7 days ago
Aston Villa could hardly have imagined a worse start to the 2026/27 Premier League season.
The Lions were torn apart by Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium, with Fabian Hurzeler's side needing just 31 minutes to put the game beyond doubt.
A Victor Lindelof own goal and a debut red card for Joao Gomes summed up a disastrous afternoon for Villa, who were forced into the relegation zone after losing 4-0 on opening day.
It's too early to say whether the heavy defeat points to deeper problems following the departures of several high-profile players including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa, and Lucas Digne.
However, the Villans have sprung into action in the transfer market.
#villa #lions #brighton #stadium
The Lions were torn apart by Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium, with Fabian Hurzeler's side needing just 31 minutes to put the game beyond doubt.
A Victor Lindelof own goal and a debut red card for Joao Gomes summed up a disastrous afternoon for Villa, who were forced into the relegation zone after losing 4-0 on opening day.
It's too early to say whether the heavy defeat points to deeper problems following the departures of several high-profile players including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa, and Lucas Digne.
However, the Villans have sprung into action in the transfer market.
#villa #lions #brighton #stadium
14 days ago
A summer of change off the pitch for Aston Villa was followed by one of the worst opening 45 minutes of a season in Premier League history as Unai Emery's side collapsed at Brighton.
Last season's Europa League winners went into the new campaign having lost four of the players that started their 3-0 win over Freiburg in May. Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa's exits could also soon be followed by two more first-team stars in Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, who were both left out of Villa's matchday squad at Brighton.
A new-look Villa went behind inside eight minutes in calamitous fashion as Victor Lindelof bundled into his own net before Brighton's Maxim De Cuyper doubled their advantage. Jack Hinshelwood then scored twice in two minutes before Villa's Joao Gomes, a £38m signing from Wolves, was sent off on his first Premier League appearance for his new club.
Hinshelwood's first goal was followed by another straight from kick-off. Gomes was caught in possession on the edge of his own box before Hinshelwood finished into an empty net for his second - just 80 seconds after his first.
It then went from bad to worse for debutant Gomes, who was earlier booked for waving an imaginary yellow card towards Pascal Gross, as he received a straight red card for kicking out at Georginio Rutter.
#minutes #villa
Last season's Europa League winners went into the new campaign having lost four of the players that started their 3-0 win over Freiburg in May. Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa's exits could also soon be followed by two more first-team stars in Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, who were both left out of Villa's matchday squad at Brighton.
A new-look Villa went behind inside eight minutes in calamitous fashion as Victor Lindelof bundled into his own net before Brighton's Maxim De Cuyper doubled their advantage. Jack Hinshelwood then scored twice in two minutes before Villa's Joao Gomes, a £38m signing from Wolves, was sent off on his first Premier League appearance for his new club.
Hinshelwood's first goal was followed by another straight from kick-off. Gomes was caught in possession on the edge of his own box before Hinshelwood finished into an empty net for his second - just 80 seconds after his first.
It then went from bad to worse for debutant Gomes, who was earlier booked for waving an imaginary yellow card towards Pascal Gross, as he received a straight red card for kicking out at Georginio Rutter.
#minutes #villa
14 days ago
What's going on on the island? After Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, two of the favorites, already took a fully deserved beating, the next underdog is frustrating the supposedly stronger team on paper.
And "frustrating" is really an understatement. Brighton & Hove Albion were already 4-0 up after just 30 minutes against the reigning Europa League winners and last season's fourth-placed side, Aston Villa.
Fabian Hürzeler's Seagulls were ruthless. After an early own goal by Lindelöf, De Cuyper added another in the 18th minute. Homegrown talent Hinshelwood then piled on two more with a quickfire brace after half an hour.
As if that wasn't already bitter enough, the team from Birmingham then reduced themselves to ten men. João Gomes was shown a red card for violent conduct.
After Unai Emery's side recently put in a good showing against PSG in the Super Cup, this is a massive blow to start the season. Perhaps the departures of three key starters — Youri Tielemans (move to Man United), Lucas Digne (move to PSG), and Morgan Rogers (move to Chelsea) — will be felt more than initially thought after all.
#already #move #frustrating #team
And "frustrating" is really an understatement. Brighton & Hove Albion were already 4-0 up after just 30 minutes against the reigning Europa League winners and last season's fourth-placed side, Aston Villa.
Fabian Hürzeler's Seagulls were ruthless. After an early own goal by Lindelöf, De Cuyper added another in the 18th minute. Homegrown talent Hinshelwood then piled on two more with a quickfire brace after half an hour.
As if that wasn't already bitter enough, the team from Birmingham then reduced themselves to ten men. João Gomes was shown a red card for violent conduct.
After Unai Emery's side recently put in a good showing against PSG in the Super Cup, this is a massive blow to start the season. Perhaps the departures of three key starters — Youri Tielemans (move to Man United), Lucas Digne (move to PSG), and Morgan Rogers (move to Chelsea) — will be felt more than initially thought after all.
#already #move #frustrating #team
14 days ago
Paris Saint-Germain enter the season with the expectation that they should lift their sixth Ligue 1 ******* le in a row. However, this week hasn't been ideal preparation for the campaign. On Sunday, a defeat to RC Lens in the Trophée des Champions was followed by the news that the Parc des Princes was unusable for their opening game against Stade de Rennais, meaning this match would have to take place in Rennes.
Luis Enrique would be without Nuno Mendes for this game due to his suspension after he picked up a red card in the loss to Lens. This meant that summer signing Lucas Digne would be back in the starting line-up for tonight.
L'Équipe expects that Digne will be alone among the new recruits, with the rest of the high-profile summer signings: Maghnes Akliouche, Mika Godts, and Ferran Torres on the bench.
Matvey Safonov; Lucas Digne, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi; João Neves, Vitinha, Warren Zaïre-Emery; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué. (L'Éq)
GFFN | Nick Hartland
#digne
Luis Enrique would be without Nuno Mendes for this game due to his suspension after he picked up a red card in the loss to Lens. This meant that summer signing Lucas Digne would be back in the starting line-up for tonight.
L'Équipe expects that Digne will be alone among the new recruits, with the rest of the high-profile summer signings: Maghnes Akliouche, Mika Godts, and Ferran Torres on the bench.
Matvey Safonov; Lucas Digne, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi; João Neves, Vitinha, Warren Zaïre-Emery; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué. (L'Éq)
GFFN | Nick Hartland
#digne
15 days ago
PSG kick off their Ligue 1 campaign away at Rennes on Sunday at Roazhon Park.
The reigning champions arrive after mixed early results. PSG began August on a high by winning the UEFA Super Cup, beating Aston Villa 2–1, but their momentum stalled with a 1–0 loss to RC Lens in the Trophée des Champions. Over their last five games the team has recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat, leaving manager Luis Enrique keen to find more consistency in domestic play.
Enrique starts the **** le defence with a deep and mostly fit squad, though he must adapt tactically because of an early suspension in defence.
Left-back Nuno Mendes is sidelined after receiving a red card in the Trophée des Champions, so new signing Lucas Digne is expected to step in.
Captain Marquinhos returns to the starting lineup to lead the defence alongside Willian Pacho.
#champions #roazhon #park
The reigning champions arrive after mixed early results. PSG began August on a high by winning the UEFA Super Cup, beating Aston Villa 2–1, but their momentum stalled with a 1–0 loss to RC Lens in the Trophée des Champions. Over their last five games the team has recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat, leaving manager Luis Enrique keen to find more consistency in domestic play.
Enrique starts the **** le defence with a deep and mostly fit squad, though he must adapt tactically because of an early suspension in defence.
Left-back Nuno Mendes is sidelined after receiving a red card in the Trophée des Champions, so new signing Lucas Digne is expected to step in.
Captain Marquinhos returns to the starting lineup to lead the defence alongside Willian Pacho.
#champions #roazhon #park
16 days ago
Unai Emery has revealed Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez could be the next Aston Villa players to join the exodus from the Europa League winners.
Villa have rejected several bids for Watkins from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal this week, but Emery hinted the England striker would be allowed to leave for the right price.
England defender Ezri Konsa is on the verge of sealing his move to Premier League champions ******* nal, while Argentina goalkeeper Martinez has told Emery he wants to go.
Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Youri Tielemans have already been sold by Villa since the end of last season, joining Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United respectively.
It is a remarkable dismantling of a team that won Villa's first major trophy for 30 years when they beat Freiburg in the Europa League final in May.
#emery #watkins #europa
Villa have rejected several bids for Watkins from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal this week, but Emery hinted the England striker would be allowed to leave for the right price.
England defender Ezri Konsa is on the verge of sealing his move to Premier League champions ******* nal, while Argentina goalkeeper Martinez has told Emery he wants to go.
Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Youri Tielemans have already been sold by Villa since the end of last season, joining Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United respectively.
It is a remarkable dismantling of a team that won Villa's first major trophy for 30 years when they beat Freiburg in the Europa League final in May.
#emery #watkins #europa
17 days ago
[Getty Images]
We asked you to predict what will happen between now and the end of the transfer window at Aston Villa and how the 2026-27 season will pan out for Unai Emery's side.
Here are some of your comments:
Peter: For me, there has been too much upheaval. With players leaving this summer and the core of the squad being ripped out, I feel Villa will be a bit disjointed while all of the new signings bed in. Therefore, I predict an uncertain start to the season, and possibly an uncertain campaign as a whole.
Keith: I have no problem with any of the sales individually. Rogers is good money, Konsa is good money, Digne is a good deal for an ageing player. Martinez has a great replacement in Zion Suzuki. Joao Gomes and Johan Manzambi are fantastic additions. My worry is the sheer amount of upheaval. Hopefully we can retain a good core of last season's players while gradually integrating the new players and youngsters. Keeping Emery is key, his system and passion is our greatest ****** et.
#money
We asked you to predict what will happen between now and the end of the transfer window at Aston Villa and how the 2026-27 season will pan out for Unai Emery's side.
Here are some of your comments:
Peter: For me, there has been too much upheaval. With players leaving this summer and the core of the squad being ripped out, I feel Villa will be a bit disjointed while all of the new signings bed in. Therefore, I predict an uncertain start to the season, and possibly an uncertain campaign as a whole.
Keith: I have no problem with any of the sales individually. Rogers is good money, Konsa is good money, Digne is a good deal for an ageing player. Martinez has a great replacement in Zion Suzuki. Joao Gomes and Johan Manzambi are fantastic additions. My worry is the sheer amount of upheaval. Hopefully we can retain a good core of last season's players while gradually integrating the new players and youngsters. Keeping Emery is key, his system and passion is our greatest ****** et.
#money
17 days ago
Aston Villa's European heroes are already part of history.
They ended a 30-year wait for a trophy by lifting the Europa League in May against Freiburg but the club could have sold six of the starting XI by the end of the transfer window.
Ezri Konsa's imminent £51m departure to ****** nal is the latest high-profile exit at Villa Park this summer as Unai Emery's squad undergoes drastic change.
Istanbul goalscorers Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers left last month, Rogers' £117m move to Chelsea a record for an English player.
Lucas Digne was sold to Paris St-Germain and Villa must also find a solution for goalkeeper Emi Martinez after his failed move to Juventus and the signing of his replacement - Zion Suzuki.
#move #aston #europa #league
They ended a 30-year wait for a trophy by lifting the Europa League in May against Freiburg but the club could have sold six of the starting XI by the end of the transfer window.
Ezri Konsa's imminent £51m departure to ****** nal is the latest high-profile exit at Villa Park this summer as Unai Emery's squad undergoes drastic change.
Istanbul goalscorers Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers left last month, Rogers' £117m move to Chelsea a record for an English player.
Lucas Digne was sold to Paris St-Germain and Villa must also find a solution for goalkeeper Emi Martinez after his failed move to Juventus and the signing of his replacement - Zion Suzuki.
#move #aston #europa #league
18 days ago
Aston Villa are eyeing a move for AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori as they look to shore up their rearguard, according to Luca Bianchin.
The Villains need a new centre-half after Ezri Konsa left to join the Premier League champions, and Tomori is one of their defensive targets.
The Englishman likes the idea of playing his football at Villa Park next season and could be sold for around €15 million.
Aston Villa have lost several key cogs in Unai Emery's well-oiled machine. Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Konsa have all left.
Ollie Watkins could follow them out the door to make matters worse. The Villains must start making aggressive moves to plug these holes.
#villa #villains #bianchin
The Villains need a new centre-half after Ezri Konsa left to join the Premier League champions, and Tomori is one of their defensive targets.
The Englishman likes the idea of playing his football at Villa Park next season and could be sold for around €15 million.
Aston Villa have lost several key cogs in Unai Emery's well-oiled machine. Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Konsa have all left.
Ollie Watkins could follow them out the door to make matters worse. The Villains must start making aggressive moves to plug these holes.
#villa #villains #bianchin
19 days ago
MONCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY - AUGUST 15: Coach Unai Emery of Aston Villa during the Club Friendly match between Borussia Monchengladbach v Aston Villa at the Borussia Park on August 15, 2026 in Monchengladbach Germany (Photo by Joris Verwijst/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Since Unai Emery's appointment as Aston Villa manager in October 2022, only **** nal and Manchester City have won more points in the Premier League than the Spaniard's team. While Emery took over a side that was fighting the threat of relegation at the time, Villa is now considered one of English soccer's strongest outfits.
This summer, however, has been one of fundamental change at Villa Park. Youri Tielemans left to join Manchester United with Chelsea moving to land Morgan Rogers for a fee of $157m, making the attacking midfielder the most expensive English player in Premier League history.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Morgan Rogers of Chelsea during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Lucas Digne left to sign for Paris Saint-Germain with Emi Martinez and Ollie Watkins potentially on their way out of Villa Park as well. This summer has been Aston Villa's most challenging in the four years since Emery took over. The club's squad now is very different to the one that finished the 2025/26 season.
#villa #aston #emery #Chelsea
Since Unai Emery's appointment as Aston Villa manager in October 2022, only **** nal and Manchester City have won more points in the Premier League than the Spaniard's team. While Emery took over a side that was fighting the threat of relegation at the time, Villa is now considered one of English soccer's strongest outfits.
This summer, however, has been one of fundamental change at Villa Park. Youri Tielemans left to join Manchester United with Chelsea moving to land Morgan Rogers for a fee of $157m, making the attacking midfielder the most expensive English player in Premier League history.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Morgan Rogers of Chelsea during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Lucas Digne left to sign for Paris Saint-Germain with Emi Martinez and Ollie Watkins potentially on their way out of Villa Park as well. This summer has been Aston Villa's most challenging in the four years since Emery took over. The club's squad now is very different to the one that finished the 2025/26 season.
#villa #aston #emery #Chelsea
21 days ago
Tonight, Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are set to take on Coupe de France winners RC Lens in the French curtain-raiser. Luis Enrique's PSG have already collected one trophy this week, beating Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup.
Nuno Mendes picked up a knock during the match against Villa on Wednesday, and should be replaced in the line-up by new signing Lucas Digne. The France international was left on the bench against his former team, but will likely be handed his debut tonight.
Yesterday, PSG completed a double signing for Ferran Torres from Barcelona and Mika Godts from Ajax. Of the two, Godts could debut off the bench, while L'Équipe writes that Torres will be rested and has been left out of the matchday squad.
Matvey Safonov; Lucas Digne, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, Warren Zaïre-Emery; Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, Senny Mayulu; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Maghnes Akliouche. (L'Éq)
GFFN | Nick Hartland
#lucas #digne
Nuno Mendes picked up a knock during the match against Villa on Wednesday, and should be replaced in the line-up by new signing Lucas Digne. The France international was left on the bench against his former team, but will likely be handed his debut tonight.
Yesterday, PSG completed a double signing for Ferran Torres from Barcelona and Mika Godts from Ajax. Of the two, Godts could debut off the bench, while L'Équipe writes that Torres will be rested and has been left out of the matchday squad.
Matvey Safonov; Lucas Digne, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, Warren Zaïre-Emery; Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, Senny Mayulu; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Maghnes Akliouche. (L'Éq)
GFFN | Nick Hartland
#lucas #digne
25 days ago
Villa supporters were queuing for a boat trip on the Salzach river this morning while many gathered around Makartsteg Bridge in the middle of Salzbug.
The club had a ticket allocation of just under 7,000 for Wednesday's Super Cup against PSG.
The belief behind Unai Emery is unwavering, despite a summer of change which has seen Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne depart.
Add to that a shift in Emery's backroom team, with ***** istant Paco Ayestaran and key set-piece coach Austin McPhee, who has joined Chelsea, among those to have left.
But Emery remains, vital to Villa's hopes having dragged them from a relegation battle to Europa League winners in three-and-a-half years.
#salzbug
The club had a ticket allocation of just under 7,000 for Wednesday's Super Cup against PSG.
The belief behind Unai Emery is unwavering, despite a summer of change which has seen Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne depart.
Add to that a shift in Emery's backroom team, with ***** istant Paco Ayestaran and key set-piece coach Austin McPhee, who has joined Chelsea, among those to have left.
But Emery remains, vital to Villa's hopes having dragged them from a relegation battle to Europa League winners in three-and-a-half years.
#salzbug
26 days ago
Aston Villa are set to sign Atletico Madrid left-back Matteo Ruggeri, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Villains have agreed a deal worth €25 million plus another €1.5m in bonuses. He will travel for medicals this week if the papers were submitted in recent hours.
Villa needed a new left-back following the departure of Lucas Digne this summer, and Ruggeri emerged as a top target.
Ruggeri caught the eye in 26 La Liga appearances last term, creating five big chances, winning 59 percent of his aerial and 38% of his ground duels while helping to keep five clean sheets.
Aston Villa are preparing for another competitive season on all fronts that starts with a UEFA Super Cup showdown with Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain today.
#left #atletico
The Villains have agreed a deal worth €25 million plus another €1.5m in bonuses. He will travel for medicals this week if the papers were submitted in recent hours.
Villa needed a new left-back following the departure of Lucas Digne this summer, and Ruggeri emerged as a top target.
Ruggeri caught the eye in 26 La Liga appearances last term, creating five big chances, winning 59 percent of his aerial and 38% of his ground duels while helping to keep five clean sheets.
Aston Villa are preparing for another competitive season on all fronts that starts with a UEFA Super Cup showdown with Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain today.
#left #atletico
26 days ago
Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa kick off the European season this Wednesday, August 12, at Salzburg's Red Bull Arena in Austria, where they will contest the UEFA Super Cup final. The clash pits the reigning two-time Champions League winners against the English side in a high-stakes showdown.
In the pre-match press conference, Luis Enrique made clear the Parisian side's highest ambition for the 2026/27 campaign.
After winning the last two editions of the Champions League, the Spanish coach stressed that the squad is chasing an unprecedented feat in the modern format: winning a third straight European Cup to match Real Madrid's historic record. In addition, the occasion could mark Lucas Digne's debut against his former team.
For his part, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery acknowledged the French side's favoritism and did not hesitate to describe Luis Enrique as "the best coach in the world."
#villa
In the pre-match press conference, Luis Enrique made clear the Parisian side's highest ambition for the 2026/27 campaign.
After winning the last two editions of the Champions League, the Spanish coach stressed that the squad is chasing an unprecedented feat in the modern format: winning a third straight European Cup to match Real Madrid's historic record. In addition, the occasion could mark Lucas Digne's debut against his former team.
For his part, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery acknowledged the French side's favoritism and did not hesitate to describe Luis Enrique as "the best coach in the world."
#villa
28 days ago
Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a three-year deal, the European champions announced Sunday.
The 33-year-old French international, who grew up in the Paris region, returns to PSG, where he played for two seasons between 2013 and 2015.
"I am very honoured to be returning to Paris Saint-Germain," Digne said in a statement on the Ligue 1 champions' website.
"I am particularly impressed by how the club has developed over the years.
"I can't wait to start this new chapter and put all my experience at the service of the team."
#digne #germain #year #lucas
The 33-year-old French international, who grew up in the Paris region, returns to PSG, where he played for two seasons between 2013 and 2015.
"I am very honoured to be returning to Paris Saint-Germain," Digne said in a statement on the Ligue 1 champions' website.
"I am particularly impressed by how the club has developed over the years.
"I can't wait to start this new chapter and put all my experience at the service of the team."
#digne #germain #year #lucas
28 days ago
After Maghnes Akliouche, who arrived from AS Monaco earlier this week, Paris Saint-Germain made official this Sunday evening the signing of another French international: Lucas Digne.
The 33-year-old full-back is making his big return to the French capital, exactly ten years after leaving it. Aston Villa will receive around €7 million for the transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Digne leaves Aston Villa four years after joining from Everton. After winning the Europa League last season, he is now joining another European champion club.
A curious quirk of the schedule: he could play in the UEFA Super Cup against his former team this Wednesday, as his first training session with PSG is scheduled for this Monday.
During his first spell at PSG, Lucas Digne won Ligue 1 twice, the Trophée des Champions three times, the Coupe de la Ligue twice, and the Coupe de France once.
#aston #villa #ligue
The 33-year-old full-back is making his big return to the French capital, exactly ten years after leaving it. Aston Villa will receive around €7 million for the transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Digne leaves Aston Villa four years after joining from Everton. After winning the Europa League last season, he is now joining another European champion club.
A curious quirk of the schedule: he could play in the UEFA Super Cup against his former team this Wednesday, as his first training session with PSG is scheduled for this Monday.
During his first spell at PSG, Lucas Digne won Ligue 1 twice, the Trophée des Champions three times, the Coupe de la Ligue twice, and the Coupe de France once.
#aston #villa #ligue
28 days ago
PSG have signed Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne (33), both clubs have announced. The back-to-back Champions League winners have triggered Digne's release clause, which was valued at €10m. The 33-year-old is making a return to the French capital after spending two seasons at PSG between 2013 and 2015. Digne will also reunite with Luis Enrique, after the latter coached the former at FC Barcelona ten years ago.
Digne has signed a three-year deal with PSG. The France international left-back is expected to act as Nuno Mendes' back-up in the French capital, with Lucas Hernandez shifting to a centre-back role. Digne leaves Aston Villa as an Europa League winner. He joined the Birmingham-based club in 2022 from Premier League rivals Everton to make 182 appearances with Villa.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
#back #french
Digne has signed a three-year deal with PSG. The France international left-back is expected to act as Nuno Mendes' back-up in the French capital, with Lucas Hernandez shifting to a centre-back role. Digne leaves Aston Villa as an Europa League winner. He joined the Birmingham-based club in 2022 from Premier League rivals Everton to make 182 appearances with Villa.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
#back #french
1 month ago
Per reports in Spain and England on Tuesday, Aston Villa are interested in bringing Matteo Ruggeri to the Premier League, and the Atlético de Madrid left-back is contemplating whether to accept an offer from the Birmingham-based club or hold out for a return to Serie A.
First advanced by Isaac Suárez in Marca, Aston Villa's interest in Ruggeri comes two weeks after the player's agent declared that his client was going nowhere this summer, even after Atlético completed the signing of Spain international Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen. Tullio Tinti and Manuel Montipó, Ruggeri's representatives, were present Tuesday at Atleti's training session in Majadahonda, where the 24-year-old worked with the substitutes and Madrileño players instead of the starting team.
Suárez describes the negotiations as fast-moving, and Villa want to sign the player "immediately." He claims that a transfer could be done "in the next few hours," which in reality means "sometime in the next few days."
Ruggeri had an uneven debut season in Madrid after Atleti signed him from Atalanta last year. After a difficult start, he found form in January and ended the season with seven ****** ists across 47 appearances in all competitions. But according to The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell, Ruggeri first the "physical profile of left-back" that Villa manager Unai Emery wants, as veteran Lucas Digne is set to join Paris Saint-Germain in the coming days. Emery's preferred target reportedly is Milan's Pervis Estupiñán, but negotiations for his former Villarreal pupil have not progressed.
It is not yet known how much money Villa are offering to sign Ruggeri. But seeing as he has four years left on his contract and was signed initially for around €20 million, the chances are good that Atlético will turn a profit by selling Ruggeri to England. With Grimaldo soon to join following his post-World Cup holiday, the club views Ruggeri's sale as necessary to make further additions to the team — including the much-desired signing of a center-back.
#ruggeri #spain #england
First advanced by Isaac Suárez in Marca, Aston Villa's interest in Ruggeri comes two weeks after the player's agent declared that his client was going nowhere this summer, even after Atlético completed the signing of Spain international Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen. Tullio Tinti and Manuel Montipó, Ruggeri's representatives, were present Tuesday at Atleti's training session in Majadahonda, where the 24-year-old worked with the substitutes and Madrileño players instead of the starting team.
Suárez describes the negotiations as fast-moving, and Villa want to sign the player "immediately." He claims that a transfer could be done "in the next few hours," which in reality means "sometime in the next few days."
Ruggeri had an uneven debut season in Madrid after Atleti signed him from Atalanta last year. After a difficult start, he found form in January and ended the season with seven ****** ists across 47 appearances in all competitions. But according to The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell, Ruggeri first the "physical profile of left-back" that Villa manager Unai Emery wants, as veteran Lucas Digne is set to join Paris Saint-Germain in the coming days. Emery's preferred target reportedly is Milan's Pervis Estupiñán, but negotiations for his former Villarreal pupil have not progressed.
It is not yet known how much money Villa are offering to sign Ruggeri. But seeing as he has four years left on his contract and was signed initially for around €20 million, the chances are good that Atlético will turn a profit by selling Ruggeri to England. With Grimaldo soon to join following his post-World Cup holiday, the club views Ruggeri's sale as necessary to make further additions to the team — including the much-desired signing of a center-back.
#ruggeri #spain #england
1 month ago
Newcastle United have walked out of the race to sign Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie (20) with their Premier League rivals Sunderland AFC now the clear favourites to sign the France U21 international, according to The Guardian. The Black Cats, who are set to compete in the UEFA Europa League next season, have already secured an agreement on personal terms with Methalie over a five-year contract, as reported yesterday by RMC.
The 20-year-old is billed as one of the best French prospects in the left-back role, with a senior France bow expected in a few years with Lucas Digne and Théo Hernandez entering the twilight of their career. Methalie has been extensively scouted by Eddie Howe's Magpies, but the latter have opted against submitting a bid this summer. Aston Villa also enquired about the Toulouse left-back.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
#back #newcastle #united
The 20-year-old is billed as one of the best French prospects in the left-back role, with a senior France bow expected in a few years with Lucas Digne and Théo Hernandez entering the twilight of their career. Methalie has been extensively scouted by Eddie Howe's Magpies, but the latter have opted against submitting a bid this summer. Aston Villa also enquired about the Toulouse left-back.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
#back #newcastle #united
2 months ago
Unai Emery has transformed Aston Villa once. The question now is whether he can do it again.
Emery has got Villa to overperform for most of his three-and-a-half years in charge but has to cope with a summer of change at Villa Park. That has already begun and more is expected.
Villa have sold Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117m - a record move for an English player - a week after Youri Tielemans joined Manchester United.
Lucas Digne is expected to join Paris St-Germain and Villa could still have their resolve tested by **** nal for Ezri Konsa.
Despite these squad changes, Villa will still be seeking another top-four finish next season - when the Premier League landscape looks certain to be a lot different from last season.
#still
Emery has got Villa to overperform for most of his three-and-a-half years in charge but has to cope with a summer of change at Villa Park. That has already begun and more is expected.
Villa have sold Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117m - a record move for an English player - a week after Youri Tielemans joined Manchester United.
Lucas Digne is expected to join Paris St-Germain and Villa could still have their resolve tested by **** nal for Ezri Konsa.
Despite these squad changes, Villa will still be seeking another top-four finish next season - when the Premier League landscape looks certain to be a lot different from last season.
#still
2 months ago
Spain are within touching distance of glory. Luis de la Fuente's side beat France convincingly 2-0 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington and booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final after a display of character, footballing quality and competitive maturity.
La Roja once again got the better of one of the main favourites for the ******* le in a hugely demanding match. France tried to set the tempo early on, but Spain soon took control of possession and the midfield. Lamine Yamal's pace proved decisive in breaking the deadlock: the winger won a penalty after a challenge from Lucas Digne and Mikel Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot to put Spain ahead before half-time.
With the advantage on the scoreboard, the Spanish team showedthe composure that has been the hallmark of their whole campaign**.** Rodri and Fabián Ruiz ran the show in the middle of the park, while an impeccably disciplined defence neutralised Mbappé and France's powerful attacking unit. France tried to react after the interval but ran into a consistently solid Spain side, leaving keeper Unai Simón virtually untested.
The decisive blow came in the second half, when Dani Olmo threaded a superb pass into the path of Pedro Porro, who surged forward from full-back with a striker's instinct to beat Mike Maignan and make it 2-0, leaving the reigning World Cup runners-up reeling.
The changes made by Didier Deschamps failed to alter the script. Spain managed their lead intelligently, moved the ball patiently and barely allowed chances to a subdued France, unable to find ******* e against the tactical discipline of De la Fuente's side.
La Roja once again got the better of one of the main favourites for the ******* le in a hugely demanding match. France tried to set the tempo early on, but Spain soon took control of possession and the midfield. Lamine Yamal's pace proved decisive in breaking the deadlock: the winger won a penalty after a challenge from Lucas Digne and Mikel Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot to put Spain ahead before half-time.
With the advantage on the scoreboard, the Spanish team showedthe composure that has been the hallmark of their whole campaign**.** Rodri and Fabián Ruiz ran the show in the middle of the park, while an impeccably disciplined defence neutralised Mbappé and France's powerful attacking unit. France tried to react after the interval but ran into a consistently solid Spain side, leaving keeper Unai Simón virtually untested.
The decisive blow came in the second half, when Dani Olmo threaded a superb pass into the path of Pedro Porro, who surged forward from full-back with a striker's instinct to beat Mike Maignan and make it 2-0, leaving the reigning World Cup runners-up reeling.
The changes made by Didier Deschamps failed to alter the script. Spain managed their lead intelligently, moved the ball patiently and barely allowed chances to a subdued France, unable to find ******* e against the tactical discipline of De la Fuente's side.
2 months ago
Tottenham's Pedro Porro scored the second goal to seal a 2-0 win and send Spain through to the World Cup final with a convincing semi-final victory over favourites France at Dallas Stadium.
Luis de la Fuente's side blunted a France team brimming with attacking talent, controlled a game of few chances and will deservedly take their place in Sunday's showpiece thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the first half after a lapse from France left-back Lucas Digne resulted in him giving forward Lamine Yamal an unceremonious wallop as he tried to clear the ball.
The spot-kick was confidently thumped into the corner by Oyarzabal and with a lead to defend, Spain's control of the match only grew.
After a below-par first-half, France were expected to come out fighting but it was an increasingly confident Spain who seized the upper hand once more as Porro played a lovely one-two with Dani Olmo before slotting in the second at the near post.
Luis de la Fuente's side blunted a France team brimming with attacking talent, controlled a game of few chances and will deservedly take their place in Sunday's showpiece thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the first half after a lapse from France left-back Lucas Digne resulted in him giving forward Lamine Yamal an unceremonious wallop as he tried to clear the ball.
The spot-kick was confidently thumped into the corner by Oyarzabal and with a lead to defend, Spain's control of the match only grew.
After a below-par first-half, France were expected to come out fighting but it was an increasingly confident Spain who seized the upper hand once more as Porro played a lovely one-two with Dani Olmo before slotting in the second at the near post.
2 months ago
After largely dominating the World Cup, France hit a wall in Tuesday's semifinal in a 2-0 loss to a Spain team that has allowed just a single goal in seven World Cup games.
Spain's defense locked up French stars Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé while getting a goal in each half to advance to Sunday's final. Spain's first goal arrived via a borderline penalty in which Lamine Yamal drew contact in the box from Lucas Digne while he didn't have possession of the ball.
After the game, France coach Didier Deschamps was asked about the officiating, and he was clearly displeased with the decision.
"Now, I'm asking you, and I'm not going to answer it," Deschamps said, via translation from French. "I don't want to come across as a whiner because we lost, but did tonight's referee have the level to officiate a World Cup semifinal?
When asked a follow-up, Deschamps said that he wasn't just displeased with the critical first-half penalty.
Spain's defense locked up French stars Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé while getting a goal in each half to advance to Sunday's final. Spain's first goal arrived via a borderline penalty in which Lamine Yamal drew contact in the box from Lucas Digne while he didn't have possession of the ball.
After the game, France coach Didier Deschamps was asked about the officiating, and he was clearly displeased with the decision.
"Now, I'm asking you, and I'm not going to answer it," Deschamps said, via translation from French. "I don't want to come across as a whiner because we lost, but did tonight's referee have the level to officiate a World Cup semifinal?
When asked a follow-up, Deschamps said that he wasn't just displeased with the critical first-half penalty.
2 months ago
European champions Spain reached the World Cup final with a ruthlessly efficient 2-0 triumph over France on Tuesday and can now dream in earnest of winning the ***** le for a second time.
Mikel Oyarzabal converted a 22nd-minute penalty awarded for a foul by Lucas Digne against Lamine Yamal, and Pedro Porro fired the second in the 58th after a one-two with Dani Olmo.
Yamal thought he had curled a superb third the day after his 19th birthday, only to be marginally offside.
But it didn't matter as La Roja kept a sixth clean sheet in their seventh match of the tournament, in which they have only conceded once, as they all but completely contained France's formidable strike force led by Kylian Mbappé.
It was Spain's third semi-final win in a row over their northern neighbours, having beaten them 2-1 in the same round at Euro 2024 and 5-4 at the 2025 Nations League.
Mikel Oyarzabal converted a 22nd-minute penalty awarded for a foul by Lucas Digne against Lamine Yamal, and Pedro Porro fired the second in the 58th after a one-two with Dani Olmo.
Yamal thought he had curled a superb third the day after his 19th birthday, only to be marginally offside.
But it didn't matter as La Roja kept a sixth clean sheet in their seventh match of the tournament, in which they have only conceded once, as they all but completely contained France's formidable strike force led by Kylian Mbappé.
It was Spain's third semi-final win in a row over their northern neighbours, having beaten them 2-1 in the same round at Euro 2024 and 5-4 at the 2025 Nations League.
2 months ago
European champions Spain reached the World Cup final with a ruthlessly efficient 2-0 triumph over France on Tuesday and can now dream in earnest of winning the ******* le for a second time.
Mikel Oyarzabal converted a 22nd-minute penalty awarded for a foul by Lucas Digne against Lamine Yamal, and Pedro Porro fired the second in the 58th after a one-two with Dani Olmo.
La Roja kept a sixth clean sheet in their seventh match of the tournament, in which they have only conceded once, as they all but completely contained France's formidable strike force led by Kylian Mbappé.
In the final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, La Roja will face either ******* le holders Argentina or England in what would be a rematch of the Euro 2024 final.
The Argentina v England semi-final is on Wednesday in Atlanta.
Mikel Oyarzabal converted a 22nd-minute penalty awarded for a foul by Lucas Digne against Lamine Yamal, and Pedro Porro fired the second in the 58th after a one-two with Dani Olmo.
La Roja kept a sixth clean sheet in their seventh match of the tournament, in which they have only conceded once, as they all but completely contained France's formidable strike force led by Kylian Mbappé.
In the final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, La Roja will face either ******* le holders Argentina or England in what would be a rematch of the Euro 2024 final.
The Argentina v England semi-final is on Wednesday in Atlanta.
2 months ago
The largest Barcelona contingent in World Cup 2026 will play for the biggest ******* le in sports as Spain clinched a spot in Sunday’s Final thanks to a comprehensive 2-0 win over France in Tuesday’s semi-final in Dallas. La Roja saved their best for last and played a spectacular team game against the tournament favorites, thoroughly dominating Les Bleus from start to finish in a true footballing lesson.
Spain established their superiority from the very beginning, dominating the ball, controlling midfield thanks to exceptional performances from Rodri and Fabián Ruiz, and creating danger in the final third with Dani Olmo playing at a very high level.
France offered zero actual threat and their entire frontline played well below their usual standards, and Spain took a deserved lead when Lamine Yamal was kicked by Lucas Digne inside the box and Mikel Oyarzabal scored a great penalty.
La Roja’s superiority continued into the second half as Rodri and Fabián increased their dominance and France’s threat was totally nullified. Spain deserved a second goal and got it thanks to a wonderful ******* ist by Olmo and a perfect finish from Pedro Porro, and the win was all but secured.
Yamal was a terror on the right wing all game and scored a brilliant goal that was ruled out for a minor offside, but Spain remained in control and were able to sustain the late French pressure that resulted in some good moments but never came close to threatening Unai Simón in the Spanish goal.
Spain established their superiority from the very beginning, dominating the ball, controlling midfield thanks to exceptional performances from Rodri and Fabián Ruiz, and creating danger in the final third with Dani Olmo playing at a very high level.
France offered zero actual threat and their entire frontline played well below their usual standards, and Spain took a deserved lead when Lamine Yamal was kicked by Lucas Digne inside the box and Mikel Oyarzabal scored a great penalty.
La Roja’s superiority continued into the second half as Rodri and Fabián increased their dominance and France’s threat was totally nullified. Spain deserved a second goal and got it thanks to a wonderful ******* ist by Olmo and a perfect finish from Pedro Porro, and the win was all but secured.
Yamal was a terror on the right wing all game and scored a brilliant goal that was ruled out for a minor offside, but Spain remained in control and were able to sustain the late French pressure that resulted in some good moments but never came close to threatening Unai Simón in the Spanish goal.
2 months ago
Why Spain received penalty kick after bad Lucas Digne foul on Lamine Yamal in France semifinal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Spain and France kicked off the World Cup semifinals on Tuesday afternoon, and it was France that made the first big mistake.
Lamine Yamal successfully drew a penalty kick in France's box by challenging the defense on a 50-50 ball. Spain has been stingy on defense all tournament, allowing just one goal in six games, so every goal for the team means that much more.
While defenders often question foul calls, there didn't seem to be much debate that Lamine Yamal was fouled right before the hydration break. France hadn't trailed all tournament, but quickly faced a 1-0 deficit because of the defensive mistake.
Here's why Spain was awarded a penalty kick in the first half against France.
Spain and France kicked off the World Cup semifinals on Tuesday afternoon, and it was France that made the first big mistake.
Lamine Yamal successfully drew a penalty kick in France's box by challenging the defense on a 50-50 ball. Spain has been stingy on defense all tournament, allowing just one goal in six games, so every goal for the team means that much more.
While defenders often question foul calls, there didn't seem to be much debate that Lamine Yamal was fouled right before the hydration break. France hadn't trailed all tournament, but quickly faced a 1-0 deficit because of the defensive mistake.
Here's why Spain was awarded a penalty kick in the first half against France.
2 months ago
30’ — Injury substitution for France. William Saliba down with apparent non-contact injury. Maxence Lacroix on in in his stead.
23’ — GOOOOOAL! Spain strike! Mikel Oyarzabal makes no mistake from the spot. France in an early hole.
20’ — Penalty Spain! Lucas Digne receives in the box by heading it to himself, then turning around to whip it. Unfortunately he only catches Lamine Yamal and conceded an early penalty for Spain!
Lineups are out!
France: Maignan; Koundé – Upamecano – Saliba – Digne; Tchouaméni – Rabiot; Dembélé – Olise – Barcola; Mbappé
23’ — GOOOOOAL! Spain strike! Mikel Oyarzabal makes no mistake from the spot. France in an early hole.
20’ — Penalty Spain! Lucas Digne receives in the box by heading it to himself, then turning around to whip it. Unfortunately he only catches Lamine Yamal and conceded an early penalty for Spain!
Lineups are out!
France: Maignan; Koundé – Upamecano – Saliba – Digne; Tchouaméni – Rabiot; Dembélé – Olise – Barcola; Mbappé
2 months ago
Roof at Dallas Stadium closed with thundery showers forecast
Oyarzabal scores from spot after Yamal fouled by Digne
"Spain have tools to beat France" - World Cup winner Leboeuf
Winner will face either England or Argentina in final
Oyarzabal penalty gives Spain lead against France in semi-final
Oyarzabal scores from spot after Yamal fouled by Digne
"Spain have tools to beat France" - World Cup winner Leboeuf
Winner will face either England or Argentina in final
Oyarzabal penalty gives Spain lead against France in semi-final
2 months ago
Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne (32), according to information from the Daily Mail Sport.
Talks regarding a potential transfer for the left-back are even said to have begun. Under contract with the Villans until 2028, Digne is seen as a suitable alternative to provide competition for Nuno Mendes (24), but also as a genuine bargain, given that the Frenchman is said to have a release clause of around €10m.
Should he move to Paris, the Meaux-born player would return to familiar surroundings, having made 44 appearances for PSG between 2013 and 2016. It would be a return to his roots for the 32-year-old, who has spent the last four seasons at Aston Villa, where he established himself as a key player in Unai Emery’s squad and played a major part in winning the Europa League last season.
Competing with Ian Maatsen (24) throughout 2025-26, Digne nevertheless made a total of 44 appearances across all competitions and recorded no fewer than seven ******* ists.
GFFN | Léo Aschi
Talks regarding a potential transfer for the left-back are even said to have begun. Under contract with the Villans until 2028, Digne is seen as a suitable alternative to provide competition for Nuno Mendes (24), but also as a genuine bargain, given that the Frenchman is said to have a release clause of around €10m.
Should he move to Paris, the Meaux-born player would return to familiar surroundings, having made 44 appearances for PSG between 2013 and 2016. It would be a return to his roots for the 32-year-old, who has spent the last four seasons at Aston Villa, where he established himself as a key player in Unai Emery’s squad and played a major part in winning the Europa League last season.
Competing with Ian Maatsen (24) throughout 2025-26, Digne nevertheless made a total of 44 appearances across all competitions and recorded no fewer than seven ******* ists.
GFFN | Léo Aschi