Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is now “working” on a deal to sign an “unbelievable” player permanently, as he is a perfect fit for the club, according to former scout Mick Brown.
Villa making plans for the summer
Villa were active in the January transfer window, bringing in the likes of Marcus Rashford, Donyell Malen and Marco Asensio to strengthen in attacking areas, amid the departure of Jhon Duran, who joined Al-Nassr for £65m.
However, Emery remains keen on bringing in a new forward in the summer, with widespread reports suggesting Rashford could still be eyeing a move to Barcelona at the end of the season.
Samuel Chukwueze is of interest to the Villans, and there are suggestions the AC Milan winger could be keen on a reunion with Emery, given that he has previously described his former manager as “amazing”.
Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha is also on the shortlist, with reliable reporter Ben Jacobs revealing a deal is “there to be had” in the summer, regardless of whether the Old Gold retain their Premier League status.
Aston Villa interested in "lethal" £50m star who's top scorer in his league
Unai Emery has set his sights on a striker who has already scored 20 league goals this season.
ByDominic Lund Feb 16, 2025
While Rashford’s future remains up in the air, there are now suggestions Villa could already be trying to secure the signing of Asensio on a permanent basis, with Brown telling Football Insider: “On the evidence of what I’ve seen in his couple of appearances, he looks perfect for Villa.
“I think Emery and his staff will have been impressed as well, and they’ll already have started working behind the scenes to see if they can make the move permanent.
Aston Villa's MarcoAsensioin action with Ipswich Town's Luke Woolfenden
“A lot will depend on the role he plays while on loan, but at the moment I’d say that’s where they’re leaning.
“PSG want to move him on, he’s keen to leave, and Villa will be better off if they can keep him beyond the end of the season and will be working to make that happen.”
Asensio still yet to prove himself
The Spaniard arrived at Villa Park with a good pedigree, having played for European giants Real Madrid and PSG, however it is too early to say whether he should be signed on a permanent basis.
The former Real Madrid man was lauded as “unbelievable” during his time in La Liga, but he has made just two cameo appearances since arriving at Villa on loan, coming on as a second-half substitute against Tottenham Hotspur and Ipswich Town.
Having amassed 61 goals and 32 assists in 286 games for Madrid, there are clear signs the 29-year-old could go on to be an important player for Villa as we enter the business end of the season.
However, the jury is still out at the moment, and the £116k-per-week attacking midfielder will be hoping he is given the opportunity to prove himself with a start against Liverpool in the Premier League this evening.
Derbyshire have not won a Championship match at home since September 2014 but that possibility has again presented itself after they won a dominant position against Middlesex with two days remaining
ECB Reporters Network21-Apr-2018 ScorecardDuanne Olivier releases the ball•AFPDerbyshire are on course to end their long wait for a home victory in the County Championship after they completely dominated the second day of the Division Two match against Middlesex at Derby.Derbyshire have not won at home in the Championship since they beat Leicestershire at Derby in September 2014Middlesex were shot out for 157 with South African fast bowler Duanne Olivier taking 4 for 26 on his Derbyshire debut and despite a two hour break for rain, the home side closed on 118 without loss to lead by 226 runs.The visitors attack was again weakened by the absence of England seamer Toby Roland-Jones who has a sore back and Derbyshire will go into the last two days confident of wrapping up a first home win since September 2014.They seized the initiative from the moment Middlesex captain Sam Robson fell to the first ball of the second over of another sunny morning when Ravi Rampaul trapped him lbw for 19.Robson had batted for 122 minutes so to get him early was a big boost and they picked up nightwatchman Ollie Rayner in the next over when he was pinned by a full length ball from Hardus Viljoen.John Simpson played a typically combative innings and with Paul Stirling was rebuilding the reply until they both fell in the space of two overs.Simpson was looking dangerous but on 32 he left a ball that swung in to take the off stump and Stirling was lbw to Tony Palladino in the next over to reduce the visitors to 124 for 7.Olivier swept away the tail after lunch by having Tom Helm smartly caught low down at first slip by Wayne Madsen and trapping James Harris in front with one that came back to give Derbyshire a significant first innings lead of 108.Middlesex needed quick wickets to stay in the game but although Luis Reece survived a sharp chance to second slip off Helm just before the rain arrived with Derbyshire 56 from 21 overs, the Derbyshire openers played with increasing authority after the skies cleared.Slater completed his 50 from 73 balls when he cut Helm for his seventh four and was unbeaten on 63 with Reece not out 47 at the end of a highly satisfactory and encouraging day for Derbyshire.
Leicestershire came out victors in the battle of the bottom two as Durham’s openers completed a miserable tournament
ECB Reporters Network07-Jun-2018 ScorecardAn impressive century from Cameron Delport ensured Leicestershire finished their Royal London Cup campaign with victory over fellow strugglers Durham at the Fischer County Ground.The South African left-hander hit 16 fours and two sixes in making122 from 128 balls as the Foxes chased down a Durham score that always looked to be well under par on a good, if slightly slow, wicket.”That’s my second hundred for the Foxes, but my first in the 50 over format, so it was a special one – the more so after losing my Mum back in March, she was in my mind,” Delport said.”I had a great experience with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, I learned a lot but it was a bit frustrating not to play games. My time will come out there, but it meant it was quite difficult to come back to England and hit the ground running on very different pitches.”Leicestershire had taken a total of just seven wickets in their previous five Royal London Cup matches this season, but began making inroads quickly after Durham skipper Tom Latham had won the toss and chosen to bat in bright afternoon sunshine.Opener Graham Clark had scored 13 when he came down the wicket and drove firmly at Ben Raine, only for the bowler to take a fine one-handed catch at the second attempt.Gareth Harte and Michael Richardson took the score on to 74, but Harte was always struggling to time the ball, and on 35 tried to work a straight delivery from Tom Wells into the leg side, missed and was given leg before.Latham went in the same over, the New Zealand international facing just three balls before edging a Wells’ off-cutter to wicketkeeper Lewis Hill, and when Michael Richardson, hampered by a hamstring injury, was dismissed in the same way by Richard Jones for 43, Durham’s prospects of setting a really testing target went with him.The more so when the middle order failed to contribute, Zak Chappell’s second five over spell yielding the young Foxes’ fast bowler three wickets for just ten runs. Fine catches by Harry Swindells, at midwicket off Will Smith, and by Cameron Delport, at backward point off Mark Wood, sandwiched a fine delivery which uprooted Ryan Pringle’s leg stump.Having been in danger of subsiding to their lowest List A score against Leicestershire (147), a ninth wicket stand of exactly 100 between debutant Ryan Davies and Barry McCarthy ensured the visitors avoided that ignominy by a distance. Davies, batting sensibly, reached his 50 off 49 balls before McCarthy’s attempt to step to the offside and scoop the ball over wicketkeeper Hill resulted in him losing his middle stump to Jones.But Durham’s coach Jon Lewis bemoaned: “Ryan Davies did well today, he probably showed a few of the guys up the order how it should be done, so credit to him. We’ve struggled in the competition because we haven’t had a 50 out of an opener in eight games, so there’s been nothing to build on.”An opening partnership of 93 between Delport and Horton, compiled in just 14 overs, meant Leicestershire were never under any real pressure in their chase, although the Foxes quickly lost another wicket when a misunderstanding with Delport ended with Raine being run-out at the non-striker’s end.Delport and fellow South African Colin Ackermann added 109 for the third wicket before Clark, bowling his occasional leg-spin for the first time in List A cricket, bowled Delport with his first delivery.Remarkably, Clark then had Ackermann caught behind four balls later, and when List A debutant Harry Dearden missed his attempted sweep and was also bowled two overs later, Clark had three wickets for just four runs. To the relief of the home support, Ateeq Javid and Tom Wells steered Leicestershire home without further alarm.
Arsenal boast a rich history of academy production, with their immense focus on ensuring both the success of the club's present and future a trait which has helped them stand out among others.
Almost always willing to offer a youngster their first-team chance had they earned it, they have therefore produced some of England's most talented players, with Bukayo Saka the starring modern-day example that continues to offer a glowing recommendation of Hale End.
In fact, transfer insider and world-renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano would seek to laud the Gunners' infrastructure which allows for such proficiency at academy level: "What a moment it was for Ethan Nwaneri and Arsenal this weekend! The 15-year-old made history by becoming the youngest-ever player in the Premier League, and it’s a testament to the Gunners’ academy.
"It’s pretty clear Arsenal are doing a fantastic job with young players. The academy is excellent, they’re very good in the scouting system but also in how they present their long-term project to players and their parents.
“It’s just the beginning – they have at least two or three talents ready to shine in the next months, but it will take some time and they prefer to keep names quiet as they don’t want to put too much expectation on these young kids."
Although Saka might be the current benchmark for a graduate to strive for, it would make more sense for Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is surely part of that group Romano hints at, to instead look up to Jack Wilshere.
How good was Jack Wilshere?
Having enjoyed a youth career littered with goals, accolades and outstanding performances, it was never bound to take long for the 31-year-old to emerge into the senior setup.
However, few could have predicted just how impressive he would prove to be at that level, taking to first-team football with complete ease before enjoying arguably the best night of his career in 2011 as he marshalled a prime Barcelona at just 19 years old, silencing Xavi and Andres Iniesta in the process.
Such consistent form up until 2013 drew widespread praise, with some of the world's finest talents rushing to laud the Englishman. Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger would first note: "I don’t think one player makes a team. In his position, he’s one of the best players there are.
"I would say that Jack Wilshere has very good movement, he’s very dynamic and has a good left foot. He’s got a real eye for the way he sees his players around him. I would say those are his main talents.”
Then, an opponent from the Barcelona side he dominated years before, Dani Alves, would even issue a plea for the Catalan giants to try and pry him from the Emirates: "He is a great player who we have met playing against Arsenal and without doubt he can reach the height of the players we have here at Barcelona like Xavi and Iniesta.
“He has a lot of quality and a great personality. If I was given the chance to choose, he is a player that I would sign for Barcelona."
2015/16 – Hairline crack in calfbone
55
247
2011/12 – Ankle Surgery
39
127
2011/12 – Knee Surgery
35
125
2011/12 – Fatigue Fracture
31
104
2014/15 – Ankle Injury
22
90
All stats via Transfermarkt
However, despite all the potential encapsulated in his slight frame, it was that small demeanour that seemed to be his undoing, as his physical play style saw his body subjected to immense levels of physicality, which in the end it could not take. He would suffer numerous bone breaks and undergo multiple surgeries before seeing his career whimper out, retiring at the age of 30, a devastating talent stolen by injuries.
So, as the current U18s boss for Arsenal, he is now tasked with ushering in the next generation of stars for Mikel Arteta, the likes of which he hopes can fulfil the career that he saw snatched from him.
In Lewis-Skelly, he is certain to see one or two attributes that he will remember well, and could take particular interest in nurturing the teenager to help him reach the levels Wilshere once achieved.
Who is Myles Lewis-Skelly?
A neat and tidy general with the skillset to operate with an open field or in tight spaces, he glides across the turf contributing with goals and assists whilst remaining a solid asset at the base of the midfield.
Such a synopsis could be used to describe both Wilshere and his protegee, for whom the former has been effusive in his praise for the 17-year-old maestro.
Having branded him "unplayable" after his late strike helped them reach the FA Youth Cup final, the former West Ham United midfielder would then note: "We give him the tools he needs to develop, but you see certain moments that are not coachable. Certain players can’t do that, only certain players can but there’s much more that comes with it like how he lives".
Such similarities were further emphasised by journalist Charles Watts, who would echo the sentiment of the 34-cap stalwart: "You know when you see a player and you think, ‘yeah, you’re just a little bit different’. That’s the kind of impression you get when you sit there and watch Lewis-Skelly.
“His close control, his ability to get himself out of tight situations, the way he runs with the ball. Just his presence on the pitch, he’s got something special. You can see why there’s so much excitement about him at Arsenal."
With everyone who watches Lewis-Skelly rushing to praise him, he unsurprisingly posts tangible figures to justify such widespread accolades. After all, following an outstanding last season where he scored two and assisted four across all competitions, he has started the new term in similarly blistering form, with three goal contributions across just four Premier League 2 appearances.
Already starring at an age group far above his station, the new task must be finding out whether he can translate that truly exceptional skillset to the senior level, seeking to emulate the meteoric rise his manager earned.
Wilshere would go on to play 197 games for the Gunners, and whilst never becoming the legend his talent suggested he might, an opportunity has arisen for him to help mould someone who can.
Lewis-Skelly has such striking similarities with his mentor, and having just signed his first professional contract, the sky truly is the limit for a young starlet who has just turned 17.
He served in a temporary role since late September 2017, succeeding Haroon Lorgat, for nine months
Firdose Moonda17-Jul-2018Cricket South Africa has confirmed acting CEO Thabang Moroe has been appointed to the position in a permanent capacity on a three-year contract. Moroe, who was previously the vice-president of the board, served in a temporary role since late September 2017, succeeding Haroon Lorgat, for nine months.Under Moroe, CSA lurched through several crises, most notably the postponement and ultimate cancellation of their premier 20-over league, the GLT20. The aborted competition cost the organization in excess of US$14 million and bills continue to mount as the franchise owners threaten legal action. CSA has since signed an equity deal with SuperSport, for a new tournament but no details of the event have been decided yet.Moroe has also overseen protracted and, at times, acrimonious negotiations with the players’ association, SACA. The MOU between CSA and SACA, which expired at the end of April, was not finalised in time for an immediate renewal and is yet to be announced as complete. However, the board still showed faith in Moroe and appointed him to the top job.”Mr. Moroe has done an excellent job over the past year in taking over this position in circumstances that were far from ideal,” Chris Nenzani, CSA President said.”In congratulating him on his appointment, I look forward to his continuing the path set out by his predecessor of achieving our goal to be the best-run sports federation on the continent and to be among the best in the world.”Moroe’s most pressing task will be to get the new 20-over competition off the ground, while minimising financial losses. There is also talk of an expansion of the existing domestic franchise system from six teams to eight and, as always, Moroe will have to focus on retaining national players as the lure of T20 leagues and the Kolpak deals loom.
Everton finally recorded their first Premier League win at home this season, as they brushed aside AFC Bournemouth in emphatic fashion.
Whilst at last their fine play has earned the merited result, it was a performance kickstarted by the pressure and attacking impetus that James Garner offered from the start.
How did James Garner play vs Bournemouth?
Finally deployed in his favoured central midfield role, after weeks of fans calling for Sean Dyche to make the change, the Manchester United academy graduate once again shone as he continues to prove how shrewd an investment that £15m move was back in the summer of 2022.
Pressing alongside his midfield partner Abdoulaye Doucoure, a fortuitous slip saw him bearing down on a sole centre-back, with options either side to score. Deciding to go alone, the 22-year-old maestro would fire home the opener inside ten minutes, offering the Toffees a perfect start in front of their prospective new owners, Josh Wander of the 777 Partners.
It marked Garner's third goal contribution in their last four games across all competitions, and yet that was far from his outstanding contribution.
Recording 71 touches, the youngster was clearly desperate to get on the ball and create, playing neat balls down the flanks and into midfield to set his side on the attack. However, perhaps more importantly was his defensive showing, winning eight ground duels and recording six tackles, via Sofascore.
Fans were left purring, with the £30k-per-week star even earning the club's Player of the Match award. And yet, when it comes to solidity, nobody really came close to Jarrad Branthwaite's fine afternoon.
How did Jarrad Branthwaite play vs Bournemouth?
Clearly reeling from the recent announcement of his new long-term contract, it was a calm and assured performance at the back, made even more perfect when he perfectly executed a crunching tackle on Dominic Solanke, folding the striker in half and winning the ball.
His exploits earned him a perhaps underwhelming 7.4 rating, given he would make three clearances, block two shots and make two tackles, via Sofascore.
Although the £15k-per-week defender's continued solidity has almost become a prerequisite for the 21-year-old's performances, his ability on the ball is what continues to help him stand out, adding to the suggestion that he is set to be their next big export set to either lead them to brighter days, or fetch them an astronomical fee.
Despite only recording 38 touches, he was quietly confident in possession, maintaining an 81% pass accuracy, and even registering a sole key pass. Writer Ell Bretland would laud such an impact, highlighting a perfect all-around showing from the young colossus: "Branthwaite just always makes the right decision. And if he doesn’t he had the ability, pace and skill to rectify it.
"He so composed on the ball and in the tackle and his timing is perfect. He reads the game so well. What an unbelievable natural talent. Pure football brain."
Although his contribution seems to have been overshadowed by yet another stunning Garner display, it must not be forgotten just how talented Branthwaite is, already outstanding at this level, and only certain to keep getting better.
Jurgen Klopp shut down talks of a possible U-turn on his exit decision but admitted that he did have a word with incoming CEO Michael Edwards.
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Klopp insist on leaving Liverpool in the summerNo change in plansLavished praise on EdwardsGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Edwards, 44, rejoined Liverpool as Fenway Sports Group's chief executive of football, marking his return after spending 11 years at the club. During Edwards' tenure as sporting director and Klopp's reign as manager, Liverpool achieved remarkable success, including winning the Champions League, Club World Cup, and the Premier League title in 2019-20 – the club's first league triumph in 30 years.
AdvertisementWHAT KLOPP SAID
Despite scaling the heights with Edwards, Klopp insisted that he remains firm on his decision to leave Anfield in the summer.
“We had a conversation,” said the Liverpool boss. “Michael and I have a really good relationship. We had that conversation, [but] that is not a subject to talk about. Can you imagine I changed my mind? Of course not. It would be like what I said about never ever having another club in England then next year I signed for our neighbours or whatever. It's crazy.
"I don't say these things without thinking before. I just want the club to do as well as somehow possible. I am really sure there is a good basis with the right people in charge. Michael is a top choice."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Klopp emphasised the importance of focusing on the club's future development and expressed his optimism about Liverpool's trajectory under Edwards' leadership.
“The club is in a really good place," he said. "Of course, people will only measure that at the end of the season when they have a look at what we really achieved, but that’s not that important for the future, what we achieved this season is for now.
“What’s important for the future is how good is the team, how good are the players, how good is the structure, how good is the organisation. That’s where my optimism comes from. That’s why I think it’s a rather good moment to be with Liverpool Football Club. That’s how it is and I’m really happy about that.”
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Liverpool's quadruple dreams are still alive. They won the Carabao Cup in February after beating Chelsea in the title decider and look well poised to progress into the last eight of the Europa League after beating Slavia Praha 5-1 in the first leg of the round of 16. They are one of the contenders for the Premier League title along with Manchester City & Arsenal and will hope to get the better of Manchester United in the FA Cup quarterfinals on Sunday to seal a berth in the last four of the domestic tournament.
Co-defendant, Ryan Ali, was also found not guilty in wake of incident in Bristol on September 25
George Dobell at Bristol Crown Court14-Aug-2018Ben Stokes has been found not guilty of affray.Stokes, who was arrested following an incident in Bristol in the early hours of September 25, had been on trial at Bristol Crown Court since August 6.His co-defendant, Ryan Ali, was also found not guilty after more than two-and-a-half hours of deliberation by a jury of six men and six women.At the moment that the verdict was delivered, Stokes’ wife Clare broke down in tears, then Neil Fairbrother, his agent, did likewise. Stokes himself, who had been calm in the dock, allowed himself to shut his eyes for a moment but didn’t break into a smile. He then offered his hand to Ali, who shook it.Speaking outside the courtroom after the verdict, Stokes’ solicitor, Paul Lunt, said that the jury’s verdict “fairly reflects the truth of what happened that night”.”Today’s verdict represents the end of an 11-month ordeal for Ben,” said Lunt in a statement, “during which time he’s had to maintain his silence at times when many on social media, and in certain parts of the press, have pre-determined his guilt long before the trial was done.”During the past week, the jury have been able to see and hear all of the evidence and not merely what the media have chosen to report. The evidence available to the jury included the full range of CCTV footage that shows exactly what happened in September.”During the trial, Stokes was alleged to have lied to the jury, mimicked and bullied two men on account of their homosexuality and acted like a football hooligan. He did not deny punching two men (Ali and Ryan Hale, who was acquitted earlier in proceedings due to a lack of evidence), but insisted he did so as he feared for his safety and the safety of others.Ali was alleged to have used an upturned bottle in the early moments of the fracas, while CCTV footage showed Hale running towards the incident with an iron bar ripped from a traffic sign.”On 25 September, Ben had been out with two mates, celebrating a win,” said Lunt. “Contrary to some reports, there was no curfew in place, he was minding his own business when he came across two men being subjected to what Ben identified as serious homophobic abuse.”It was only when others came under threat that Ben became physically engaged with the men in question. The steps that he took were solely aimed at ensuring the safety of himself and the others present.”Speaking to ITV news, the two gay men in question – who did not give evidence during the court case – said that the case should not have come to trial.”Someone came across the road and tried hitting me with a bottle,” said Kai Barry. “I thought he was just a normal lad, sticking up for somebody who was weaker than he was, which was quite nice. When I realised who he was, I thought, fair play, because he’s obviously put his career at risk for someone that he never knew. I’d say thanks for being there, and sorry for all the drama I’ve landed you in.”Ali, who left the court a few minutes after the verdict had been passed, told reporters he was “relieved it’s all over” but had no further comment to make.Ben Stokes at Bristol Crown Court after his acquittal•Getty ImagesThe end of the court proceedings has enabled Stokes to be cleared by the ECB to rejoin England’s squad for the third Test against India starting in Nottingham on Saturday. The ECB are expected to convene a Cricket Discipline Commission, which will consider whether Stokes or Alex Hales, who was also present during the incident, should face any sanction. However, ESPNcricinfo understands that this may not take place until the end of the English cricket season.It has not gone unnoticed by the ECB that both men were out late at night – the incident occurred after 2.30am – with two games left to play in the series and that Stokes was alleged to have been “really very drunk” by the prosecution.Any possible sanction by the CDC will take into account that Stokes has already missed the Ashes tour as a result of the episode – Hales also missed two ODIs at the end of the 2017 English domestic season – and Stokes’ lawyer drew attention to the amount of cricket-related punishment that he had already received for his actions.”In addition to the extreme stress placed on Ben and his family by the trial, his intervention that night has already cost Ben the England vice-captaincy, his place on an Ashes tour, and his place in a number of other England matches,” said Lunt.”The past 11 months have served to highlight to Ben just how highly he values his position as an England representative, both in terms of the privilege that role entails and the responsibilities that accompany it. Now that the trial is over, Ben is keen to getting back to cricket being his sole focus.”During the trial the jury was shown body-worn video footage from the arresting police officer that appeared to show Hales denying he had been present at the incident, while both the prosecution and defence barristers alleged video footage showed him kicking Ali in the head. Stokes’ barrister, Gordon Cole QC, suggested that kick could have resulted in Ali’s broken eye-socket.Reacting to the verdict, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: “We carried out a thorough independent investigation into the events of 25 September before passing a comprehensive file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service which subsequently made the decision to charge.”Having reviewed the evidence, the jury has concluded the actions of the defendants did not amount to affray and we respect this decision.”The Crown Prosecution Service, which had attempted to have the charges against Stokes changed prior to the trial, also issued a statement in the wake of the verdict.”The CPS keeps cases under continual review,” it read. “We selected the charge of affray at the outset in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. Upon further review we considered that additional assault charges would also be appropriate. The Judge decided not to permit us to add these further charges. The original charge of affray adequately reflected the criminality of the case and we proceeded on that.”
USMNT midfielder Brenden Aaronson scored the game-winner for Union Berlin at the weekend, a much-needed moment after a tough start to life in Germany.
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Aaronson called up to USMNT campTwo goals in last five matches for Union BerlinStruggled for minutes across all of 2023WHAT HAPPENED?
The 23-year-old American found the back of the net in the 52nd minute in a win over Werder Bremen, with many dubbing it his 'best performance of the season' since joining on-loan from Leeds United.
Speaking postgame, Aaronson revealed that he has struggled on and off the pitch over the past year, but that Saturday's winner was a moment where he was able to relieve some of the weight off his shoulders.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT AARONSON AND BERHALTER SAID
“It’s been the toughest year of my life,” Aaronson told reporters. “Going from Leeds and then not playing much here, it’s mentally a battle all the time, staying confident.”
Just days earlier, he was snubbed from the USMNT's 23-man CONCACAF Nations League roster, with Gregg Berhalter sharing some kind words for him.
“The message for him was, ‘I know this hurts. I know it’s a setback, but use it,” the coach said. “Use it to make you stronger, and to keep going and to keep fighting your way through through the obstacles that you have to overcome right now.’ It was a good conversation.”
However, with a strike of mere luck, he found himself on it days later.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
An injury to Luca De La Torre found Aaronson receiving a call from Berhalter Sunday to replace the U.S. midfielder for the upcoming tournament.
It comes after he has struggled for minutes all year in the Bundesliga, and after a rough period with Leeds United where he fell out of favor during the second half of the campaign in the spring of 2023. Now, however, he has an opportunity to make the most of his time back on the international stage – and it's up to him to take it.
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR AARONSON?
Now that he has linked up with the USA for their March camp, he'll be competing for minutes Thursday evening. The USMNT will play Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals.
Former Celtic forward Frank McAvennie has been reacting to a Hoops transfer update, claiming one specific target “would be a great addition”.
Celtic transfer news…
Celtic brought back Brendan Rodgers over the summer and made a number of new additions to the squad, while also cashing in on the likes of Jota and Carl Starfelt to give them an overall profit. (Celtic summer signings – Transfermarkt)
The Hoops have made a solid start in the Scottish Premiership, although there have been disappointing results in both the Champions League and Scottish League Cup. As a result, it looks as if the club are working behind the scenes ahead of the January window, with one area of interest being in goal, with Joe Hart’s contract up at the end of the season.
According to reports, Celtic are looking at signing Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin after showing an interest over the summer. The 24-year-old is frustrated on the bench for Madrid, and the Hoops are now on alert over a potential move, with the club’s scouting team watching and doing on-going analysis.
Talking to Football Insider following the Lunin transfer update, McAvennie seemed excited about the possibility of the club doing business with Madrid, saying:
“I do not know if he would come to Celtic. He would have been there on the night that Real Madrid played at Celtic Park and that was a wonderful occasion. But playing against teams like Ross County, there are not many glamour nights in Scotland.
“I do not think he would move from Real Madrid. I would love it, I would love somebody from Real Madrid to come to Celtic but I just do not see that happening. I would have thought there will be a lot of suitors for someone of that calibre, a lot of Premier League clubs needing good goalkeepers.
“If he comes to Celtic and we can get two years out of him that would be ideal. Would he want to do that? Only he could make that decision. It would be wonderful if he came to Scotland because he would be a great addition to Celtic.”
Real Madrid's Andriy Lunin.
Who is Andriy Lunin?
Lunin began his career in Ukraine with the likes of Dnipro and Zorya Lugansk before moving to Madrid back in 2018. Since then, the shot-stopper has spent time out on loan in Spain with CD Leganes, Real Valladolid and Real Oviedo. (Andriy Lunin profile – Transfermarkt)
The goalkeeper has made nine senior appearances for his country but has turned out on just 19 occasions during his time at the Bernabeu, mainly serving as back up to Thibaut Courtois. Lunin has made more than 100 senior appearances during his career, though, thanks to his time in Ukraine and out on loan in Spain, keeping 35 clean sheets. (Andriy Lunin stats – Transfermarkt)
Therefore, you’d like to think that if regular game time was on offer at Celtic Park, he could possibly consider a transfer in the New Year, making this one to watch heading into 2024.