The window for the inaugural edition of the UAE T20 league is set to coincide with the BBL, the BPL and the new CSA league

Reuters15-Aug-2022

Organisers of the UAE’s ILT20 are working with their counterparts in Australia and South Africa to minimise the impact of scheduling clashes with their competitions, Mubashshir Usmani, the general secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), has said.The ILT20, which launches in January, will be the second-most lucrative T20 league after the IPL in terms of player remuneration. The inaugural edition of the six-team competition, however, is set to coincide with the yet-to-be-named league in South Africa, the BBL in Australia, and the BPL in Bangladesh.Usmani said the January 6 to February 12 window had been selected for the ILT20 because it presented “optimal playing conditions in the UAE”. “While this window suits our purpose, we are closely working with different boards toward minimising date clashes,” Usmani said.Related

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The money on offer at ILT20 has caused some consternation in Australia. It has prompted Cricket Australia to enter into negotiations with its top players to retain them for the BBL, which is scheduled to run between December 13 and February 12. Chris Lynn, who was in the first list of big-name sign-ups announced by ILT20, might be prevented from joining the league, with CA possibly denying him the necessary clearance. Also, as expected, David Warner was not named in the ILT20 list, as he is set to get a deal to play in the BBL for the first time since 2013.”We are working with Cricket Australia, in fact we are in touch with all the relevant cricket boards, to minimise any major clashes,” Usmani said. “We do want Australian as well as any other available players to be involved with the league.”Usmani said the franchises had been empowered to sign overseas players on their own, by a “direct acquisition” process, although he and his colleagues are around to help.”Our team has been working alongside players, players’ agents and various boards to seek and secure the necessary approvals for those identified to participate in the league’s inaugural edition,” he said.Although the franchises are likely to be mostly made up of players from outside the Emirates, two local players must feature in every starting XI.Usmani called the ILT20 “special”, as it would afford players from the region, and other Associate nations, “an incomparable experience” of sharing the dressing room with top players in “one of the most attractive destinations in the world”.

Leeds United are in action for the first time in 2025 this afternoon as they prepare to welcome Blackburn Rovers to Elland Road in the Championship.

The Whites are currently sat at the top of the second tier table, two points ahead of Sheffield United, and will remain in that position if they secure all three points today.

Daniel Farke’s side head into this game off the back of a 1-0 win over Derby County at Pride Park, thanks to a late goal from Brenden Aaronson, in their last outing of 2024.

The West Yorkshire outfit will also be heading into this match hoping for revenge after they were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn at Ewood Park earlier this season.

Todd Cantwell, who won two Championship titles with Farke at Norwich, scored a penalty, that was given away by Ao Tanaka, to win the match for the home side on that day.

In order to get that revenge, the German tactician could make some changes to the starting line-up that was selected against Derby last time out, starting with a change at the top end of the pitch in the centre-forward position.

Why Joel Piroe should be unleashed

Farke opted to go with Spain U21 international Mateo Joseph as the starting striker against the Ram, and he failed to make the most of his opportunity to impress in his 71 minutes on the pitch.

The academy graduate, who has now scored two goals in 11 starts this season, was given the chance to show that he deserves more game time and starts heading into the second half of the season.

Instead, Joseph, perhaps, showed exactly why Joel Piroe has been preferred ahead of him at various points, as his performance left a lot to be desired on Sunday.

He lost nine of his ten duels throughout the match and failed to find the target with any of his three efforts on goal, which shows that the forward struggled with the physicality of the game and was wasteful with the chances that came his way in the final third.

As you can see in the table above, Piroe did more – creating the goal for Aaronson with a brilliant lay-off on the edge of the box – in his 19 minutes on the pitch than Joseph did in the first 71.

This is why Farke must drop the Spanish centre-forward and bring the Dutchman, who has scored nine goals in 14 starts in the division this season, back into the starting line-up.

Joseph is not the only player who should be ditched from the XI, however, as the German boss must also instantly bin Largie Ramazani from the team after his display against Derby.

Largie Ramazani's performance against Derby

The Belgian forward was brought into the starting line-up against the Rams for the first time since he missed five matches with an ankle injury from October to November.

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Ramazani had produced three goals and one assist in his previous six starts in the Championship for Leeds, having joined on a permanent deal from Almeria in the summer transfer window.

Farke handed him an opportunity to add to that impressive return of goal contributions as a starter in the clash at Pride Park, but he looked like a player who has not played much football of late – due to his injury – with a disappointing performance.

As you can see in the table above, Ramazani missed his only ‘big chance’ in front of goal and did not create any high-quality opportunities for his teammates.

Losing possession 19 times in 71 minutes without producing a goal or an assist for his side shows that the Belgian attacker was wasteful on the ball throughout the game, which is why he should be instantly dropped from the XI.

Taking the 23-year-old dynamo out of the line-up would also provide Farke with the chance to bring Tottenham Hotspur loanee Manor Solomon back into the team.

Why Manor Solomon should start

The Israel international came on for Ramazani with 19 minutes left to play at Pride Park and produced an exciting cameo with his creative quality on the left flank, cutting in onto his right foot.

Solomon created two ‘big chances’ and completed one of his two attempted dribbles in those 19 minutes, as he pushed to help Leeds to secure all three points.

He also played a key role in the winning goal from Aaronson. It was his sharp turn on the edge of the box and pass to Piroe that teed up the Dutchman to provide the assist for the American goalscorer.

Solomon had a slow start to life at Elland Road, with zero goals and one assist in his first eight appearances in the Championship, but has stepped it up of late to become a productive member of the attack for Farke in recent weeks.

As you can see in the table above, the 25-year-old star has produced nine goals and ‘big chances’ created in 17 appearances in the division, with two of those ‘big chances’ coming against Derby.

The forward, who recently scored and provided two assists against Oxford, was described as “unplayable” by ex-Leeds boss Neil Redfearn earlier this season, who described his dribbling skills as “like tackling smoke” for opposition defenders.

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By
Dan Emery

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Unplayable is just the word for his recent form and that is why Farke should bring him back into the starting line-up for today’s clash with Blackburn, as he has offered more at the top end of the pitch than Ramazani did in his disappointing showing against the Rams.

Manchester United's Leny Yoro admitted that he "didn't enjoy" Andre Onana's late blunder and labelled it as the "worst moment" to concede at Lyon.

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• Man Utd held to 2-2 draw by Lyon
• Onana's errors cost Red Devils dearly
• Yoro vexed with timing of blunders

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils were on the brink of an important away victory in Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night, having taken the lead in the 88th minute through Joshua Zirkzee’s powerful header. However, deep into stoppage time, a lapse in concentration from Onana proved costly. The Cameroonian goalkeeper was unable to handle a strike from Georges Mikautadze, and the rebound fell kindly to Rayan Cherki, who slotted home to level the scores at 2-2 in the 95th minute.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Onana was at fault for Lyon's opener too having failed to read the flight of Thiago Almada's free-kick correctly. Yoro came up with an equaliser shortly afterward before the late madness ensued.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT YORO SAID

  Speaking after the match, Yoro didn’t hold back in describing how crucial conceding that equaliser was. "This was the worst time to concede," he told .

  "We were winning 2-1, I think away this was a good score, but we go with a draw and we try to win the game at home. We defended really well, but they are a good team, a good striker, so we need to be ready for everything, but unfortunately we conceded the goal."

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Yoro was visibly frustrated that his milestone moment had been overshadowed by the late equaliser. "I didn’t enjoy too much – no celebration because it’s normal, we want to win," he continued. "No time for celebration. Really happy to score my first goal. We don’t have the win, but it’s okay. Honestly, it was really quick, I don’t even think about anything, I just put my head, try to score."

  However, Yoro believes that the team can still edge out Lyon at Old Trafford and added: "I think we did really well. It was compact, we tried to block every counter attack, things like that we need to keep it and to give everything at Old Trafford. I think if we won 2-1 we would be more confident [to make it through] for sure we concede this goal, it's difficult but we need to keep our heads up. We didn't lose, we can win at Old Trafford."

Everton are now looking to inject some pace into their side as they open talks over a potential January addition for Sean Dyche, it has been reported.

Everton struggling for results

With just one win in their last 11 Premier League games, Everton are drifting towards the relegation zone once more. The Toffees have picked up credible draws against Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal in that run, but back to back defeats and a tough fixture list ahead has left the club looking nervously over their shoulder, with just a point separating themselves from Wolves and Ipswich, who occupy 17th and 18th place.

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Tottenham (Home)

Brighton (Away)

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Crystal Palace (Away)

With the January transfer window now open, Everton have a chance to strengthen their ranks ahead of another attempt at a great escape in the second half of the campaign, but it may not be as easy as that. Speaking to the media at the turn of the year, Dyche admitted he was not hopeful for new faces in the winter window despite the club takeover.

The Toffees had been linked with a move for winger Jaden Philogene, but that move has since broken down with Ipswich closing in on his signing. However, fresh reports have claimed that Everton have identified a potential bargain, and have opened talks over bringing him to Goodison Park before the end of the month.

Everton in talks with Premier League midfielder

That comes courtesy of Caught Offside, who report that Everton have opened talks to sign Jakub Moder from Brighton ahead of the January transfer deadline.

The Polish midfielder has been restricted to just three Premier League appearances so far this season under Fabian Hurzeler, totalling just eight minutes of action.

Now down to the final six months of his £10,000 a week deal at the Amex Stadium, he is thought to be keen to leave in search of more regular minutes, while Brighton for their part are also keen to cash in on the 25-year-old rather than lose him for free at the end of the season.

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To that end, the report claims that relegation candidates Everton and Leicester City are both keen to land him this transfer window as the pair seek more midfield reinforcements. Able to play as a number six, central midfielder or creative midfielder, the Toffees are “in talks” over a potential move to land the Brighton man on a cut-price deal.

Though not renowned for his goalscoring threat, one thing that Moder would certainly provide is pace. According to last season’s statistics, the Poland international was the fifth fastest player in the Premier League, clocking up an impressive top speed of 36.84KM/H, higher than the likes of Anthony Gordon, Callum Hudson Odoi and Gabriel Martinelli.

That speed would also make him faster than anyone in the Everton squad this season, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin the quickest player Dyche can currently call upon, and his top speed a full 2 kilometres an hour below that of Moder’s from last season. Bringing fresh energy to the Toffees, could Moder prove a low-cost gem for Dyche’s side?

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea have dropped out of the top four in the Premier League, despite their brilliant start to the campaign, following their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

Injuries have started to play a part in the Blues season, with Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile suffering long-term injuries, whilst Reece James and Roméo Lavia continue to suffer from recurring injuries.

With the January window open, this is a good chance for Chelsea and their directors to enter the market and strengthen the squad for the second half of the season, in order to ensure their Champions League qualification.

Chelsea make approach to sign Premier League striker

According to reports from Blues insider Simon Phillips, Chelsea have made a second approach to the agent of Ipswich Town striker, Liam Delap.

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The reports state the Blues have approached the 21-year-old’s representatives twice this month now, with a view to bringing the player in before February 1st.

The 21-year-old ace is under contract with the Tractor Boys until 2029, with the reports stating Chelsea could be trying to agree personal terms with Delap and his team first, before approaching Ipswich regarding the fee it would take to bring him in this month.

Delap has made 20 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists.

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ByCharlie Smith Oct 8, 2025 How Cole Palmer could turn Delap into a star at Chelsea

One man who could benefit from the arrival of Delap, is actually Chelsea’s star man, Cole Palmer. The 22-year-old has made 23 appearances for Maresca’s side so far this season, scoring 14 goals and registering six assists across another outstanding term.

Delap, who has been described as a “different beast” by Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna this season, would provide more of an outlet and focal point for Palmer to play off, whilst also having a target to hit with crosses into the box, unlocking another creative tool he has in his arsenal.

Goals

0.48

0.53

Assists

0.12

0.23

xG

0.39

0.63

Progressive Carries

1.88

2.22

Progressive Passes

1.00

1.40

Shots Total

1.94

3.33

Goals/Shot

0.19

0.16

Key Passes

1.00

1.11

Aerial Duels Won

1.94

0.58

When comparing Delap to Nicolas Jackson, you can see the Chelsea man has provided better output so far this season, also having better progressive and creative metrics.

However, context has to be applied that Jackson is playing in a better team, who create more chances and relies less on him with the quality around him.

The standout difference between the two strikers is their aerial ability. Both standing at 6 foot 1, Delap shows far more ability to use his frame and body to bully defenders, pinning central defenders and winning 1.94 aerial duels per 90, compared to Jackson who only wins 0.58 per 90.

The addition of Delap would provide brilliant competition for Nicolas Jackson, giving Maresca two differing profiles, would allow the rest of the Chelsea team including star man Palmer, to flow through the game in a more efficient and coherent manner.

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Two-paced pitches, asymmetric grounds and wind – India have faced and overcome several challenges in the Caribbean

Deivarayan Muthu06-Aug-20223:17

Karthik: Hard to be consistent as finisher

The various challenges posed by the conditions in the Caribbean will help India’s preparation to face different situations during the T20 World Cup in Australia, according to batter Dinesh Karthik. After playing the first three T20Is in the West Indies, the teams have moved to Lauderhill in Florida for the last two games of the series this weekend.Karthik was among those who rose above the two-paced pitch in Tarouba for the first T20I and used the asymmetric ground dimensions to his advantage. In the second and third matches in St Kitts, India had to deal with a strong cross wind. After struggling to adapt in the second T20I, India fared much better in the third to take a 2-1 lead in the series.Related

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Karthik strengthens his case for finisher's spot at 2022 T20 World Cup

“I think it is very interesting because even in the World Cup straightaway the three grounds that come to my mind are Sydney – [where] the sides are slightly smaller and the straights are longer – Adelaide, we all know that the sides are very small and again, the straights are long, whereas in Melbourne, it’s the exact opposite – the straights are short and the sides are very big. So, obviously, we are going to be encountering different grounds wherever we are going to be playing, so the challenges are going to be different.”Here, the challenges have been different in every venue where we have played. So, the fact that every time you get an opportunity, there’s a certain challenge that comes with just walking in. That is pressure by itself. One of the key things that Rohit [Sharma] and Rahul [Dravid] have spoken about in this series at the start was adaptability and understanding the situations. I think that is something we’ve done pretty well so far.”Twelve Indian players have pretty much sealed their spots for the T20 World Cup, including Karthik, which leaves seven or eight contenders competing for the remaining three slots. Given India’s rich talent pool, Karthik said it would be difficult for the selectors to lock in the final 15.Dinesh Karthik also heaped praise on India’s vast talent pool•Getty Images”Look, right now in the Indian team, we have the potential to put out two teams or maybe even three teams, in terms of the number of players available,” he said. “I don’t think many countries can boast of that, so to get just 15 players playing from a good lot of 40 players, there are going to be 20-25 players that are going to think: ‘geez! I could have made that team’.Of late, Karthik has excelled in his role as a finisher, winning games for his IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore and for India – both at home and away. Since the start of IPL 2022, he has a strike rate of 205.55 in the death overs (17-20). Only James Neesham (227.65) and Tim David (226.72) have a better strike rate than Karthik in all T20s during this period. The role of a finisher comes with pressure, and Karthik has learnt to embrace it.”Pressure is a privilege at this point of time as a cricketer [and] as a sportsperson,” Karthik said. “It is something that is given to [you] only when playing at the highest level and when people expect certain things out of you. So, I’m happy; I think what’s important is making sure on a given day what the match situation is, reading the game and trying to give the best on that given day.”

“Pressure is a privilege at this point of time as a cricketer [and] as a sportsperson. It is something that is given to [you] only when playing at the highest level and when people expect certain things out of you.”Karthik on embracing pressure

Karthik once again credited India’s team management for nurturing an environment that gave players security and the opportunity to grow into their roles, despite failures.”This is one of the happiest that I’ve been part of the Indian team… the amount of love and affection that I’ve got, not only from the team and the fans but also the backing from the captain and the coach.”This is what I’ve aimed for all my life and for the captain and coach to show so much belief in me, it is only fair that I repay the faith by giving performances which will help the team cross the line in many ways, and that is what I’ve been trying to do.”

تعرض فريق نيس لهزيمة أمام خصمه رين، مساء اليوم السبت، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الفرنسي لكرة القدم، التي قاربت على الانتهاء.

وتلاقى الفريقان في خضم منافسات الجولة الثالثة والثلاثين من الدوري الفرنسي، موسم 2024/25 حيث خسر نيس بهدفين دون رد.

جاء هدفي نيس عن طريق اللاعب أرنود كاليمويندو، في الدقيقتين 15 و80.

اقرأ أيضًا | وسط شغب جماهيري.. مارسيليا يتأهل إلى دوري أبطال أوروبا بثلاثية أمام لوهافر “الخائف”

بتلك النتيجة، تجمد رصيد نيس عند 57 نقطة في المركز الرابع، في حين ارتفع رصيد رين إلى 41 نقطة في المركز الحادي عشر.

وتسببت تلك الخسارة في ضرورة فوز نيس في الجولة الأخيرة، السبت المقبل، ضد بريست من أجل التأهل إلى دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وتتساوى 3 فرق في النقاط، في إطار الصراع على البطاقة الأخيرة المؤهلة إلى دوري أبطال أوروبا، وهم نيس، ليل وستراسبورج، حيث يمتلك كل فريق 57 نقطة، مع أفضلية لـ نيس بسبب الأهداف.

ويفتقد نيس خدمات المحترف المصري محمد عبد المنعم الذي يعاني من قطع في الرباط الصليبي منذ الشهر الماضي.

Arsenal have been attempting to get one player to join manager Mikel Arteta for quite some time, and a reporter believes they’re set to get it done after recent talks.

Arsenal secure North London Derby win over Tottenham

While January transfer business remains ongoing behind-the-scenes, with the Gunners yet to get an extra body through the door, Arteta was a happy man on Wednesday evening as Arsenal secured North London Derby bragging rights.

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They’re in talks right now.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 15, 2025

The home side went a goal down against the run of play, courtesy of Tottenham star Son Heung-min, but two quick-fire goals just before half-time handed Arsenal all three points in a 2-1 win at home to Spurs.

It was a crucial victory for Arteta, who not only reigned victorious against Arsenal’s most fierce rivals, but also made up ground on Liverpool in the Premier League title race – after Arne Slot’s side dropped points away to Nottingham Forest.

“We had two big performances, getting nothing out of them, totally undeserved, but it’s football,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s win over Tottenham.

“Then you have to play the biggest game of the season at home and when everyone starts to question and paint who has made the mistakes, the team reacts in a way that shows real determination, real desire, goes for it, plays to hurt the opposition with and without the ball from the first minute.

“We went a goal down, totally undeserved and were still able to generate so much in the game to fully deserve to win it. The performance of the team, regardless of their results, has been incredibly good and consistent, so if we continue to be like that, we’ll be in a good place by April.”

More good news for Arsenal, this time on the transfer front, is that they’re reportedly moving forward on a summer deal for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

As both Thomas Partey and Jorginho enter the final months of their contracts, the Spain midfielder has emerged as a very serious potential incoming. Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Zubimendi and plan to trigger his £51 million release clause, and journalist Steve Kay has provided further background on this evolving story.

Arsenal "will" complete Martin Zubimendi deal after trying "for years"

Kay, speaking on KS1 TV, claims that Arsenal have been trying to sign Zubimendi “for years” and a deal is basically “done” – contrary to other reports.

“This is one that we’ve been on it for years,” said Kay. “We know Arsenal love this player. We’ve said many times he’s the number one signing. Liverpool nearly got him last year, but he decided he didn’t want to go.

“It’s very close, Arsenal will sign him, they will trigger his release clause in the summer of €60m. Personal terms were agreed in March, but that is a normal thing with the player, that’s the first thing you do. That was done long ago.

“There’s not a lot to be done other than signing on the dotted line, and then Martin Zubimendi will become an Arsenal player. He’s special.”

Wayne Rooney has been blamed for Plymouth's impending relegation by his successor Miron Muslic with the Pilgrims still bottom of the Championship.

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Rooney won just four times in 23 gamesPlymouth are still rooted to the bottom Muslic slammed Rooney for their plightFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Despite having left the job four months ago, the former England and Manchester United striker has not escaped the scrutiny surrounding Plymouth’s rapid descent toward relegation. Rooney, who took the reins last May, endured a turbulent stint at the club. During his 23-game spell, he registered just four league wins while suffering 13 defeats — a stretch that has left lasting damage on the club’s campaign. His time in charge was cut short on New Year’s Eve, as Plymouth sought to arrest their decline.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Following Rooney’s dismissal, Plymouth turned to Bosnian-born Austrian coach Muslic to navigate the remainder of the season. With just two matches left to play, the Pilgrims sit at the foot of the Championship table, three points adrift of safety. The uphill battle for survival continues, but Muslic believes the current crisis could have been avoided altogether had he been appointed earlier.

WHAT MUSLIC SAID

"I think if I'm the head coach from day one we will be far, far away from the relegation zone," he told reporters.

"We would be safe five games ago already. I truly believe if I will be here with my staff from day one we will be nowhere near where we are right now."

Since taking over, Muslic has managed to collect 23 points in 19 matches – a marked improvement on Rooney’s record – and has injected belief into a squad that appeared directionless just months prior. Their 3-1 win against Coventry City on Monday has breathed fresh life into their survival hopes, though the task remains daunting.

"The performance today, the performance at Middlesbrough," Muslic told BBC Sport after the Coventry win.

"We've taken nine points at Home Park against Norwich, against Sheffield United, against Coventry. These are teams playing for the Premier League and they all lost here in Plymouth at Home Park, that gives me the confidence."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR PLYMOUTH?

With only two matches left, every point is vital. First up is a crucial clash with Preston North End, followed by a potentially decisive final-day showdown with title-chasing Leeds United at Home Park. Even if the Pilgrims are able to secure victories in both of their remaining fixtures, they will still need other results to go in their favour. Specifically, they’ll be hoping that Luton Town, Cardiff City, and Derby County falter in their respective matches.

Following the departure of Diego Carlos to Fenerbahce, another Aston Villa player who just earned the praise of Unai Emery is reportedly set to complete a move away from the Midlands.

Aston Villa transfer news

For some time, it looked as though Loic Bade would be on his way only for his valuation to rise outside of the Villans’ range this month even after Carlos’ departure. In a race to secure back-to-back top four finishes, it’s the type of transfer frustration that Villa could do without and the type that would have only been increased by Mings’ ill-timed injury blow.

Speaking about his side’s transfer activity which has so far seen both Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia arrive and Carlos leave, Emery told reporters as relayed by the Times and Star: “We’re doing everything we can and we have to control everything that’s in our hands.

“This transfer window is not easy, we did not want him to leave but he decided to leave because he accepted an offer from Turkey and we’re trying to get one centre-back to replace him. But there are still days to decide how we can do it.”

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Posts 1 ByBrett Worthington Jan 28, 2025

To make room for another central defender, meanwhile, the Villans have seemingly shown the door to another player. According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Emiliano Buendia is now on the verge of joining Bayer Leverkusen on loan with an option to buy.

The former Norwich City man may well fall into the category of what might have been at Villa Park, but a move away to Leverkusen could yet hand him the revival that he so desperately needed.

"Fantastic" Buendia needed move

When Buendia first arrived from Norwich, it was a move full of excitement. A spell full of frustrating injuries later, however, it’s one that could have been so much more. At this stage, the Argentine midfielder desperately needed a move away having failed to start a single game in the Premier League all season.

His struggles didn’t stand in the way of Emery’s recent praise though. The Spaniard was quick to speak highly of Buendia following his performance despite the fact that his side suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of AS Monaco in the Champions League.

Emery told reporters as relayed by the Birmingham Mail: “Today, especially with Emi Buendia, because he has the option to leave but today we needed him and he played fantastic with his qualities, fantastic mentality and fantastic with his commitment with the squad.”

It now looks as though the £75,000-a-week man has taken that option to leave and join up with Bundesliga champions Leverkusen in what is an impressive move. It’s there under Xabi Alonso that Buendia could rediscover his best form.