Good morning guys, I hope you enjoy my latest daily briefing, my exclusive transfer news in one roundup, straight to your inbox five mornings a week!
It’s official: Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery has left Villarreal to become the new manager of Aston Villa, replacing Steven Gerrard. Villa paid Emery’s €6 million release clause and agreed to a salary of €7 million a year.
I think it’s an excellent move for Aston Villa. Emery is a great coach and appointing him in October was very difficult… The long-term project and future investments convinced Unai.
This is a different kind of job compared to Arsenal and I am sure he will have more time, less pressure and great support. Of course it was not easy for him at Arsenal, but I am intrigued to see him again in the Premier League – he has shown time and time again what he can achieve with the right club and the right project.
Ousmane Dembele is making a huge impact at Barcelona after deciding to stay at the club this summer. Xavi changed the situation in a few months: “I wanted him to stay and sign a new contract because he can play at this level”.
His current contract expires in June 2024, so he will soon be a key issue for Barcelona again.
Bayern manager Hasan Salihamidzic on the January transfers: “No, we’ve done a lot this summer. We will not be active in the transfer market in winter.”
I’ve seen some reports of Liverpool and Manchester United looking at it. Of course, the best clubs are following him, but it is important to say that there is still nothing serious or concrete, for now. He is still developing as a player but let’s see where he is in a few years, the future looks bright for him.
Pep Guardiola on Jude Bellingham: “It’s not just quality… he has a special mentality. He is already one of the captains, at 19 years old he is quite impressive. It’s not just about the lenses, the whole package is great. He already plays for England at the age of 19. We know the quality he has.”
Official: Alexis Mac Allister has signed a new long-term deal with Brighton. Her new deal runs through 2025 and includes an option for an additional year.
Chelsea held talks about signing Edson Alvarez at the end of the summer, so could they re-sign him in the near future?
He has always been on Chelsea’s list, but Ajax will try to keep him at least until the end of the season. There are no ongoing negotiations now, and Chelsea will not make any decision on the new midfielder in October; he will take a little time. It’s not easy, for sure.
It seems possible that N’Golo Kante may not sign a new contract, making him a free agent in the summer. If so, Chelsea will need a replacement, but there is no decision yet on who he will be.
More stories / Last News
Fulham have seen a verbal opening proposal for Brazilian talent Pablo Maia rejected by Sao Paulo. Negotiations will continue for a player highly valued by Fulham and other European clubs.
