Aston Villa weigh Nicolas move as Martinez linked with Juventus
Roy Keane is criticised by Villa fans after calling John McGinn like a ‘pub player’ on bad days. McGinn’s 2025/26 return of 10 goals and 7 assists and key European displays are cited in defence.
Uefa appoints Somali referee Omar Artan to the Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg on 12 August, after US entry issues kept him from the World Cup.
Man United release Jadon Sancho on a free. After loans to Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa, he made 39 Villa appearances in 2025/26. Villa could monitor him as a free agent option.
Ezri Konsa impresses in England’s 3-0 win over Costa Rica, completing 98% of his passes and winning all his duels. Ollie Watkins scores late after a Morgan Rogers shot is parried, boosting both Aston Villa men before Croatia.
Villa prepare for Emi Martinez’s potential Juventus move, wanting around £13m. They are eyeing Gladbach keeper Moritz Nicolas, who had 13 Bundesliga clean sheets and a 72% save rate, and could be available for about £13m.
Morgan Rogers praises Jude Bellingham’s drive, calls him England’s ‘golden boy’, and says they can play together. Rogers points to his 2025/26 Villa form of 14 goals and 12 assists.
Sporting and Pedro Gonçalves plan a summer exit. Villa previously had a €40m bid rejected, but Sporting now expect around €30m, with Jorge Mendes set to drive the deal. Villa’s interest is back in play.
Victor Lindelöf, fresh from Aston Villa’s Europa League win, insists he is a centre-back for Sweden, calling right-back talk ‘almost disrespectful’ and saying Potter has not discussed a role change.
