Tag Futebol

England have announced that the two suspected cases of Covid-19 within their touring party were false positives, following independent ratification of the tests.The ECB revealed on Sunday that a full round of tests had returned “unconfirmed positive” results for two members of the touring group, understood to be a player and a member of support staff.Neither displayed any symptoms, raising the possibility that they had received false positives, and after further analysis of the results in both Cape Town and London, Professor Nick Peirce, the ECB’s chief medical officer, issued a statement to say that neither individual was Covid-positive.ALSO READ: England blame ‘unacceptable’ nets after claims of Covid protocols breach“Following the independent ratification of the two unconfirmed positive Covid-19 tests from the England camp in South Africa, the England and Wales Cricket Board can confirm that, following further testing and analysis, in the opinion of the independent virologists based in Cape Town and London, the two individuals are not infected, and do not pose any risk of passing on the infection to the rest of the party,” the statement said.”As such, the advice is they are now free to join the rest of the group and are no longer self-isolating.”Ashley Giles, the ECB director of men’s cricket, and medical staff would have been among those to stay behind in South Africa until December 15 if the individuals had been confirmed as positive. Instead, they will be free to fly home on Thursday on the team’s chartered flight.Sam Billings, Lewis Gregory, Liam Livingstone and Jason Roy will all travel to Australia to begin a 14-day quarantine period ahead of the Big Bash League, while it is understood that Jake Ball may join them after being sounded out as a possible replacement for Tom Curran at the Sydney Sixers.The Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town, where England and South Africa’s squads have been staying•Getty Images

Meanwhile, the South African player who tested positive before the ODI series – understood to be Heinrich Klaasen, who also missed the third T20I – has returned home to Johannesburg after returning a negative test on Monday.Confirmation that the players were not infected with Covid-19 came less than 24 hours after the tour’s abandonment, with the chief executives of both CSA and ECB citing player welfare in the decision to postpone the three-match ODI series indefinitely.Giles told British newspapers in Cape Town last night that the call had been taken in recognition of the fact that the squad felt distracted and had been unsettled by news of the initial positive results.”These guys have been living in bubbles for long periods of time and their mental health and wellbeing is the absolute priority for us,” he said. “I think we felt ultimately focusing on a game of cricket, and trying to squeeze two games into two days when this had been going on in the background, was going to be particularly difficult and we were better off calling it and looking to re-arrange these fixtures at a better time.”Giles had also confirmed the England camp’s doubts about the efficacy of CSA’s Covid protocols, though news that nobody in the touring party was infected with the virus will be reassuring for the home board ahead of scheduled series against Sri Lanka, Australia and Pakistan later this season.”I think the thing that really raised the levels of anxiety and nervousness were that we were coming into a biosecure environment and from very early on it appeared that it wasn’t biosecure,” Giles said. “I think the South African [team] doctor has said he could understand our nervousness because of that.”In future, perhaps we can never guarantee a place is biosecure. Maybe we have to adapt but that is the environment we expected when we came here.”

Hampshire left-arm seamer hopes to be an example to other gambling addicts

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Dec-2020Chris Wood, the Hampshire left-arm seamer, hopes that other gambling addicts will use his example to reach out for support, after being handed a two-month suspended ban following an investigation by the ECB’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) into his betting activities.Wood, who was this week handed a one-year extension to his white-ball contract at the Ageas Bowl, admitted back in April that he had been suffering from an 11-year gambling addiction, and was praised at the time by the PCA for being the first active cricketer to speak out about such a problem.Nevertheless, in the course of his addiction, Wood was found to be in breach of the ECB’s Anti-Corruption Code, and pleaded guilty to charges relating to a total of nine bets placed on cricket matches in 2011 (two bets) and 2016 (seven bets).However, by admitting responsibility for his actions and fully cooperating with the investigation, Wood enabled the ECB to take several mitigating factors into account in reaching an agreed sanction, which was then ratified by the Cricket Discipline Commission, chaired by Tim O’Gorman.”At the time of the offences Wood was suffering from a gambling disorder,” said an ECB statement. “He has since sought help and has spoken publicly about the issues he has faced and is providing advice and assistance to others experiencing problems with or addiction to gambling, both inside and outside of sport.””I want to apologise for the mistakes I made in 2011 and 2016, it is something I deeply regret,” Wood said in a joint statement with the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA). “While I played no part in any of the games that I placed bets on, I totally understand the rules that I am not permitted to bet on cricket, under any circumstance.”The code of conduct is very clear and the education provided from the PCA and ECB does a great job in protecting the integrity of the game.”My gambling addiction had complete control over my life to the extent I would do something I never thought I would in placing a bet on a game of cricket. I had no regard to the consequences of my actions. I want to add I had no direct involvement in any game or did I try and influence the outcome of any match.”Ian Thomas, the PCA Director of Development and Welfare, added: “The integrity of professional cricket is vital for everyone within the game and today’s outcome shows how seriously this is taken. Any breach of the anti-corruption code needs to be investigated with appropriate sanctions for perpetrators and the PCA has been involved in the process.”The PCA has been continually working with Chris on his gambling addiction and while Chris and the PCA are extremely disappointed in these indiscretions, we hope this can provide a reminder that professional cricketers are forbidden to bet on any aspect of cricket, for any amount of money.”The PCA and ECB take anti-corruption very seriously and every single player has to complete mandatory training in this area before they are registered to play professional cricket in England and Wales.”We do not want today’s news to stop players coming forward and reaching out for support. All PCA members receive no judgment from any issue they face and like Chris, will receive individual guidance to heal them. The charge relates to historical bets when Chris’ gambling disease was at its height and we are thankful for the ECB understanding the mitigating factors in his individual situation.”Wood’s two-month period of ineligibility is suspended for two years, and will be triggered should he be found to have relapsed in that timeframe. However, he insists that he has learned from his mistakes, and will be helping others to do the same.”Over the past two years through the support of the PCA, Professional Cricketers’ Trust and Sporting Chance I have turned my life around and I have not gambled for over two years,” he said. “I revealed this disease I am battling earlier this year with the aim to help others, not just in cricket but in any sport or walk of life and I hope my journey can help others reach out for support.”I recently started working with EPIC Risk Management which is the next stage of my recovery to provide a real life example to young people on the dangers of gambling and I hope this is something that will make a difference so people do not face the same challenges I have done earlier in my life.”

Joshua Zirkzee has been told he's "too slow for the Premier League" by Paolo Di Canio, who has tipped Manchester United to loan out the Dutchman.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Di Canio suggests Zirkzee could leave UnitedAdvised Juventus to sign the Dutchman on loanAttacker deemed 'too slow for the Premier League'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Di Canio took a dig at Manchester United's transfer policies in the last couple of years as he urged Juventus to sign Zirkzee on loan from the Premier League club. The Dutch forward has so far failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford, having moved to United from Bologna in a £36 million ($47m) summer deal.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ex-Italy star Di Canio, who spent seven years in the English top-flight – plying his trade at three different clubs, Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham and Charlton Athletic – claimed that Zirkzee is "too slow" for the league and believes he should come back to Serie A – where he had an impressive outing in the 2023/24 campaign and played an important role in Bologna qualifying for the Champions League.

WHAT PAOLO DI CANIO SAID

Speaking to , the 56-year-old said: "I would loan Zirkzee from Manchester United. They’ve been making crazy choices for several years and none of them are working, not even Zirkzee who’s a bit too slow for the Premier League. Perhaps he’ll prove me wrong with goals and great performances, but in England, they attack you straight away and whistle 30% fewer fouls.

"In Italy, we saw his impact on Bologna. In the end, amidst the confusion at United, they could even loan him out. They already have [Rasmus] Hojlund, and then there’s Rashford who can play as a striker. He’d be the perfect profile for Juventus, also because it would allow Motta to have a striker with different characteristics to [Dusan] Vlahovic. Zirkzee isn’t a devastating scorer, he’s not someone who can score 25 goals, but he helps others play well."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR JOSHUA ZIRKZEE?

The forward will be back in action for the Red Devils on Saturday as Erik ten Hag's men take on Brentford in an important Premier League fixture at Old Trafford.

Nottingham Forest have reportedly made their move for a "fantastic" player who will feature at Euro 2024 this summer, according to an update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

After narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League to the Championship in 2023/24, amid points deduction struggles, Reds supporters will hope that more positive times are on the horizon under Nuno Espirito Santo. In order for that to happen, some high-quality additions are needed in the summer transfer window, and various players have been linked with moves to the City ground.

Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis is one such target for Forest, with the 24-year-old possibly considered an upgrade on Ibrahim Sangare in the middle of the park. He made 30 appearances for the Portuguese giants in the Primeira Liga in 2023/24, averaging 2.6 tackles per game and showing why he could be a tenacious presence at the base of Nuno's midfield.

A new goalkeeper could also be looked at ahead of next season, with Matt Turner not always convincing between the sticks, and Bayern Munich stopper Daniel Peretz has emerged as an eye-catching loan option. A host of clubs are keen on snapping him up, with Manuel Neuer's continued brilliance at the German giants making it almost impossible for him to make an impact.

Meanwhile, Luis isn't the only Benfica player who is reportedly being looked at by Forest, with highly-rated centre-back Morato seen as a potential addition, being viewed as the club's new version of Murillo, who has impressed to date.

Nottingham Forest make offer to striker

According to Romano on X, Nottingham Forest have sent a proposal to Southampton striker Che Adams and appear to be leading the race ahead of Wolves, with the Reds confident they'll get a deal over the line this summer:

The 27-year-old played his part in Saints getting back into the top flight last month, too, scoring 16 goals in the Championship, while former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has said of him in the past: "He is a guy who is one day a little bit frustrated when he sees he doesn’t play but then when the game comes, he shows up immediately and this is fantastic. That’s why we brought him here."

The fact that Adams hasn't always been a regular starter for Southampton could mean he wants a new challenge, and he is out of contract this month, meaning Forest would be able to snap him up on a free transfer.

Related Forest could finally replace Samba by signing "top-quality" Sels upgrade

The club desperately need reinforcements in the goalkeeping department.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jun 4, 2024

The £30,000-a-week forward is fully expected to make Scotland's final squad for Euro 2024 and could well start the tournament's opening game against Germany on June 14th, especially after fellow striker Lyndon Dykes was ruled out through injury. That shows the calibre of player that Adams is, and he could add firepower and pedigree to Nuno's squad.

Chelsea could offer winger Raheem Sterling in a swap deal to sign one club's star forward as Todd Boehly's transfer plans begin to take effect.

Boehly set to back Chelsea again as he praises "beautiful" football

The Blues chairman made a rare public appearance this week, amid what has been a turbulent season in west London.

Pochettino wants Chelsea to replace Thiago Silva with £115,000-a-week star

The Argentine has transfer plans if he remains beyond this season.

ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2024

Chelsea are set to go trophyless yet again, despite spending over £400 million on new recruits last summer, and pressure has shrouded Mauricio Pochettino's debut season in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

However, excluding a dismal 5-0 loss to Arsenal recently, Chelsea have actually picked up form in the last two months – managing to battle themselves into contention for a Conference League-qualifying place after being mid-table for much of 2023/2024.

Chelsea 5-0 West Ham

Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham

Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea

Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea

Chelsea 6-0 Everton

While this isn't exactly the stuff of dreams, especially following Boehly's lavish spending, there is at least some positivity to cling on to from the club's perspective. Chelsea are ready to invest in their squad again this summer, despite concerns surrounding PSR, and Boehly has now praised their "beautiful football" lately.

“We’ve seen the last two and a half games, at least in the second half at Aston Villa (2-2 draw) and Tottenham (2-0 win) and West Ham (5-0 win) where we played just beautiful football," said Boehly on Chelsea's recent form.

“It was so fluid, it was exactly the way we drew it up, when we came out of the back, built up and moved up the pitch, (it was) very organised and the number of shots we had on board. In those two and a half games, you could really start to see what we were working on coming together.

“Even the commentary has changed over the last two and a half games. I’ve never seen anything change so quickly.”

The high-ranking Chelsea chief, assisted by his recruitment team, are already plotting ways to strengthen further this summer as well. Indeed, it is believed they hold an interest in Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, among other attacking targets.

The winger has been a star under both Roy Hodgson and Oliver Glasner when fit and available at Selhurst Park, and journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed this week that Chelsea may look to rid themselves of players in their pursuit of Olise.

Chelsea could offer Sterling in swap deal for Olise

Taking to X, the reporter states that Chelsea could offer Sterling in swap deal talks to sign Olise, as they wish to move on the former Man City star and reshape Pochettino's squad this summer – as well as a host of other players.

The £100,000-per-week Palace star has racked up nine goals and four assists in 17 league outings this season, but the Eagles could demand as much as £60 million for their key forward.

Hodgson has called Olise an "enormous talent" in recent years, and the 22-year-old's form indicates that this valuation is more than fair.

Whilst there may have been some initial concerns over Rasmus Hojlund's ability to lead Manchester United's attack, he is now undoubtedly the main man in his role, creating the need for the Red Devils to find an adequate backup.

Man Utd transfer news

The Dane has been one of few bright sparks at Old Trafford this season and represents a player who is only just getting started. Erik ten Hag is certainly a fan of his talent and was even full of praise for his forward in a recent interview with Sky Sports, although he admitted that those at Old Trafford initially looked elsewhere for attacking options.

At 21 years old, however, Hojlund can't carry the responsibility on his own. United must look to secure a player who can step in and fill the boots of the Dane when the time comes to hand him a rest. And that's where Vitor Roque could come in.

Man Utd could sign "one of the best midfielders" around to partner Mainoo

He has played under Ten Hag before

ByJoe Nuttall May 3, 2024

According to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United have made contact with Roque's agent over a potential loan deal from Barcelona this summer. The Brazilian, still just 19 years old, is yet to break into Xavi's side on a consistent basis and reports suggest that the teenager could be loaned out to gain more minutes next season.

It's a sign of Roque's talent that a club of United's calibre are seemingly interested in landing a deal this summer even if he hasn't broken into Barcelona's starting side as of yet. It's also a positive sign when it comes to Manchester United's recruitment under Sir Jim Ratcliffe that they've turned their attention towards a future star rather than big marquee deals.

"Magnificent" Roque can compete with Hojlund

Competition is healthy in any squad, but ultimately, it's something that United lack. A lack of competition can breed mediocrity and Old Trafford has seen just that this season, creating the need for vital reinforcements this summer. Handing Hojlund a player of Roque's potential to go up against for a starting place should only result in further improvement, which could make all the difference for Ten Hag.

Roque isn't a player who will want to just sit back and settle for a place on the bench, either, having proved exactly what he's capable of in Brazil to earn the praise of Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig.

It remains to be seen whether United can land a loan deal for the Barcelona man, but he would certainly help push Hojlund past his tally of 14 goals so far this season.

Chelsea have identified their "first option" to replace Mauricio Pochettino in the event he's sacked, and it is believed he's equally keen.

Pochettino facing Chelsea sack after 5-0 Arsenal defeat

Pressure has surrounded the Argentine for most of this season as both supporters and members of the Chelsea hierarchy question whether he is really the right man for the job.

£110,000-per-week star agrees to leave Chelsea with announcement soon

His future has been decided.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 24, 2024

It has been reported this week that a portion of the Chelsea board feel Pochettino's sacking is inevitable, and especially after their humiliating 5-0 defeat away to title-chasing Arsenal on Tuesday.

Chelsea were already looking at potential Pochettino replacements in the event of his departure, but the loss in north London has only accelerated reports that the former Tottenham manager could be facing the axe soon.

"We are showing this inconsistency and that is why we are where we are. We are able to have an amazing performance [against Man City] and then one like this. When we have bad days, we are so bad," said Pochettino after Chelsea's heavy Arsenal defeat.

Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea

Man City 1-0 Chelsea

Chelsea 6-0 Everton

Sheffield United 2-2 Everton

Chelsea 4-3 Man United

"It's difficult to talk. We are talking after last season in the same way. We put in a fantastic performance at Wembley and then today, you can lose a game at Arsenal but in the way we competed, why one day, three days ago and then today in this way?

"For the circumstance, we needed to make changes for different reasons. Then it is about consistency."

A few big names have been rumoured as candidates to replace Pochettino if Chelsea decide to show the South American his P45, after what has been another very disappointing season since Clearlake Capital's takeover in 2022.

Jose Mourinho is apparently keen to make a return to Chelsea, but it is unclear whether the board are equally as fond of this potential move. Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim's attracting interest from Chelsea, though, and the Portuguese is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young coaches in Europe.

Amorim's future at Sporting is up in the air, and he was even in England this week to hold talks with West Ham (David Ornstein), who are also reportedly on the lookout for a new manager to replace David Moyes.

Chelsea identify "first option" to replace Pochettino

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea have identified their "first option" to succeed Pochettino.

Indeed, they claim that man is Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, who looks set to try and take on a new challenge away from the Amex. De Zerbi is said to be a top target for Chelsea, and it is believed that the Italian feels Stamford Bridge is the "good option" for him.

Man City manager Pep Guardiola of De Zerbi, having praised his work at Brighton on numerous occasions.

“They are really, really important players for Brighton, they’ve had a lot of injuries, they play three competitions, but the way they play always is there, always is there. He has done, is doing, an incredible job in Brighton," said Guardiola.

Over the last couple of years, Everton have conducted excellent business in the transfer market, turning their attention to younger talents and allowing them to develop at Goodison Park.

James Garner and Jarrad Branthwaite have both arrived on Merseyside in recent seasons, making huge impacts on the club's first-team – including in the 2-0 victory over Merseyside rivals Liverpool on Wednesday night.

The latter only joined the Toffees from Carlisle United for a reported £1m back in 2020, with the youngster having to bide his time before making an impact under Sean Dyche.

However, this season he's started 31 times in the Premier League, with his performances attracting interest from fellow Premier League side Manchester United, who are rumoured to be targeting a big-money move for the 21-year-old this summer.

Despite the excellent incoming in recent seasons, the club have also conducted fantastic business in offloading multiple players who weren't up to the level required of the Premier League, including one former Toffee whose market value has plummeted.

Nikola Vlasic's stats at Everton

After joining the club in an £8m deal from Croatian side Hadjuk Split, midfielder Nikola Vlasic arrived at Goodison with high expectations following three goals in six appearances at the start of the 2017/18 season.

However, he struggled to make any meaningful impact, failing to score or assist in any of his 12 Premier League outings and only featuring for a total of 574 minutes.

Despite his poor form in the league, Vlasic impressed in the Europa League under boss Ronald Koeman, grabbing himself two goals and an assist in his six European appearances for the Toffees.

His impressive record in Europe wouldn't be enough for the Croatian to secure a regular place at Goodison, however, departing the club on a season-long loan to join Russian side CSKA Moscow for the 2018/19 campaign.

Vlasic's stats at Everton in 2017/18

Competition

Games

Goals

Assists

Premier League

12

0

0

Europa League

6

2

1

EFL Cup

1

0

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

The move would see the midfielder recapture his excellent form, achieving 15 goal contributions in his 31 appearances for the club in all competitions.

After taking Russia by storm, CSKA decided to permanently buy Vlasic, departing Merseyside less than two years after arriving – but making the club a tidy profit of £6m, as the Toffees managed to secure a £14m fee for the former Hadjuk Split talent.

Nikola Vlasic's market value in 2024

Nearly five years on from his Everton departure and Vlasic has struggled to recapture his form in multiple leagues across Europe, returning to the Premier League to feature for West Ham United, before making a move to Italy in 2022.

His time at Torino has been a struggle, only managing 18 goal contributions in 70 games for the Serie A outfit, with his market value plunging as a result.

The Croatian is now only valued at £10m, as per Transfermarkt – a figure that is £2m less than current Everton youngster Nathan Patterson, who boasts a value of £12m, despite enduring a bit-part role this season after starting just nine league games.

Given Vlasic's recent form and drop in value, the club made the perfect decision to sell the now 26-year-old, with the club making a decent profit on a player who has undoubtedly failed to live up to his potential.

His time in Italy is further evidence that he simply isn't able to produce his quality on a consistent basis in any of Europe's top five leagues, with his £14m deal allowing the club to invest in the likes of Garner and Branthwaite in recent seasons.

Related Everton's 9/10 ace is now as undroppable as Tarkowski after Liverpool

He produced a brilliant display during the Merseyside derby.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Apr 25, 2024

Mushfiqur Rahim has been passed fit by the BCB’s chief physician Dr Debashis Chowdhury, following a hamstring injury. He will be available for the domestic Bangladesh Cricket League match that begins on February 7, as he had opted out of touring Pakistan.Chowdhury also said that Imrul Kayes has recovered from his calf injury. Both Kayes and Rahim undertook fitness tests on Tuesday.”Mushfiqur Rahim and Imrul have been struggling with hamstring and calf muscle. They were undergoing rehab programmes,” Chowdhury said. “Mushfiqur had a grade-one injury, so we had hoped that he would recover by the second week of February. We had anticipated that Imrul would be needing one more week. Today they both passed the tests conducted by our physio and trainer. They are both fit to play.”Rahim’s recovery means that he is also available for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in late February. If he is to play that match, Bangladesh will have to make room for him in the squad that was announced earlier in the week for the Rawalpindi Test, which begins on February 7. Head coach Russell Domingo had indicated earlier that whoever takes Rahim’s place may have to make room for the more experienced campaigner when he’s back.”I am under the impression that this is the squad for this one Test match [against Pakistan]. We will re-evaluate once we get back [from Pakistan],” Domingo had said. “You have to remember that Mushfiq got runs in the last Test, but we also need to consider the fact that it is hard to pick a batting line-up, change it for one Test, and then change it again for the third Test. I want to give guys a run, but we also need to consider that Mushfiq was our best player in India.”There however remains some confusion over Rahim’s selection for the Zimbabwe Test, as chief selector Minhajul Abedin had reportedly said on Sunday, the day after the Rawalpindi Test squad was announced, that Rahim has to prove himself in domestic cricket to get picked.”Mushfiq has an injury. He has to become fit, and then do well in domestic cricket to be considered,” he told the newspaper.Meanwhile Shadman Islam, the left-hand opener, will probably need surgery on his wrist. He may be sent to Australia later this month for the same.”We were struggling to manage the injuries of Shadman and Mrittunjoy [Chowdhury], who had returned from the Under-19 World Cup with a shoulder injury. The board has decided to send them both to Australia for better treatment,” Debashis Chowdhury said. “We are hopeful to send both to hand and shoulder surgeons later this month.”

Aston Villa are currently in the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League while battling it out to secure a top four finish in the Premier League.

It is safe to say the season has exceeded expectations, but if Unai Emery can claim a Champions League berth for next term along with winning the Conference League trophy, he will go down as a Villa legend.

His savvy in the transfer market has been a big factor in their recent rise, with the Spaniard luring the likes of Moussa Diaby, Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres to the club last summer.

Could a decision he made last summer come back to haunt him, however? The 52-year-old moved on a talented youngster who is shining for his new club – Jaden Philogene.

Jaden Philogene’s statistics for Hull City

The youngster made a total of six appearances for Villa before deciding to join Hull City last summer for a transfer fee of just £5m.

While on the surface it looked like a deal that benefitted both parties, his performances in the second tier perhaps indicated Emery moved him on too hastily.

In 23 appearances for Hull, Philogene has scored eight goals and registered six assists in the Championship as the club currently occupy seventh spot in the league table.

His 14 goals and assists would rank him fifth in the current Villa squad, while among his Hull teammates, Philogene ranks first for big chances created (five), shots on target per game (1.3) and successful dribbles per game (2.8), demonstrating how vital he has been to their cause this season.

How Jaden Philogene's wage compares to Villa squad

There is not a lot separating the young winger from Villa’s record signing, Diaby. Indeed, Philogene’s tally of 14 goal contributions is only one behind the Frenchman, while the current Hull gem has scored eight goals to his seven efforts for the Midlands side this term.

Aston Villa's top five highest earners
Player	Current weekly salary
Clement Lenglet	£150k-per-week
Boubacar Kamara	£150k-per-week
Youri Tielemans	£150k-per-week
Moussa Diaby	£130k-per-week
Ollie Watkins	£130k-per-week
Via Capology

The former Bayer Leverkusen winger is currently earning £130k-per-week since making the move to the Premier League from the Bundesliga nine months ago, but his displays have been a far cry from this sort of salary.

Philogene, on the other hand, is earning just £9k-per-week following his arrival from Villa in 2023 and this is a staggering difference considering their attacking output is fairly similar.

This means Diaby is currently earning 14 times more than the 22-year-old. With his performances for Hull gaining the youngster plenty of plaudits, may Emery rue moving him on so soon rather than giving him a chance in the senior squad?

The Spaniard will be able to go out and splash the cash on young talent in the summer transfer market to soften the blow, but that is not the point. He had a player of considerable talent at the club who was knocking on the door.

Philogene – who has been lauded for his "ridiculous" talent by manager Liam Rosenior – has enhanced his reputation this term and should Hull gain promotion, he could even come back and haunt Emery and Villa during the 2024/25 campaign.

For just £5m, the Championship side have secured themselves a wonderful bargain, no doubt about it.