Aston Villa chiefs Unai Emery and Monchi made moves to bolster the squad in the recent January transfer window ahead of the second half of the season.

The Villans brought in Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia on permanent deals from Borussia Dortmund and Levante respectively, to improve their options up front and at full-back.

They also swooped to sign Marcus Rashford, Axel Disasi, and Marco Asensio on loan from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.

How Aston Villa's January signings have performed

Malen, who was not included in the club’s squad list for the Champions League, has failed to register a goal or an assist in seven appearances in all competitions for Villa so far, starting just one of his six league matches.

Disasi, however, has started all four of his appearances in the Premier League since his temporary switch from Chelsea, and Garcia has started four of his five outings in the league.

Rashford, who joined on loan from United, has registered four assists, including the one in the clip above, in his last six matches for the Villans in all competitions.

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The standout performer for Villa, out of all of the January recruits, has been PSG loanee Asensio, who has hit the ground running to make a big impact on the pitch.

Aston Villa's £59m-rated star in the making

Aston Villa have already hit the jackpot with the loan star because the Spain international has racked up seven goals in eight games for the club to date, including three goals in two Champions League clashes with Club Brugge.

The 29-year-old wizard’s performances for Villa and PSG over the past year have also earned him a comparison to Manchester City’s £59m signing Omar Marmoush.

As you can see in the chart above, both players excel at scoring goals, creating chances, and progressing the play for their respective teams from a wide or central attacking position.

Asensio, who scored two goals and provided four assists in eight Ligue 1 starts in the first half of the season for PSG, moved to the Premier League at the same time as Marmoush in January, and has enjoyed a similar impact at the top end of the pitch.

24/25 Premier League

Marco Asensio

Omar Marmoush

Appearances (starts)

4 (2)

6 (5)

xG

1.43

1.05

Goals

2

3

Assists

0

0

Pass accuracy

86%

83%

Dribble success rate

75%

20%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, they have both offered a decent goal threat to their respective clubs in the top-flight since January, whilst being reliable with their use of the ball.

This shows that Villa have already hit the jackpot by signing the Spanish star, who has been described as a “mentality monster” by Matty Cash, because he has made an instant impact on the pitch, playing a pivotal role in their win over Club Brugge to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

TEAMtalk recently reported that Villa are in talks over an £18m deal to sign the 29-year-old ace permanently, which could also represent them hitting gold as his statistics for the club – and for PSG over the past year – suggest that he can be as effective as a £59m-rated star.

Therefore, Monchi and Emery could secure a £59m-rated star in the making by landing the PSG outcast for a fee of just £18m, which seems like a bargain based on his form since his temporary switch.

Related Stronger than McGinn: Aston Villa racing Real Madrid to sign "superb" teen

He’s one to watch…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Mar 14, 2025

Allrounder Mitchell Marsh is also recalled but Lance Morris has been ruled out through injury

Andrew McGlashan18-Apr-20235:28

Moody: It’s going to be a challenge for Warner, others to deal with the Duke ball

Matt Renshaw, Marcus Harris and Mitchell Marsh have earned places in Australia’s squad for the first two Ashes Tests and could also feature in the World Test Championship final against India.The selectors named a 17-player group on Wednesday which will cover the WTC decider at The Oval from June 7 and the opening two matches of the Ashes although the squad to face India will need to be trimmed to 15 by May 28.The Ashes party will then be reassessed after the Lord’s Test with changes possible for the last three matches at Headingley, Old Trafford and The Oval depending on how the series is poised.Related

Too much cricket? Yes, but Labuschagne gets his 'routine and rhythm' from it

Renshaw's moment of clarity on way to Ashes tour selection

Back injury ends Lance Morris' Ashes dream, IPL key for Josh Hazlewood

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Renshaw scores another hundred to strengthen Ashes chances

Lance Morris, one of the fastest bowlers in Australia, has been ruled out through a back injury which requires at least six weeks rest. He had been due to have a short spell with Northamptonshire next month. Michael Neser, whose skills would seem ideally suited to English conditions, has been overlooked although will be playing county cricket for Glamorgan.From the players who toured India, Ashton Agar, Peter Handscomb, Mitchell Swepson and Matt Kuhnemann have not been included. The uncapped Josh Inglis will provide wicketkeeping back-up to Alex Carey. Cameron Bancroft, by a large margin the leading run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield season, has missed out.”The UK is a very different assignment from our most recent tour of India and some of the changes are based upon the conditions we are anticipating,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “Marcus, Josh and Mitch return to the squad and provide valuable depth and flexibility within their respective skillsets.”We see value in revisiting the squad following the second Ashes Test given the short turnaround between the WTC final and the first Ashes Test, along with the length of the tour.”Eyes remain on David WarnerRenshaw was part of the India tour having been recalled against South Africa in Sydney but managed just four runs in his three innings where he batted in the middle order. He missed out on a central contract earlier this month but scored two centuries for Australia A in New Zealand where he returned to opening the batting in a series played with the Dukes ball to replicate English conditions.Mitch Marsh’s previous Test came during the 2019 Ashes•Getty Images”We like Matt Renshaw, think he provides good flexibility for us,” Bailey said. “We like the skillset he brings through the middle and we also know he can bat at the top.”The one thing we have found over a number of years, but certainly on the back of the Sri Lanka tour last year, is that it’s challenging to bring guys out of a winter where you aren’t playing any cricket then expect to try and perform if they are needed. Renners is having the winter off from being over in the UK [in county cricket] so important to have him there and get some cricket into him.”Along with Harris, who did earn a contract and is currently playing for Gloucestershire where he has started impressively, they give the selectors plenty of top-order candidates.While David Warner is set to face India in the WTC final, either of them would be in line to take his spot should form persuade the selectors that a change was needed against England.The future of Warner remains one of the focal points of this intense period of Test cricket for Australia as he returns to the scene of where he averaged just 9.50 in 2019. Both Bailey and head coach Andrew McDonald have previously stopped short of endorsing Warner for a full Ashes series with Bailey again indicating that selection against England would be viewed differently to India.”Not specifically to Dave, but we’ll just get through that Test Championship,” Bailey said. “We’ll be planning behind the scenes but we’ll have a look at what that looks like as we get there. Different opposition and different surface in terms of going from The Oval to start the Ashes. So we’ll work through that.”Getty ImagesBack-up for Cameron GreenMarsh’s recall provides as close to like-for-like cover that is available for Cameron Green. He was in fine form during last month’s ODI series against India and has since returned to bowling in the IPL after his ankle surgery. His last Test was against England at The Oval in the 2019 Ashes where he claimed a five-wicket haul.”Not having Greeny during part of the India series highlighted to us the value of having that as a back-up,” Bailey said. “Mitch has performed well in the UK in the past and we think he can add some real value.”Intriguingly, Bailey did not rule out the two playing in the same side. “That’s a potential, absolutely,” he said. “It would be exciting times if you could start to squeeze two or three allrounders into your top six of they were batting well enough.Offspinner Todd Murphy, who was outstanding in his debut series against India, will tour as the understudy to Nathan Lyon.Without Neser and Morris in the squad (Jhye Richardson was also not in contention due to injury) it means there are four specialist quicks for the first part of the tour – captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland. With six Tests in under two months it is expected that there will be some rotation among the pace attack. Hazlewood is still making his way back from the Achilles injury which ended his India tour and will use the IPL as part of his return to action.Australia squad for WTC final* and first two Ashes Tests Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner
*Final WTC squad to be cut to 15

The Argentine superstar was voted Major League Soccer Player of the Matchday for Matchday 16

• Messi's award marks his first Player of the Matchday award in 2025 season
• Argentine legend now has seven total Player of the Matchday in MLS
• Three goal contributions make him first Inter Miami player with 50 regular season goal contributions

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED

  Lionel Messi delivered a standout performance in Inter Miami's 4-2 victory over CF Montréal on Wednesday evening, scoring two goals and providing an assist to end his team's four-match winless streak. The Argentine opened the scoring with a left-footed strike from outside the box in the 27th minute, assisted on another goal, and then capped his performance with a sublime chip in the 87th minute after a give-and-go with Luis Suárez. This display earned Messi his first Player of the Matchday award of the 2025 season and his seventh overall since joining MLS.

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  The recognition continues to cement Messi's dominance in MLS, coming after a historic 2024 season when he won the weekly honor six times, tying the league record for most Player of the Matchday awards in a player's first full season. Not only that, his performance makes him the first player in club history to reach 50 goal contributions in regular-season play, achieving the milestone in just 37 games with 29 goals and 21 assists.

  Messi now has eight goals and three assists this season.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  Inter Miami will look to build on this momentum when they host the Columbus Crew on May 31 at Chase Stadium. With Messi in peak form, scoring in back-to-back games for the fourth time across all competitions this year, will aim to continue their climb up the Eastern Conference standings before shifting focus to their historic Club World Cup appearance in mid-June.

Cordelia Griffiths half-century a lone hand in Sunrisers’ failed chase

ESPNcricinfo staff18-May-2023

Amy Jones provided the ignition for Central Sparks•Getty Images

Amy Jones and Grace Potts proved the gamechangers for Central Sparks as they beat Sunrisers by 23 runs at Chelmsford in the opening game of the 2023 Charlotte Edwards Cup.England wicketkeeper Jones held Sparks together with a swashbuckling 51 from 34 balls out of a score of 137 all out after they were invited to bat first. Kelly Castle and Mady Villiers kept the rest of the Sparks line-up in check, the former taking two wickets in successive balls.Potts (2-13) though proved impossible to get away during the Sunrisers reply and despite a classy half-century from Cordelia Griffith the hosts, who were without oversea ace Dane Van Niekerk because of illness, came up short, Emily Arlott cleaning up the tail.Sunrisers got early joy after deciding to field with Davina Perrin trapped in front for a duck from the last ball of Kate Coppack’s opening over.Eve Jones threatened briefly, scoring all the first 15 runs off the bat before missing a horrible short ball from Grace Scrivens which crashed into the stumps and Australian allrounder Erin Burns failed to make the most of being dropped on 1 when stumped by Amara Carr off the impressive Castle.And when Ami Campbell was castled by Villiers Sparks’ flame was in danger of being snuffed out at 59 for 4. Amy Jones though stood firm, feasting on some short offerings with savage pulls square of the wicket as well as driving crisply through the covers.At 94 for 4 a big score looked on, but Castle returned to have Abbey Freeborn stumped by Carr, before yorking Katie George with the next ball, leaving Arlott to prevent the hat-trick.Jones moved serenely to 50 only to hole out at mid-off to the very next ball from Villiers after which the tail scrambled to 137.The hosts looked to Scrivens for a solid start, but the teenager went early, striking one from Potts into the midriff of George at midwicket.George then had a mixed over ball in hand, producing a trio of wides before Lissy Macleod despatched her twice to the fence. George though had the last laugh having Macleod taken at the second attempt down the leg-side by Amy Jones from one that flicked the glove.Potts turned the screw a little tighter with three overs off the reel in the powerplay to put Sunrisers behind the clock.Griffith took up the chase to strike England speedster Issy Wong first over midwicket and then through mid-off for successive boundaries. Georgia Davis was similarly despatched through cover and when George returned to the attack, she was cut to the fence at third twice in successive balls.In need of a wicket, Sparks summoned the miserly Potts back to the bowling crease and she delivered, trapping Carr plumb in front, and Villiers didn’t entertain us for long, swinging one from Burns into the hands of George at cow corner.The double strike caused the rate required to climb with 46 needed from the last five. Griffiths scampered two to reach 50 from 43 balls with six fours, but when she skied one to cover off the bowling of Arlott later in the over the task proved too much for the Sunrisers tail.

A Europa League club are now expected to sign a Leeds United player this summer, with a deal potentially set to amount to just £5m, according to a report.

Leeds' summer transfer plans

With promotion from the Championship now looking increasingly likely, Leeds have started to make plans for the summer transfer window, and they are looking to strengthen their squad in a number of different areas.

Amid doubts about Illan Meslier, there is a feeling the Whites could trigger the relegation release clause in Aaron Ramsdale’s Southampton contract, while they also “really like” Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi, who is now open to a move.

Should Daniel Farke’s side go all the way and achieve promotion to the Premier League, they could make a move to sign Tottenham Hotspur’s Manor Solomon on a permanent basis, with Southampton striker Cameron Archer also of interest.

10 goalkeepers Leeds could sign to replace Illan Meslier

The 49ers and Farke may want to replace the Frenchman in the summer.

2

By
Charlie Smith

Feb 25, 2025

If a return to the Premier League is secured, Farke will be tasked with strengthening his squad, which means there may have to be some departures to help fund the manager’s summer transfer business.

According to a report from SportBILD (via Sport Witness), Eintracht Frankfurt are now expected to sign Rasmus Kristensen on a permanent basis at the end of the season, at which point his loan spell at the German club comes to an end.

The Europa League side are planning for next season with Kristensen in mind, and there is a feeling they will be able to get a deal done on the cheap.

When Frankfurt initially agreed to sign the defender on loan, they agreed a purchase clause of €15m (£12m), but they are now hoping to sign him for around €6m (£5m).

Leeds United’s upcoming Championship fixtures	Date
West Bromwich Albion (h)	March 1st
Portsmouth (a)	March 9th
Millwall (h)	March 12th
Queens Park Rangers (a)	March 15th
Swansea City (h)	March 29th

Kristensen needs to move on

It would be fair to say the Dane struggled to make an impact at Elland Road, being dubbed a “League One defender” during his time with Leeds in the Premier League, but he has impressed since leaving on loan.

The 27-year-old was lauded as “incredible” by former AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho during his time in Italy, and he has since gone on to become an important player for Frankfurt, making 20 appearances in the Bundesliga this season.

Given that the right-back is flourishing in Germany, Leeds may be able to command a fee higher than £5m in the summer, which would provide the funds to strengthen other areas of the squad. However, the most important thing is to get him off the books.

If Kristensen’s previous performances in the Premier League are anything to go by, he will be little help for Leeds next season, at which point Farke’s side are likely to be back in the top flight, where avoiding relegation will be the aim.

Games against Portugal and Spain will be the final chances for players to stake their claim to be on the plane to Switzerland for Euro 2025

England's Lionesses are into the final international break before Sarina Wiegman names her squad for this summer's European Championship, meaning this is the last opportunity for all those in the frame to state their case to start, to be a regular impact substitute or perhaps just make the squad as the reigning continental champions look to defend their crown.

On Friday, England welcome Portugal to Wembley Stadium for the penultimate match of the Nations League group stage, before then travelling to Spain to take on the world champions. The Lionesses know that two wins from two will see them top the table and qualify for the competition's finals, which is a big goal for the team.

But underneath all of the permutations that will start to unfold for the Nations League, there is the Euros. Less than six weeks away now, players will be keen to use every moment in training and in games to impress Wiegman, who still has some big decisions to make – especially after Mary Earps' shock retirement was announced on Tuesday.

So who are the Lionesses that need to catch her eye in particular? GOAL picks out eight…

Getty ImagesAnna Moorhouse

The big story going into these England games is the shock news of Earps' retirement from international football with immediate effect. The Paris Saint-Germain star has been battling tooth and nail with Hannah Hampton to be the Lionesses' No.1 for this summer's Euros, and her absence from the squad basically confirms that the Chelsea star will start for her country in Switzerland.

But it also has an impact lower down the pecking order, as it opens up the gap for someone else to become the back-up behind Hampton. That might seem rather trivial, but anything could happen to make it less so.

In that race, there is little between Anna Moorhouse and Khiara Keating. The former is more experienced, as a 30-year-old who has played in three different countries and enjoyed serious success last season, when she helped the Orlando Pride win the NWSL Shield and Championship. But her limited exposure to the very highest level, and lack of a senior cap, means she is level-pegging with Keating going into this camp.

Could one of them get an opportunity to start? It seems unlikely – but it's hard not to imagine that Wiegman will be watching them both closer than ever in training.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesKhiara Keating

If Wiegman has her eye on the long-term future, then it would make sense for Keating, 10 years Moorhouse's junior, to get any opportunities that might fall the way of another goalkeeper. But the 20-year-old, while remarkably talented and promising, has proven herself to be erratic at times since breaking through at Manchester City as a teenager.

Can Keating do anything during this international break to show Wiegman that she has the composure to go to the next level? It's going to be difficult in terms of actual match experience. But everything else that happens on this camp gives the staff a look into Keating's character and personality, and – like Moorhouse – she has to try to continue to make the best impression possible to ensure the England boss doesn't call upon another goalkeeper and knock those on this camp out of the Euros squad.

Getty ImagesAlex Greenwood

Away from the Earps announcement, there is a lot of intrigue around this England squad, particularly because there are three big names back in the fold for the first time in a long time. One of thos is Alex Greenwood.

The Manchester City star's last appearance in an England shirt was back in November, when she and Jess Carter changed positions fluidly as the left centre-back and left-back, to try and help Wiegman solve the lack of options for the latter position.

Since Greenwood had knee surgery in December, Wiegman hasn't been able to resume that experiment – one which offered promise. This upcoming window, though, presents the opportunity to try it out again – and, if opted for, offers both players a way into the England XI, which they have found tough to break into otherwise as of late.

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Getty ImagesJess Carter

Greenwood's return, then, is also good news for Carter. The Gotham defender had a starring role as a centre-back in a back three during the 2023 Women's World Cup, as did Greenwood. However, when Wiegman returned to a back four shortly after that tournament, and Leah Williamson returned to fitness, both found themselves out of the first-choice XI.

Carter's understanding of both full-back roles sets her apart from other centre-backs she is competing with, and thus made her the perfect foil for Wiegman's experiment with Greenwood. Again, if she chooses to reprise that selection this week, it could be a big indicator of what her starting line-up will look like at the Euros, which would be good news for both players.

أعلن المدير الفني لفريق بورتو، مارتن أنسيلمي، التشكيل الأساسي لخوض مباراة اليوم ضد نظيره الأهلي في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية، نسخة 2025.

ويلتقي الفريقان في إطار منافسات الجولة الثالثة من دور مجموعات كأس العالم للأندية، البطولة المُقامة حاليًا في أمريكا.

ويستضيف ملعب “ميتلايف” مباراة الأهلي وبورتو في ختام لقاءات دور المجموعات لحساب المجموعة الأولى.

ويخوض بورتو تلك المباراة وهو يمتلك نقطة في المركز الثالث، ويليه الأهلي بنفس عدد النقاط.

ويسعى بورتو إلى تحقيق الفوز على الأهلي، مقابل انتصار إنتر ميامي على بالميراس، من أجل التأهل إلى دور الـ16.

في حين أن الأهلي يريد الفوز على بورتو بفارق هدفين، مع فوز بالميراس على إنتر ميامي، من أجل التأهل للمرحلة المقبلة من البطولة.

وحسبما نُشر، يغيب حارس مرمى بورتو، ديوجو كوستا، عن مباراة اليوم حيث لم يتعاف من إصابته حتى الآن، والتي أجبرته على الغياب عن لقائي بالميراس وإنتر ميامي. تشكيل بورتو اليوم أمام الأهلي في كأس العالم للأندية

حراسة المرمى: كلاوديو راموس.

خط الدفاع: إستاكيو، زي بيدرو، ماركانو.

خط الوسط: جواو ماريو، فاريلا، فابيو فييرا، فرانسيسكو مورا.

خط الهجوم: ويليام جوميز، داني ناماسو، رودريجو مورا.

Mikel Arteta faces being without an Arsenal star until 2026, with the Spaniard dealt a serious blow after an injury update from N5.

Arsenal title hopes fading after more dropped points at Forest

The Gunners are already having to face the notion of this Premier League title race possibly being over, considering Liverpool are now 13 points clear after what has become a disastrous week for Arteta’s side.

£130k-per-week striker dreams of playing for Arsenal as Ayto prepares bid

The Gunners are chasing a centre-forward this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 25, 2025

Liverpool travelled to English champions Man City and secured a vital victory at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday before easing past Newcastle on Wednesday evening, taking full advantage of Arsenal’s fumble at home to West Ham followed by a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest.

Man Utd (away)

March 9th

Chelsea (home)

March 16th

Fulham (home)

April 1st

Everton (away)

April 5th

Arsenal’s lack of a striking option was on full display once again on Wednesday as they failed to break Forest down time and time again, with makeshift front man Mikel Merino registering their only shot on target after Riccardo Calafiori had hit the post.

Arteta’s best hopes of winning a first piece of major silverware since their FA Cup triumph in 2020 lie in Arsenal’s Champions League campaign, with interim sporting director Jason Ayto planning summer recruitment ahead of a potentially more successful Premier League title challenge next term.

Following long-term injuries to both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, some reports have even suggested that Arsenal could look to sign two strikers before 2025/2026.

RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko is apparently a top target for Arteta, with a move for Newcastle United star Alexander Isak appearing too difficult, while it is also believed that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins remains on Arsenal’s radar after their failed January bid.

Arsenal could be without Gabriel Jesus until 2026

Now, according to journalist Steve Kay, the need for a new centre-forward or two is made all the more prevalent by the extent of Jesus’ injury. The £265,0000-per-week striker was just hitting a rich vein of form, before rupturing his ACL during Arsenal’s FA Cup third round defeat to Man United, and it appears he could be out for the foreseeable.

Kay, speaking on KS1 TV, says that Jesus could be out injured for Arsenal until 2026, with the Brazilian facing a leave of absence for the rest of this calendar year in a major blow for the Gunners and Arteta.

“Yeah, with Ollie Watkins. I had a conversation today with the main man, and Arsenal aren’t going away from Ollie Watkins,” said journalist Steve Kay.

“Because of the injury to Gabriel Jesus, he may not be expected back until possibly into 2026, maybe November, late, late. I’ve been told that Ollie Watkins is still on the agenda because they need two strikers.

“That £40m will stay on the table and if Watkins is happy to come, he will come. I’ve also been told this will not affect going in for a main striker like a Sesko. It won’t be any more than £40m. £40m is the only number I know of, it may be a bit lower than that because it’s another year.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Uma das promessas da base do Palmeiras, Pedro Bicalho foi anunciado como novo reforço do Santa Clara, de Portugal. O meia de 21 anos foi emprestado ao clube português durante uma temporada.

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Natural de São Paulo, o garoto foi revelado pelo São José, chegou a atuar pelo Cruzeiro e, mais recentemente, defendeu as categorias de base do Verdão, onde, inclusive, esteve presente na equipe principal.

– Dou início a um novo ciclo em minha carreira, mas antes gostaria de deixar o meu agradecimento ao Palmeiras, um clube no qual eu aprendi muito, não só como jogador, mas também cresci bastante como ser humano ali. Agradeço a todos que fizeram parte do meu dia a dia e contribuíram de alguma forma na minha vida. Desejo toda sorte e conquistas aos meus companheiros e ao Palmeiras. Até breve! – se despediu.

Em janeiro, vale lembrar, Pedro Bicalho foi um dos destaques da conquista inédita da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, ao lado de Gabriel Silva, outro reforço do Santa Clara.

Manchester City are not short of exciting young talent in their squad. Although Pep Guardiola’s side have struggled this season, they still have plenty of exciting youngsters who could all have a part to play in the first team in the years to come.

Two of those players were signed in January. Brazilian defender Vitor Reis and former Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov are just 19 and 21 respectively. Tricky winger Savinho is just 20 years of age, as is academy graduate Rico Lewis. It has been a breakthrough year for teenager Nico O’Reilly, too.

Another young talent City can get excited about is Claudio Echeverri. He’s only just penned terms with the club but looks like a massive talent for the future.

Claudio Echeverri's move to City

City actually signed Argentine attacking midfielder Echeverri in January 2024, but he has only just made the move to the Etihad Stadium, after an agreement with his former club, River Plate. The youngster cost the Citizens a reported £12.5m.

City’s new number 30, who is capped at U20 level by Argentina, has impressed for River over the last year or so.

He has played 48 times, scoring four goals and grabbing eight assists. However, the 2,499 minutes he has played equate to just 27 full 90-minute games, leaving him with an impressive average of 0.44 goals and assists per game.

The youngster shone at the U17 World Cup back in 2023 for Argentina. He played seven games and managed five goals and one assist in that time, as his side finished fourth. Echeverri notably scored a brilliant hat-trick against Brazil in a 3-0 quarter-final win.

Currently valued at £15m by Transfermarkt, it seems like the teenager will be a brilliant investment for City. He is a player who clearly possesses plenty of talent, notably named among the top ten players in GOAL.com’s NXGN 2025 list this week.

However, City have another talented young star who is valued even higher than the young Argentine…

The Man City wonderkid worth more than Echeverri

Few players in and around the first team at City are as exciting as a certain Oscar Bobb. The 21-year-old Norweigan has sadly had his season tarnished by injury but is getting back to full fitness, which will be a massive boost for Guardiola’s side.

Described as a “pure joy to watch” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the City attacking midfielder has already made a great impression during his short time in the first team at the Etihad Stadium.

In 27 appearances for the Citizens so far, Bobb has two goals and two assists. However, he has only played 909 minutes, the equivalent of just 10.1 full 90-minute games. The youngster has yet to have a proper opportunity for a run of games, and he has already made a big impression.

One of Bobb’s most important goal contributions came last season away against Newcastle United. After being 2-1 down, City managed to pull it back to 2-2. Enter Bobb, who scored a 91st-minute winner after coming on in the 82nd minute.

It is moments like that which suggest the forward could become a star for City. His stats via Sofascore from last season show his quality, too. For example, in the 2023/24 campaign, Bobb averaged 2.3 key passes and two dribbles completed per 90 minutes.

Matches

24

Key passes

2.3

Dribbles completed

2

Pass accuracy

89.9%

Expected assists

0.24xA

Big chances created

0.4

With all that in mind, it might not be a surprise to learn that the Norway international is highly valued. Incredibly, he is worth more than Echeverri according to Transfermarkt, a whooping £21m, which shows his quality given he has not played for several months.

Bobb is without doubt, an exciting talent. He has already shown glimpses of what he can dop at senior level for City, and will be hoping he can continue that form when he returns from injury in the coming weeks.

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