Jack Grealish will become a free agent in the summer of 2027 when his contract at Manchester City expires - the one signed when moving to the Etihad Stadium for £100 million ($133m). He is currently taking in a second loan spell at Everton, with former Toffees star Pat Nevin explaining to GOAL why the emotional draw of Aston Villa may not be enough to take the England international away from Merseyside.
The road to Madrid has begun with the league phase well under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?
Unai Emery has challenged his resurgent Aston Villa squad to establish themselves as major contenders on the European stage after dismantling Fenerbahce at Villa Park. The Spanish tactician praised his side's ruthless clinical edge as the hosts secured their maiden home victory of the campaign in emphatic fashion.
Aston Villa dismantled Fenerbahce with a ruthless 6-0 victory at Villa Park to continue their perfect start in the Champions League. Ross Barkley and Nicolas Jackson both netted braces as Unai Emery's side overwhelmed the Turkish giants.
Unai Emery has challenged his Aston Villa players to transform Villa Park back into a 'fortress' as they prepare to host Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Spanish manager is determined to halt a disappointing run of results on home soil that has seen his side fail to win in their opening three fixtures of the season.
Nicolo Zaniolo has provided a fascinating insight into his career path, reflecting on his time under Jose Mourinho and his stint in the English top flight. The Italian attacker also weighed in on Rafael Leao's high-profile move from AC Milan to Galatasaray, drawing on his own experiences in Istanbul.
Donyell Malen has revealed the personal frustrations that led to his departure from Aston Villa, admitting he felt undervalued during his time in the Premier League. The Dutch international has undergone a stunning transformation since moving to Italy, establishing himself as a key figure under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Manchester City remain wedged under the Financial Fair Play (FFP) microscope, but Danny Mills has told GOAL why - “with certain caveats” - billionaire owners in the Premier League should be allowed to “spend what they want”. The deepest of pockets can now be found in boardrooms across English football, so why are the super wealthy not able to splash the cash?
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has opened up on his decision to swap Aston Villa for Chelsea, admitting that a painful international defeat sparked his desire for a fresh start. The veteran goalkeeper secured a bargain move to Stamford Bridge following a summer of major upheaval for both club and country.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has claimed that Manchester City are not alone in their financial dealings, suggesting that a significant number of clubs have artificially inflated their budgets to meet regulatory requirements. The Spaniard expressed his concern that the unprecedented success achieved by Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium is now under threat of being permanently overshadowed by legal battles.
John McGinn admitted Scotland endured a major reality check under Sebastien Pocognoli after being thoroughly outclassed in a 3-0 Nations League defeat against Switzerland. An early red card for Jack Hendry paved the way for a bruising evening at Hampden Park, leaving the newly appointed manager still searching for his first victory in the dugout.
Fenerbahce have received a significant boost ahead of their crucial Champions League trip to Birmingham as UEFA confirmed a reduction in Matteo Guendouzi’s European suspension. The French midfielder is now officially available for selection when the Turkish giants face Unai Emery's Aston Villa at Villa Park next month.
Alejandro Garnacho has been told that the overhead kick brilliance which once made him a player of such promise at Manchester United is still there, with Carlton Cole suggesting to GOAL that the Aston Villa loanee may have become caught up in his own hype. The Argentina international is considered to have wandered into the Premier League’s last-chance saloon.
Aston Villa
