacks the physicality to play as the focal point on his own in that system.

With this in mind, the Hoops could land an upgrade on him as an out-and-out centre-forward by signing a Premier League player who is a reported target.

Celtic eyeing move for Premier League striker

According to 67HailHail, Celtic are monitoring Brighton & Hove Albion centre-forward Evan Ferguson ahead of a potential swoop for his services in the January transfer window.

The report claims that he was linked with a move to Parkhead in the summer transfer window before the Ireland international, understandably, opted to sign for Serie A side Roma on loan.

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It adds that his loan spell with the Italian giants could be cut short, though, in January because of his struggle for form, with no goals in ten matches so far.

Celtic are keeping tabs on his situation with a view to chasing a deal to sign him on loan for the second half of the 2025/26 campaign to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

Despite his struggles with Roma this season, which is why he may become available in January, Ferguson could arrive as a dream first signing for Nancy at Parkhead.

Why Evan Ferguson would be a dream first signing for Wilfried Nancy

The Ireland international would come in as a dream first signing because he could be the focal point that the French head coach needs to play his 3-4-2-1 formation with the Hoops.

Celtic, since they sold Adam Idah in the summer, do not have a physical and imposing centre-forward who can act as a focal point, as Kelechi Iheanacho and Johnny Kenny are both more suited to playing with another striker or as a second striker behind a number nine.

Ferguson, standing at 6 foot 2, can provide that natural number nine presence to lead the line as the centre-forward in a 3-4-2-1, acting as an upgrade on Kenny as the main number nine.

In fact, former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker once likened him to Manchester City’s monstrous forward Erling Haaland. He said: “I do see a hint of Haaland about him, his stature, his movement, his youth and stuff like that.”

He has a physically imposing presence that could make him a handful for Premiership defenders to deal with, whilst his career so far also suggests that he could offer more quality than Kenny as an out-and-out number nine.

Stats

Evan Ferguson

Johnny Kenny

Age

21

22

Height

6 ft 2

5 ft 8

Senior Ireland caps

26

0

Senior Ireland goals

8

0

Top 5 European leagues + SPFL games

75

15

Top 5 European leagues + SPFL goals

13

5

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Ferguson has 26 more caps and eight more goals than Kenny, who is older than him, for Ireland, whilst he has also scored eight more top-level goals.

The Brighton loanee has struggled in the Serie A this season, undoubtedly, but he managed six Premier League goals each season as a teenager in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, per Sofascore, which is no mean feat.

The 21-year-old marksman, whose finishing was hailed as “phenomenal” by James Milner, has shown incredible promise in the Premier League and at international level for Ireland, whilst Kenny has never played at a level above the Premiership and is yet to be capped by Ireland, although he is in the current squad.

This suggests that Ferguson would be an upgrade on his international teammate as an out-and-out centre-forward, potentially taking his place or forcing Nancy to unleash him in the Diego Rossi role behind Ferguson.

"I will step aside" – O'Neill says no talks with Celtic board over permanent role

He’s had his say.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 14, 2025

Overall, the Brighton striker would be a dream first signing for the French boss, should he take over at Parkhead, because of the role that he could play in the team, and the quality that he could bring to the pitch.

فيديو | ياسر الزابيري يسجل هدف المغرب الأول أمام الأرجنتين في نهائي كأس العالم للشباب

تمكن منتخب المغرب تحت 20 عامًا من تسجيل الهدف الأول أمام الأرجنتين في المباراة الجارية بينهما الآن ضمن منافسات كأس العالم للشباب.

ويلتقي منتخب المغرب، مع نظيره الأرجنتين في نهائي بطولة كأس العالم للشباب تحت 20 عامًا المقامة في تشيلي.

طالع.. هيثم فاروق: المغرب يصنع التاريخ.. ومواجهة الأرجنتين قد تكون الأهم في تاريخ هذا الجيل

وجاء الهدف عن طريق ياسر الزابيري، في الدقيقة 12 من عمر المباراة بعد الحصول على ركلة حرة من على حدود منطقة الجزاء.

وطالب منتخب المغرب، الحصول على ركلة جزاء بعد عرقلة من الحارس لكن الحكم قرر احتساب ركلة حرة بعد مطالبة مدرب أسود أطلس.

وتأهل المغرب إلى نهائي بطولة كأس العالم للشباب، بعد الفوز على فرنسا بركلات الترجيح في دور نصف النهائي.

فيما تأهل منتخب الأرجنتين إلى النهائي بعد الفوز على كولومبيا بهدف دون رد في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات نصف النهائي. هدف المغرب الأول أمام الأرجنتين في نهائي كأس العالم للشباب

Worth more than Isak: Aston Villa have hit the jackpot on "unstoppable" gem

Aston Villa have not had the best of starts to the 2025/26 campaign, having picked up just one point from their opening three Premier League fixtures, yet to break their duck.

There was an acceptance from Unai Emery and the powers that be that the summer transfer window would weigh heavily on the club after missing out on Champions League football following a contentious final-day defeat at Manchester United.

However, a late flurry of activity indicates progress and promise. Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliot completed deadline-day loan moves; Victor Lindelof joined on a free transfer after his deal with Man United expired.

The late moves salvaged Villa’s frustrating summer, especially since Monchi and Damian Vidagany have retained the services of the most talented first-teamers.

Aston Villa have kept their best players

In August, Aston Villa sold Jacob Ramsey to Premier League rivals Newcastle United for a £43m fee. A poignant one, for sure. However, the sale of the homegrown talent has turned pure profit for the club, and perhaps played a role in securing a series of late-window additions.

Loan deals for Marcus Rashford, Axel Disasi and Marco Asensio came and passed, but the likes of Ollie Watkins and John McGinn remain at Villa Park after offers from divisional competition were resisted.

Watkins might not be coming off the back of his best season, but he still notched 17 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, while McGinn’s leadership, energy and presence within the dressing room are factors not easily replaced.

While the opening weeks of the campaign have felt somewhat stale, the mixture of fresh quality and abiding experience emphasises the club’s capacity to challenge in the Europa League and push for a high finish in the Premier League.

These players will play important roles this season, but none more so than Morgan Rogers, who was exceptional last season and might be viewed as the talisman of Emery’s project.

How Morgan Rogers' market value compares

Last month, Rogers was named the PFA Young Player of the Year for the 2024/25 Premier League season. The honour bears testament to his extraordinary strides in such a short time, only joining Villa from Middlesbrough in the Championship in January 2024.

The 23-year-old earned opportunities across the second half of the 2023/24 season in the Premier League, but it is last year that he truly came into his own, scoring 14 goals and supplying 16 assists across all competitions, including a haul of 19 goal contributions in the league alone.

He scored a hat-trick against Celtic in the Champions League and bagged a consolation goal as Villa were knocked out against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, with pundit Jamie Carragher hailing him as an “unstoppable” force.

The Lions might have started the campaign without much of a roar, but you can bet your bottom dollar that Rogers will be among the driving forces when Emery does create a winning formula for the months ahead.

Athletic and enterprising, no matter the tactical role handed to him, Rogers typically plays in a forward-thrust central midfield berth or out on the left flank, where his pace and power allow him to take on defenders and split lines.

Rogers – Career Stats by Position

Position

Apps

Goals (assists)

Left winger

93

24 (10)

Attacking midfield

48

14 (10)

Right winger

43

9 (17)

Centre-forward

23

7 (4)

Data via Transfermarkt

Young he may be, but Rogers has already led a storied career, developing his talents in the EFL after first looking for success within Manchester City’s packed youth academy.

The exciting part is there’s still so much for the England international to give, so much potential as yet untapped.

Senior figures at Villa feel Rogers has the potential to become one of the very best in the Premier League, defining the coming years for Emery’s side and perhaps fetching a transfer fee to rival that of Liverpool’s Alexander Isak, who joined the champions from Newcastle United for a British record £125m fee on deadline day.

Isak's Premier League record before joining Liverpool.

One of the most dangerous strikers in the world, Isak’s name has come to be feared in English football, and he has made incremental progress across his three terms on Tyneside. Rogers, too, has shown the signs of bit-by-bit development, and could find himself stretching into even loftier conversations with another knockout year under Emery’s wing.

Indeed, as per CIES Football Observatory, Rogers has been valued at £99m, whereas Isak actually comes in at a smaller price: £89m.

Of course, this doesn’t paint an accurate picture in actuality, since Isak has just moved to Merseyside for a record-breaking fee. Still, it underscores the Three Lions star’s potential to develop into a star of a similar stature, having made such impressive progress across just one full season in the top flight.

Isak, 25, wasn’t refined when leaving Real Sociedad and arriving at St. James’ Park in 2022, but his years under Eddie Howe’s tutelage have shaped him into a superstar. So the parallels can be found with Rogers at Aston Villa.

Whether Aston Villa succeed in nurturing Rogers toward a world-class level remains to be seen, but there’s no question that he has the skills and passion to achieve just that.

Already considered by leading data and analytical site in CIES Football Observatory to have a projected value above that of Liverpool’s new striker (though take that with a pinch of salt, given Isak’s actual price), Rogers is the Midlands outfit’s biggest star, and many feel the best is still to come.

Aston Villa sold "one of the best young players", now he's emulating Sancho

Amid the signing of Jadon Sancho, Aston Villa may wish they still had another star at the club

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 3, 2025

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