Aston Villa journalist Ashley Preece has said that Jacob Ramsey is a ‘big doubt’ for the Villans’ upcoming Premier League clash against Liverpool.
The lowdown
Steven Gerrard’s side will look to move into the top half and further dent the Reds’ title hopes when the two teams meet at Villa Park on Tuesday night.
Ramsey missed Saturday’s 3-1 victory away to Burnley at the weekend after limping out of training.
He features on a three-man injury list alongside Leon Bailey, who is expected to return before the end of the campaign after he was forced off against Norwich City; and Kortney Hause, who hasn’t featured since March because of an abdominal issue.
[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/aston-villa-latest-updates/” title=”Aston Villa latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]
The latest
Preece tweeted that Ramsey is ‘a big doubt’ to play against Liverpool as a result of a ‘small groin problem’.
The reporter relayed quotes from Gerrard, who said of the 20-year-old’s convalescence: “He won’t be long. We’re hoping to get him involved in the squad against Liverpool but that’s looking ambitious right now.”
The verdict
This would be a blow to Gerrard’s chances of causing an upset against his former club.
Ramsey is one of the players the 41-year-old has trusted the most, with the youngster’s recent issue interrupting a run of 19 consecutive Premier League starts.
Villa coped well without their third-highest scorer of the season at Turf Moor, but title-chasing Liverpool should pose a far more difficult test than relegation-threatened Burnley.
The £19.8m-rated gem turned in a decent performance in the reverse fixture at Anfield in December, winning six of the 10 duels that he contested, drawing three fouls and completing two dribbles (via SofaScore).
Gerrard has previously described him as a ‘top talent’ who is in a ‘wonderful place’, and the Liverpudlian native must be gutted that Ramsey looks set to miss the visit of Jurgen Klopp’s side to the Midlands.
In other news, this man is set to leave Villa in the summer
Jacob Ramsey is a doubt for Aston Villa’s trip to Burnley after injuring his groin in training, The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece reports.
The lowdown
Villa head to Lancashire looking to make back-to-back wins after beating bottom-of-the-table Norwich City at home last weekend.
But they face a Burnley side who have rattled off three successive victories as they scrap desperately for points in their bid for survival.
Gerrard is already without Leon Bailey, who only lasted 40 minutes against the Canaries, and defender Kortney Hause, nursing a long-term abdominal issue.
[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/aston-villa-latest-updates/” title=”Aston Villa latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]
The latest
Preece tweeted another injury blow on Friday – Ramsey is ‘struggling with a groin issue’ ahead of the journey to Turf Moor.
“Team news update ahead of Burnley – Jacob Ramsey struggling with a groin issue; Leon Bailey (ankle) ruled out; Morgan Sanson returns to squad after two-game lay-off.”
In the attached story, he explains that Ramsey limped out of training at Bodymoor Heath. Gerrard is due to make a late call on whether to include the 20-year-old in his squad.
The verdict
Ramsey would be a big loss for the Villans.
He had been on an impressive run of 19 consecutive Premier League starts dating back to the clash with Manchester City at the start of December, underlining his importance to the team.
He provides a real goal threat from midfield, with six goals to his name so far this season. In the Villa squad, only Ollie Watkins (nine) can better that tally.
The Englishman is also key in getting his team up the pitch. He leads the way at Villa for progressive carries per 90 minutes with 5.91.
If he does miss out against Burnley, his involvement against title-chasing Liverpool on Tuesday would surely be in jeopardy too.
In other news, Aston Villa have been linked with this centre-back.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided a big update regarding the future of Aston Villa youngster Carney Chukwuemeka.
The lowdown: Rising star
The 18-year-old graduated from the Bodymoor Heath academy to make the step up to senior football and has already made great strides in Steven Gerrard’s first team.
Despite his tender years, Chukwuemeka has made 13 appearances for the Villans, having scored 13 times and provided another 13 assists in 55 matches among various youth levels for the Midlands club.
[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/aston-villa-latest-developments/” title=”Aston Villa latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]
However, out of contract in 2023 (Transfermarkt), attention has already turned to where the talented England under-19 international’s future may lie…
The latest: Romano provides Chukwuemeka update
Taking to Twitter, reputable Italian journalist Romano stated that the Austria-born starlet ‘could leave’ Villa Park in the near future.
He outlined: “Carney Chukwuemeka could leave Aston Villa in the summer. His recent lack of game time has put a host of European clubs on alert – with Germany a likely destination as he enters the final year of his contract. Bundesliga clubs are already exploring this possibility.”
Villa boss Gerrard recently stated that there have been no discussions regarding a new deal for Chukwuemeka after fellow academy prospect Jacob Ramsey signed a contract until 2027.
The verdict: Worrying times
Losing the club’s most prodigious talents is never a good look and as such, the Villa Park hierarchy will no doubt be desperate for the five-cap England under-19 starlet to commit himself to the cause beyond 2023.
So far this season, Chukwuemeka – who has been a target for Liverpool in the past – has provided one assist in nine Premier League outings whilst also continuing his development in the under-23 setup.
Described as ‘outstanding’ by former Holte End favourite Paul Merson, Villa chief executive Christian Purslow must do everything in his power to keep the teenage sensation in the Midlands and stave off potential suitors this summer.
In other news, BBC man urges Aston Villa to sign ‘magical’ star. Read more here.
Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to 10-man Everton in the Premier League on Monday night highlights the job Ruben Amorim still has on his hands at Old Trafford.
Kiernan Drewsbury-Hall’s effort in the first half was enough to secure all three points for David Moyes’ men, which will no doubt leave the Red Devils boss scratching his head.
His men spent 77 minutes with a one-man advantage, but none of his first-team squad could pop up with the goods to extend their unbeaten run in England’s top-flight.
Despite spending £200m on a new attacking trio over the summer, the Red Devils looked largely toothless in front of goal, as seen by their tally of 100% big chances missed.
However, the manager will desperately want added reinforcements in the upcoming January window to aid him in his quest for success during his time at Old Trafford.
United’s hunt for added attacking signings in January
Over the last couple of weeks, Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has been identified as just one player whom United are targeting for the January transfer window.
The Ghanaian international has been in remarkable form during the early stages of 2025/26, with the winger already netting six goals and three assists in just 11 appearances for the Cherries.
However, Amorim’s men aren’t alone in the pursuit of the 25-year-old, with Arsenal and Liverpool just two other top-flight clubs seeking a £65m move for his signature.
He’s not the only player on the Red Devils’ shortlist, with Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior a player who INEOS are potentially considering a move for in the coming months.
According to The Mirror, the Brazilian international could leave the LaLiga giants in the coming months, with the forward having just 19 months left on his current deal – leading to keen interest from the Red Devils.
It also states his recent bust-up with senior members at the Bernabeu could see them cash in on his services to avoid losing him for nothing in the near future.
How Vinicius Junior compares to Bryan Mbeumo
As part of their £200m spending spree in the summer, United forked out a reported £71m on the services of forward Bryan Mbeumo from fellow Premier League side Brentford.
The Cameroonian generated huge excitement within the Red Devils fanbase after netting 20 times in the league last season, with the 26-year-old already making an excellent start to life at Old Trafford.
He’s already netted five goals in his first 12 league outings for the club, with such a tally currently making him the top goalscorer within Amorim’s squad.
However, his showing against Everton yesterday was one to forget, with the attacker struggling to provide the goods amid the absence of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.
Mbeumo was only able to register a single effort on target whilst also failing to complete any of his three attempted dribbles – further highlighting his lack of impact in the final third.
There’s no doubt he’s been a shrewd addition to date, but ultimately, he hasn’t been able to get near the levels produced by Vinicius during his opening matches in LaLiga.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats this campaign, the Brazilian has massively outperformed Mbeumo – showcasing why he’d be a better addition for the Red Devils.
Vinicius, who’s been dubbed the “best in the world” by Thierry Henry, has racked up more combined goals and assists this season – subsequently handing Amorim a more threatening option in front of goal.
He’s also registered more key passes and more passes into the final third per 90, with such numbers allowing those around him to be on the end of more chances in attacking areas.
Games played
13
12
Goals & assists
9
6
Progressive carries
8.9
2.8
Progressive passes
4.8
2.7
Pass accuracy
80%
73%
Key passes
2.9
1.7
Passes into final third
1.9
1.5
Take-on success
38%
33%
Carries into final third
2.9
1.9
The Brazilian’s all-round dominance over Mbeumo is further highlighted in his higher take-on success and greater tally of carries into the final third per 90, which showcases his ability to go alone when needed.
A player of Vini Jr’s quality would cost a small fortune in today’s market, with such a move likely to break the club’s current transfer record of £89m paid for Paul Pogba.
However, it would be a deal worth every penny, with the winger having all of the tools to take the United frontline to the next level for many years to come under Amorim’s guidance.
Not just Zirkzee: Man Utd man who was among the 'world's best' must be axed
Manchester United’s flaws were brutally exposed in Monday’s dismal defeat to Everton.
For much of the season so far, Arsenal fans have had to watch Liverpool score last-minute winner after last-minute winner.
Watching your Premier League title rival survive scare after scare has to be a draining experience, but yesterday afternoon it was the Gunners’ turn to win it at the death.
Despite clearly being the better team for most of the game against Newcastle United, Mikel Arteta’s side found themselves 1-0 for much of the encounter and staring down the barrel of yet more dropped points.
Fortunately, the North Londoners found a way to claim all three and narrow the gap to the Reds at the top of the table to just two points.
There were stand-out performances for Arsenal all over the pitch, including one starter who is starting to win comparisons to Cesc Fàbregas.
Arsenal's stand-out stars vs Newcastle
Now, while he didn’t necessarily have the best of games, falling over nothing to allow the hosts a goal early on, Gabriel Magaelehged more than made his mark by full-time.
Minutes
98′
Goals
1
Clearances
11
Blocked Shots
2
Interceptions
3
Tackles
3
Dribbled Past
0
Ground Duels (Won)
4 (4)
Aerial Duels (Won)
11 (8)
Touches
82
Shots on Target
1
The Brazilian titan made 11 clearances, blocked two shots, made three interceptions, won 100% of his ground duels and made three tackles.
However, it should really go without saying that his most significant impact on the game was his 96th-minute headed winner that sent the travelling fans absolutely potty.
Mikel Merino also deserves a lot of credit for his battling display, as in the 28 minutes or so he spent on the pitch, the Spaniard scored an outrageous header to kickstart the comeback, won four out of five duels and just added another avenue of attack for his side.
It wasn’t just the goal scorers who impressed, though, as Eberechi Eze put in a performance that should see him keep his place in the starting line-up for some time to come.
The former Crystal Palace star came so close to opening the scoring early on in the first half, but saw his shot pushed round the post by Nick Pope, and then, towards the end of the half, saw a perfectly struck volley saved as well.
It wasn’t just his shots that made the 27-year-old a danger to the Toon, though, as he completed 100% of his dribbles, played a key pass and was taking up threatening positions on both sides of the pitch.
In all, there were plenty of Arsenal stars who put on excellent displays yesterday afternoon, including one who has now been compared to Fabregas.
Arsenal's Fabregas-esque star
You could probably make the argument that the likes of Martin Odegaard, Eze or even Ethan Nwaneri share some Fabregas-esque qualities.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
However, in this instance, Martin Zubimendi is the player in question, and the comparison comes from one analyst who described the former Real Sociedad star as a “Fabregas type” player.
Now, plenty of you may be scratching your heads as the 26-year-old generally plays in a deeper role than the former international ever did for Arsenal, Barcelona, or Chelsea.
However, the position he plays in has very little to do with the comparison itself; instead, what the analyst is getting at is the fact that the summer signing is capable of playing sensational passes into dangerous areas for his teammates.
In fact, while nothing came from it in the end, we saw this in yesterday’s game when he dinked the ball over the Newcastle defence only for Pope to make a great save to deny Jurrien Timber.
That wasn’t the only chance he created, though, as by the time the game ended, he had played two key passes, amassed an expected assists figure of 0.52, been accurate in 100% of his long balls and completed 54 of 60 passes.
Moreover, he’s also been accurate in 83% of his passes in the opposition’s half in the Premier League so far this season.
In other words, he is more than just a six; he is someone who can conduct play from slightly deeper, someone who can spray passes out wide to kickstart counters, or, as we saw yesterday, ping a ball into the penalty area and cause panic among opposition defenders.
Ultimately, there is still some way to go before he reaches his full potential. However, on top of his defensive attributes, Zubimendi is proving to be a dangerous Fabregas-esque passer from deep, and as respected analyst Ben Mattinson states, he’s been “near-perfect” for Arsenal so far this season.
Arsenal's "colossal" star is the modern-day Patrick Vieira & it's not Rice
The modern-day Patrick Vieira may well have been found at Arsenal.
Despite spending more than £400m in the summer transfer window, Liverpool are now reportedly preparing an aggressive approach to sign another impressive player ahead of Barcelona.
Wirtz knows what he's "capable of" after slow start
For all of Liverpool’s spending, it’s been the old guard maintaining their 100% record at times. Whilst Hugo Ekitike has found his feet right away, Florian Wirtz hasn’t registered a goal involvement since the Community Shield, Milos Kerkez has had weaknesses exposed and Alexander Isak is still getting back to full sharpness.
Out of all those players, Wirtz has arguably received the most criticism. The German become the Premier League’s most expensive player for a brief moment before Isak made his move, but has so far failed to match the physicality of English football.
Glimpses of quality began to emerge against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, but it wasn’t enough to keep his place as Arne Slot dropped his new signing for Alexis Mac Allister in the Merseyside derby. Wirtz, however, is far from worried – telling Sky Germany that he knows what he’s “capable of”.
In the meantime, Liverpool sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League with the only 100% record. If there’s any environment that will gift Wirtz the patience that he needs, it is Anfield and Arne Slot’s side who have remained perfect without his heavy influence.
Even after that slow start, Liverpool are not deterred. In fact, reports are now suggesting that they’re ready to spend big once again on a player who could even combine with Wirtz.
Liverpool planning aggressive Alvarez approach
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now planning an aggressive approach to sign Julian Alvarez and are the best placed side to lure the Atletico Madrid star back to the Premier League ahead of Barcelona.
If Liverpool’s frontline looks dangerous now, then it will look an even greater threat with a player of Alvarez’s quality added. The Argentina international is already a Premier League winner from during his time at Manchester City and has since become Atletico’s leading star.
Appearances
57
Goals
29
Assists
8
With 37 goal involvements in his debut campaign for Atletico, Alvarez proved to be worth every penny of his £81m transfer fee and could soon find himself on the move once again.
Ballon d'Or 2025: Did Mohamed Salah deserve the award ahead of Ousmane Dembele?
European football awaits…
ByTom Cunningham Sep 23, 2025
Diego Simeone will, of course, be desperate to keep hold of his star man. The iconic manager was full of praise for the Liverpool target last season, telling reporters: “Julián is having a great season, we went looking for that player, we need that player, especially at times during the match against Sevilla and today [when] he took on the offensive role. We need those characteristics.”
With Callum Osmand signed and delivered, Celtic have now reportedly turned their attention towards another young talent in what is a hectic race for his signature.
Osmand "really excited" by Celtic move
Following Kieran Tierney, Benjamin Nygren and Ross Doohan through the door, Osman officially put pen to paper at Celtic earlier this week. Arriving from Fulham, the 19-year-old will have his sights set on breaking into Brendan Rodgers’ first-team plans as soon as possible in Scotland.
After arriving, the young striker told Celtic’s official website: “It’s a massive move. I’m really excited and I can’t wait to step out at Celtic Park in front of all the fans.
“The winning mentality at Celtic is obviously unbelievable and I want to win trophies here. Every game that I step into here, I want to win, and I feel like we have all the facilities, players and staff to do so.”
The former Fulham man is also not the first to swap the Cottagers for Celtic Park, with Moussa Dembele and Matt O’Riley paving the way before Osmand, who took the chance to mention both players: “Obviously, there has been multiple names that have come to Celtic like Moussa Dembele and Matt O’Riley.
“I have spoken to Matt on the phone, so he has given me advice. He talked me through some stuff, that I knew about too. He was telling me about how big the club is, how amazing the fans are and it’s a new life really. So excited is definitely the word for me.”
Following Osmand’s arrival, Celtic’s focus isn’t destined to change anytime soon. Reports are now indicating that they’ve now instantly turned their attention towards signing another impressive young talent.
Celtic join race to sign "special" O'Sullivan
According to the Irish Independent, Celtic have now joined the race to sign Cathal O’Sullivan from Irish club Cork City this summer. It will be a complex deal to do, as the Scottish champions have joined the likes of Brentford and Preston North End in an already hectic battle to land the 18-year-old midfielder.
Like Osmand, O’Sullivan is full of talent and has often found himself at the centre of praise as a result. When speaking about one of Ireland’s top young talents, former Preston and current Cork City forward Sean Maguire told reporters: “He’s one of the best young fellas I’ve played with, and that includes in England. Not just because of his talent, it’s just his attitude towards everything.
More exciting than Inamura & Osmand: Celtic could sign "jaw-dropping" star
Celtic could land a signing that is more exciting than Callum Osmand and Hayato Inamura with this star.
ByDan Emery Jun 30, 2025
“That’s what teams in England will look for first, because you can just see it clear as day how good he is on the ball. He’s a joy to play with. When he eventually goes to England, I’ll be gutted not to play with him again, because of how good he is. “
“But I’ll be keeping tabs on his career, because he’ll definitely play for Ireland. He’s that good. I genuinely think he’s special… Whatever the club gets from him, he probably should be worth 10 times more.”
The Premier League fixtures were announced this week and Liverpool will kick start their reign as champions by welcoming Bournemouth on Friday August 15, but who will make their starting XI?
The Reds face the Cherries, a trip to Newcastle and a home clash with Arsenal in their first few fixtures, and have already been very busy in the transfer market in preparation for the new season.
How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free
Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025
Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez are expected to follow Jeremie Frimpong through the Anfield door, so Arne Slot’s side could have a totally new look to it come August, as the club’s leadership opt to attack from a position of strength this summer.
But with plenty of new faces and the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and possibly Andy Robertson departing, what will the manager’s first team of the season look like? We’ve asked Grok, the AI tool on X, to find out, as it set the Reds up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
AI predicts Liverpool's starting XI vs Bournemouth Defence: Alisson, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez
There are few surprises in the prediction for Liverpool’s defensive set-up, with all signs pointing towards Kerkez being the next new face through the door.
An international teammate of Dominik Szoboszlai, the Hungarian star’s father all but confirmed the move this week, and Bournemouth have already signed his replacement in the shape of Adrien Truffert.
Milos Kerkez
On the other side, Konate is flanked by Frimpong, who’s incredible goal threat from a wide position should go some way to filling the void left by Alexander-Arnold – the flying Dutchman registered five goals and five assists in 33 Bundesliga games last season.
Defensive midfield: Gravenberch, Mac Allister
Again we see the beauty of building off the back of a stunning title-winning season, as there is plenty of consistency through the spine of Liverpool’s predicted set-up.
Ryan Gravenberch was crowned the top flight’s young player of the season last term, starting 37 of his side’s 38 league matches, and will look to continue his development alongside World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.
Attacking midfield: Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo
If fans were worried about the creativity lost by their vice-captain’s departure, then the arrival of Wirtz to slot in alongside Salah should ease those concerns. The Germany international and the Egyptian King were the only two players across Europe’s big five leagues to score ten or more goals and assist ten or more goals across the last two seasons.
Goals
29
10
Assists
18
12
Shot-creating actions
169
148
Successful take-ons
58
82
Crosses
79
101
On the left the nod goes to Gakpo, perhaps lending credence to the idea that Luis Diaz will depart the club amid links to Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League.
Striker: Alexander Isak
With Darwin Nunez expected to leave Merseyside this summer and join a club in Serie A, there is plenty of speculation about who takes the number nine role under Slot, and Grok predicts it will be Newcastle superstar Alexander Isak.
The 25 year-old is thought to hold a price tag of £150m with his current employers, which would smash the top flight record and Liverpool’s own top signing, which will soon be Wirtz at £116m.
Could anyone stop Liverpool’s newfound domestic dominance if they added Isak to their already illustrious attacking options?
You have to wonder whether Manchester United’s decision to keep hold of Erik ten Hag after winning the 2023/24 FA Cup played into Daniel Levy’s decision to sack Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
Added to the long list of managers at the Tottenham helm since Levy assumed ownership of the club in 2001, Postecoglou would be forgiven for feeling aggrieved after winning the Europa League last month, ending 17 years of searching for silverware.
But he has paid the price for the year-long suffering in the Premier League, the injury-hit Londoners slumping to a 17th-place finish, one above relegated Leicester City.
Ange Postecoglou
Jul 23 – Jun 25
101
1.53
Antonio Conte
Nov 21 – Mar 23
76
1.78
Nuno Espirito Santo
Jul 21 – Nov 21
17
1.65
Jose Mourinho
Nov 19 – Apr 21
86
1.77
Mauricio Pochettino
Jul 14 – Nov 19
293
1.84
Tim Sherwood
Dec 13 – May 14
26
1.65
Andre Villas-Boas
Jul 12 – Dec 13
80
1.91
Harry Redknapp
Oct 08 – Jun 12
198
1.73
Juande Ramos
Oct 07 – Oct 08
54
1.35
Martin Jol
Nov 04 – Oct 07
147
1.62
Jacques Santini
Aug 04 – Nov 04
13
1.46
Glenn Hoddle
Apr 01 – Sep 03
102
1.35
There’s no question Tottenham’s trophy-winning European campaign has been at variance with their wretched top-flight term, but given the schism that has been created through Levy’s latest dismissal, it’s crucial that they get the next appointment right.
And you’d have to say, Thomas Frank would be a brilliant signing.
Why Spurs want Thomas Frank
Emerging as the clear frontrunner in the bid to replace Postecoglou at Tottenham, Brentford boss Frank is being pursued, although official contacts with the Bees have yet to take place.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank
Taking Brentford into the Premier League and establishing them as a solid unit with an attractive brand of football, the Danish tactician has proved his durability, adaptability and flexibility during his time in London, hailed for creating an “extraordinary team” by Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.
Frank’s nuanced tactical approach is perhaps the definitive factor behind Levy’s desire to get the deal done, with Postecoglou, for all his exciting attacking play, perhaps a little one-dimensional at times.
However, there’s no certainty that Tottenham will make the appointment. Indeed, an alternative approach for Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi underscores that point.
And Lilywhites chairman Levy may even be ready to sign an alternative.
Spurs line up Frank alternative
According to BBC Sport, Frank might be the favourite for the vacant manager position at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is also in the frame.
Iraola has been a revelation since joining the South Coast club in July 2023, and he’s since led the Cherries to their two biggest points hauls in Premier League history (48 in 2023/24 and a whopping 56 last season).
With Frank holding a sizeable release clause in his Brentford contract, Iraola might be a fantastic alternative to turn to, not least because his Bournemouth side finished a place above Frank’s in the top flight.
What Andoni Iraola would bring to Spurs
Iraola has shaped Bournemouth into one of the easiest-on-the-eye teams in English football, with former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha commenting on the “incredibly impressive” start to life at the Vitality Stadium, instilling a clear identity.
The 42-year-old’s typical 4-2-3-1 formation is also something that would suit Spurs’ current crop well, retaining the attacking style Postecoglou will leave embedded but taking it and shaping it into something more fluent and organised.
Iraola’s success could even see him prove a better fit for Tottenham than Frank, who has been described as “one of the best in the league” by analyst Ben Mattinson.
His ability to transform Bournemouth from a pragmatic outfit expected to fight to stave off relegation into a slick team capable of knocking on the European door showcases how he could improve Tottenham, who will need some transformative coaching after their wretched domestic campaign.
Raising the ceiling is something both Frank and Iraola have proved themselves capable of doing since taking their respective posts in England, but Iraola may also help a more seamless transition away from Ange’s high-line, big-risk, high-intensity possession-based game.
Indeed, as per FBref, Bournemouth only averaged 48.5% of possession in the Premier League last year (putting them 11th), but Brentford were even less active on the ball, 15th with a 47.9% average.
This may feel like something of a regression in tactical expansion, but it would actually be a move rooted in progressive pragmatism, scaling back from the high-stakes gambling played by Postecoglou.
Moreover, Iraola’s teams have earned praise for their organisation and togetherness when out of possession, further highlighting the issues Tottenham have been beset by and how they could fix this.
Still, the two managers aren’t diametrically opposed, and Iraola’s intense physical demands would allow him to dovetail into the Tottenham milieu.
While Frank is a proven manager in the Premier League, Iraola is also showing himself to be a nuanced and dynamic tactician, and could be the right man for the job.
Fans will understandably be concerned that Tottenham are stuck in something of a circular motion, winning some silverware, yes, but continuing to churn through managers.
Manager Focus
Such back-and-forth threatens to isolate the success, leaving it as a flash in the pan. However, Iraola is a fantastic and intelligent manager, and if given several years to inculcate his teachings onto the north London squad, this could be a real corner for Tottenham.
He's another Bergvall: Spurs enter race to sign "extraordinary" wonderkid
Wolverhampton Wanderers have now submitted an opening bid for a defender who “never puts a foot wrong”, but there could be competition from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.
Wolves looking to kick on under Pereira
Vitor Pereira’s arrival last season marked a change in fortunes for Wolves, with the manager overseeing a major improvement in results, which meant relegation fears were quashed way before the business end of the season.
Pereira has stated he wants to “do better” next season, however, which means some new arrivals may be needed this summer, particularly with Matheus Cunha on his way to Manchester United, and there have been suggestions Nelson Semedo could follow the forward to Old Trafford.
Quite rightly, the manager may also be keen to strengthen his backline this summer, given that the Old Gold conceded the most goals of any side not to be relegated from the Premier League last season.
Club
Final position
Goals conceded
Tottenham Hotspur
17th
65
Wolves
16th
69
Manchester United
15th
54
West Ham United
14th
62
According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Wolves have now made an offer for Lazio defender Mario Gila, but there could be competition for his signature from their Premier League rivals, with Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion also keen.
Lazio’s failure to qualify for Europe could have a big impact on their summer transfer window, and there is now growing interest in Gila, with the Italian club looking to hold out for a fee of €50m (£42m) for his services.
However, the Old Gold only appear to be willing to fork out €35m (£29m) for the centre-back’s signature, so the two clubs remain some way apart at the moment, and he is thought to be keen on playing for a top club next season.
Wolves can sign their new Raul Jimenez with "extraordinary" £29m star
Wolves will need to replace Matheus Cunha this summer
ByRoss Kilvington May 25, 2025 Gila "never puts a foot wrong" in defence
Former Lazio sporting director Igli Tare was full of praise for the Spanish defender upon signing him from Real Madrid, saying: “He is fast, intelligent and never puts a foot wrong. He can become one of the top 3-4 defenders in the world and it wouldn’t surprise me if Real wanted him back.”
The Barcelona-born defender has since emerged as a key player for Lazio, making 32 Serie A appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, and CBS’ Matteo Bonetti believes he could be in line for a move to a top club due to his “unique” profile.
As such, Gila could be a real coup for Wolves, but given that European football will not be on offer next season, it would be a surprise to see him move to Molineux.