Aston Villa may have found the most sought-after goalkeeper in world football after Zion Suzuki’s sensational arrival at Villa Park sparked a scramble among Europe's biggest clubs. The Japan international has enjoyed a meteoric rise under Unai Emery, leading heavyweights from the Premier League and the Continent to weigh up record-breaking future bids.
Unai Emery has confirmed talks over a new Aston Villa contract after a "very positive" meeting with chairman Nassef Sawiris, with more discussions planned for next week. The Spaniard has been linked with Manchester United, who Villa face on Sunday after Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona, but says his ambition is to keep growing a "stronger" project at Villa Park.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has called on his players to use their midweek European heroics as a springboard for domestic consistency. Speaking ahead of a high-stakes encounter with Aston Villa, the Red Devils boss also took time to reflect on the immense influence of Sir Alex Ferguson as the club marks a major milestone for the legendary Scotsman.
Jamie Carragher has refused to back away from his controversial assessment of the hierarchy in English football, despite a heated fallout with Aston Villa supporters. The former Liverpool defender previously sparked outrage by suggesting Unai Emery should be targeted by Manchester United, a comment that nearly landed him in a legal battle.
Zion Suzuki has helped Aston Villa to quickly forget about Emi Martinez, Brad Friedel has told GOAL, with the Japan international goalkeeper becoming Unai Emery’s “signing of the season”. There was a World Cup-winning void to be filled in the West Midlands during the summer of 2026, with £30 million ($40m) being invested in recruiting a new No.1.
Unai Emery is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract at Aston Villa, dealing a significant blow to Manchester United. The Spanish head coach has been heavily linked with the Old Trafford dugout as pressure mounts on Michael Carrick, but he now looks ready to commit his future to Villa Park.
The road to Madrid has begun with the league phase having reached its midway point - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?
Aston Villa have publicly confirmed that Unai Emery is committed to the club beyond 2029 after positive talks with chairman Nassef Sawiris, ending speculation over a move to Manchester United. The Spaniard has been strongly linked with replacing Michael Carrick at Old Trafford, where Villa travel this weekend in need of a response to Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer should have been sent off for violent conduct during the recent London derby defeat against Tottenham, according to the Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel. While the England international was eventually dismissed for two yellow cards, officials now admit he was lucky to remain on the pitch following a heated confrontation.
Barcelona have been dealt a significant setback following the news that star midfielder Rodri has sustained a muscle injury during European competition. The Spanish international was forced off earlier this week, leaving Hansi Flick with a major selection headache ahead of a crucial domestic fixture.
Aston Villa
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