Matt Maher

Aston Villa have rejected a new bid of around £45 million from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for Ollie Watkins. Manager Unai Emery said he would prefer to keep the England striker but acknowledged that Watkins could leave before the September 1 transfer deadline if Villa’s valuation is met and a suitable replacement can be found. Watkins has scored 108 goals for Villa since joining from Brentford in 2020, including 21 last season. Villa are considering Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson as a potential replacement.

Aston Villa have confirmed the signings of defender Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid for about £17 million and goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma in a deal that could reach £30 million. Suzuki is viewed as a potential long-term replacement for Emi Martínez. Villa are also nearing a loan deal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while continuing talks for Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha and seeking another winger. Arsenal are interested in Ezri Konsa, but Villa have rejected an offer of nearly £40 million from Al-Hilal for Ollie Watkins.

Gully Powar’s planned British featherweight title fight against Nelson Birchall in Birmingham has collapsed after Birchall withdrew, marking the second opponent to pull out in recent weeks. Powar remains the mandatory challenger following a controversial draw with Rhys Edwards, but Queensberry Promotions has so far been unable to secure a replacement. He is unlikely to appear on next month’s Birmingham card and may instead return in October or November.

Warwickshire have renewed the contracts of Rob Yates, Zen Malik, George Garton and Vansh Jani for at least two seasons. Yates has scored more than 7,000 runs in all formats, while Malik and Jani have developed through the South Asian Cricket Academy, with Jani recently recording a career-best 98 against Kent. Garton, who has been limited by injury and was unable to bowl during the season, has also received the club’s backing and is expected to return across all formats. Head coach Ian Westwood described the quartet as outstanding and capable of helping Warwickshire compete for trophies.

Aston Villa are seeking a new exit route for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after Juventus ended negotiations over a transfer fee and instead agreed to loan Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham. Martinez's departure is on hold despite Villa preparing to sign Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30 million, with the goalkeeper due to undergo a medical. Interest from Saudi Arabia could potentially return, but Villa want to remove the 33-year-old from their wage bill. The club are also close to signing left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid.

Matt Hudson-Smith became the most decorated male European athlete of all time after leading Great Britain to silver in the men's 4x400m relay at Birmingham 2026. Italy won the relay by three-hundredths of a second and finished one gold medal ahead of Britain at the top of the championships medal table. Britain also secured gold through Amy Hunt in the mixed 4x100m relay and Georgia Hunter Bell in the 1,500m, while Jazmin Sawyers and the women's 4x400m relay team won silver.

Amy Hunt won her fourth gold medal of Birmingham 2026 in the mixed 4x100m relay, surpassing Fanny Blankers-Koen’s previous record for the most golds at a single European championship. The British quartet of Jeremiah Azu, Dina Asher-Smith, Zharnel Hughes and Hunt set a European record of 39.97 seconds, ahead of Germany and Spain. The victory also made Asher-Smith the most decorated European athlete, while Hughes became the first British male athlete to win six European golds.

Aston Villa are discussing a deal worth about £25 million to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as Emi Martinez faces renewed uncertainty over his future. Juventus have made a new bid for the Argentina international, whose possible departure is being negotiated after six years at Villa. Martinez has made 256 appearances for Villa, won the World Cup and twice received the Lev Yashin Trophy. Suzuki, a Japan international and former reported Paris Saint-Germain target, could become Villa’s replacement ahead of the new Premier League season.

Aston Villa will begin the Premier League season without Brian Madjo and Joao Gomes due to injuries. Madjo is expected to be absent until September, while Gomes could miss a month after suffering a calf injury in Salzburg. Their absences add to existing concerns over Amadou Onana and record signing Johan Manzambi, both of whom are also expected to miss significant early-season action, forcing manager Unai Emery to reconsider his lineup for the opener at Brighton.

Matt Hudson-Smith helped Great Britain qualify for the Birmingham 2026 European Championships 4x400-metre relay final after running the anchor leg in the heats. The British quartet finished third, but France was disqualified for a lane infringement, securing Great Britain’s progression. Hudson-Smith, who had won the individual 400m title less than 36 hours earlier, said competing in front of his home crowd and family was special. His individual victory was his eighth European medal, drawing him level with Christophe Lemaitre, and a relay medal could give him the outright record.

West Bromwich Albion will visit Newcastle United at St James’s Park on Wednesday, August 26, at 7:45 p.m. in the second round of the Carabao Cup. The match will be the club’s first visit there with supporters allowed since 2018, following a 4–1 win over Rotherham that sent Albion beyond the competition’s first round.

Keely Hodgkinson safely reached the Birmingham 2026 women’s 800m final by winning her semi-final. Her main rival, Switzerland’s Audrey Werro, fell heavily near the finish after apparent contact with Anais Bourgoin, but was reinstated alongside Gabija Galvydyte following an appeal and video review. Werro’s condition remains a concern ahead of the final, while Jemma Reekie and Femke Broeders-Bol are also among the potential contenders.

Youri Tielemans says he remains deeply grateful to Aston Villa, where he spent three successful years and helped win the Europa League, but believes Manchester United represents a step up. United triggered his £35 million release clause to sign the 29-year-old midfielder, who wants to build on the move and achieve further success at Old Trafford.

Aston Villa have held talks about signing West Ham right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is valued at approximately £25 million and remains under contract for five more years. The position is a priority for Unai Emery, with previous efforts to sign Emerson Royal unsuccessful and Kosta Nedeljkovic potentially heading out on loan. Villa are also close to signing Matteo Ruggeri, while talks continue for João Palhinha and interest in Jonathan David has resurfaced. Leon Bailey’s proposed move to Hull City appears to have collapsed, although Saudi Arabian clubs are interested in him.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique says Aston Villa’s extensive summer changes make it difficult to predict their lineup for the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg. Villa have lost Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne, while Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Emi Martínez have only recently returned to training. PSG enter as favourites after winning the Champions League for a second consecutive year, but captain Marquinhos insists the team will take the trophy seriously despite not being at peak fitness.

Birmingham 2026 organisers defended ticket prices and said sales had exceeded targets after opening athletics sessions at Alexander Stadium appeared to draw substantially fewer than the 23,000-capacity venue could hold. Critics, including Steve Cram, Sonja McLaughlan and Amy Hunt’s agent Nick Harwell, condemned the sparse crowds and ticket prices of up to £150, while fans also objected to expensive food and drinks. Organisers said later sessions were approaching sell-out and pointed to discounted tickets, including £10 adult entry and a £6.31 children’s ticket.

Walsall and Wombourne remain joint-second in the South Staffordshire Cricket League’s Premier Division after both collected maximum points, with five matches remaining. Wombourne edged Beacon by two wickets, while Walsall defeated Wolverhampton Seconds by 95 runs. Leaders Fordhouses still hold a 57-point advantage despite being held by Hammerwich. Cannock beat Old Wulfunians Tettenhall by two wickets, while Penkridge and Brewood also improved their league positions.

Denise Lewis believes the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham can revive interest in athletics across the Midlands, where football dominates media attention and participation. She argues that the sport must present itself as modern and exciting, while reconnecting local fans with elite athletes and coaching opportunities. Wolverhampton-born Matt Hudson-Smith, a Birchfield Harriers member and European record holder, is the region's only representative on the 94-strong Great Britain team. Lewis praised his achievements and hopes he can win a third European 400-metre title at a stadium stand named in his honour, potentially strengthening his path toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

West Bromwich Albion manager James Morrison has selected a strong starting XI for the Carabao Cup first-round match against Rotherham United. New signings Nolan Galves and Jimmy Jay-Morgan will make their debuts, while Barney Stewart, Conor Townsend, Felix Horn Myhre and Matt Ingram start on the bench. Mikey Johnston returns as a substitute after five months out with an ankle injury, with more than 2,500 Albion supporters travelling to the match.

Former European middleweight champion Tyler Denny has arrived in Dublin as the underdog for his Saturday fight against unbeaten Irish boxer Callum Walsh at the 3Arena. Denny believes Zuffa Boxing and promoter Dana White chose the wrong opponent for Walsh's homecoming, citing his strength, experience and record against previously unbeaten fighters. Walsh will have strong home-crowd support, while the event also features Aaron McKenna's IBF world-title fight against Etinosa Oliha.

Aston Villa will face Bayern Munich at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium in the final match of both clubs’ Far East pre-season tours. Matty Cash welcomes the opportunity to test Villa against one of the world’s strongest teams before their European Super Cup meeting with Paris Saint-Germain. Despite absences caused by injuries and the approaching World Cup, Bayern will feature Manuel Neuer and Luis Diaz. Cash also says the demanding tour has helped integrate new arrivals, including Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Gomes, ahead of the new season. Bayern manager Vincent Kompany similarly views the fixture as a valuable assessment of his team’s fitness.

Fordhouses beat Cannock by 60 runs to retain a 65-point lead in the South Staffordshire Cricket League Premier Division, with Niall Cooper scoring 84 and the Peat brothers taking seven wickets. Walsall dismissed Tamworth for just 32 after posting 234-8, while Wombourne defeated Penkridge by seven wickets thanks to centuries from Amaan Hassan and Michael Hill. Brewood, Old Wulfrunians Tettenhall and Beacon also secured important wins, with Old Wulfs defeating Wolverhampton seconds by 122 runs and Brewood extending its cushion above the relegation zone.

Argentina’s conduct after losing the World Cup final to Spain, including alleged punches and turning away during the trophy lift, is condemned as poor sportsmanship. However, the tournament’s broader controversies—including hydration breaks, unusual scheduling, restrictions on teams staying in the host country, alleged government interference in discipline and FIFA’s breach of its own regulations—are presented as more serious. The column argues that the tournament lacked credibility and that FIFA president Gianni Infantino should resign, despite his expected re-election and growing criticism from figures such as La Liga president Javier Tebas.

Wolves began the summer transfer window strongly with Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez but have since added only Rafiki Said, while Joao Gomes has departed for Aston Villa and Tolu Arokodare remains difficult to move on. The change from Rob Edwards to Cesar Peixoto has added uncertainty to recruitment, and several squad positions and player futures remain unresolved before the Championship season begins. Although supporters are frustrated by the slowdown, the column argues that a relegated club cannot control every part of the market and that the window should be judged by the quality of the final deals rather than their timing.

Tipton boxer Conor Baker will challenge Kirk Stevens for the Midlands Area super lightweight title at Aldersley Leisure Village. Baker, who has won all seven of his professional bouts, has balanced early-morning training and evening sparring with full-time work digging water mains for Severn Trent Water. The 29-year-old credits coach and future father-in-law Mark Richards with encouraging his professional career and sees the fight as a chance to fulfil a childhood ambition, win his first belt and open the door to further titles.

Aston Villa opened their pre-season with a 5-0 victory over Walsall, featuring Joao Gomes’s debut one day after joining from Wolves. Villa’s goals came from teenagers Brian Madjo, George Hemmings, Luka Lynch and Aidan Borland, with manager Unai Emery rotating 22 players. Madjo’s ongoing registration issue due to FIFA transfer regulations remains under appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Aston Villa are pursuing a loan deal for Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho, who is expected to become surplus following Morgan Rogers’ arrival at Stamford Bridge. Unai Emery, an admirer of Garnacho, hopes to revive the player’s career and is also considering Nicolas Jackson. Villa continue an active recruitment drive, scouting multiple targets including Ibrahim Mbaye and Crysencio Summerville, while negotiating for AC Milan’s Pervis Estupinan as a replacement for Lucas Digne. Additional reinforcements at right-back remain possible, following major signings such as Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes.

Joao Gomes thanked Wolverhampton Wanderers after completing a £38 million move to Aston Villa, reflecting on his development during three and a half years at Molineux and expressing regret over leaving following the club’s relegation. He highlighted his work with the Wolves Foundation, particularly supporting children with speech and language difficulties, describing it as his greatest legacy. Gomes leaves with pride in his efforts and gratitude toward the club and community.

Chelsea is set to complete a British record £117 million transfer for Morgan Rogers, who will undergo a medical after returning from the World Cup. Aston Villa accepted the fully guaranteed offer despite wishing to keep him, easing financial pressure under UEFA rules. Villa have already moved to replace him with Johan Manzambi and are pursuing additional signings including Joao Gomes, Pervis Estupinan and Joao Palhinha. The fee will also support their search for a winger, while further departures such as Leon Bailey and Lucas Digne are expected. Rogers leaves after 125 appearances and a key role in Villa’s recent success.

Kidderminster Harriers’ new signing Levi Amantchi scored on his debut in a 2-0 pre-season win over Halesowen Town, drawing praise from manager Paul Wotton. Other non-league clubs continued their preparations with mixed results, including defeats for Hednesford Town, Stourbridge and Rushall Olympic, while Stafford Rangers earned a 2-2 draw against Leek Town with two goals from Darrhyl Mason.

Aston Villa’s new sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda delivers strong financial benefits but raises ethical concerns due to Rwanda’s human rights record. Amnesty International criticised the agreement as sportswashing, and some supporters expressed discomfort, though overall reaction remained muted compared to past controversies. The club’s focus on increasing revenue and the fanbase’s current satisfaction with on-field success appear to have dampened organised opposition, highlighting the need for continued independent supporter voices.

England’s World Cup exit prompts scrutiny of Thomas Tuchel’s decisions and post-match comments, which are seen as deflecting blame and damaging his standing. His remarks about England’s football “DNA” echo long‑standing concerns about players’ ability to retain possession under pressure. Comparisons with Spain’s composure and past criticism from former players highlight deeper questions about England’s development strategy and the FA’s overarching vision following another failed tournament campaign.

Joao Gomes is set to undergo a medical ahead of a £38 million transfer from Wolves to Aston Villa after Wolves’ relegation and a decline in Atletico Madrid’s interest. Aston Villa is rebuilding its midfield following departures and injuries, with plans to sign Johan Manzambi and pursue a loan for Joao Palhinha. Additional squad changes include Lucas Digne’s expected move to PSG and interest in Pervis Estupinan, while Wolves prepare to replace Gomes after adding Kieran Trippier, Raul Jimenez and Rafiki Said.

Gurshan Singh’s unbeaten century could not prevent Pelsall losing to Cannock, who chased down 214 thanks to key contributions from Adil Amin, Muhammad Sultan and Adam Benton. League leaders Fordhouses extended their dominance with an eight‑wicket win over Old Wulfrunians Tettenhall, while Wombourne, Beacon and Walsall each secured victories. Hammerwich and Penkridge played out a high‑scoring draw highlighted by three centuries.

Aston Villa are close to securing a club‑record transfer of nearly £60m for Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi after overtaking Newcastle’s earlier agreement. The move follows a serious ACL injury to Amadou Onana, increasing Villa’s need for midfield reinforcement. Manzambi, who impressed for Freiburg and Switzerland, is expected to join after intensified talks, with the final fee set to surpass the £50m Villa previously paid for Onana.

Fans gather at Stourbridge FC to watch England face Norway in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final, with more than 400 expected at the club’s outdoor bar as the match kicks off in Miami. Reporters provide live updates from the event as supporters anticipate the late‑night game following England’s recent win over Mexico.

Wolves are set to finalise a £7.7 million deal for winger Rafiki Said following his medical at Compton Park after agreeing a fee with Standard Liege. Said, who scored eight goals in Belgium last season and previously played in France, is expected to join the squad for their upcoming training camp in Portugal. He is the club’s first signing under new head coach Cesar Peixoto and follows earlier summer additions Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez.

West Bromwich Albion are negotiating the sale of 20-year-old striker Eseosa Sule to St Mirren, three years after signing him from Celtic. Sule has made only one senior appearance for the club and fallen further down the depth chart following new attacking signings. A deal has not yet been reached, though a low transfer fee with a sell-on clause is expected.

Gully Powar’s British title rematch with Rhys Edwards has been scheduled for September 5 at Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton, giving Powar the hometown setting he wanted. The rematch was ordered after their first fight in Cardiff ended in a controversial majority draw. BCB Promotions secured the purse bid to stage the event. Powar enters the bout seeking his first career title following notable performances against Japhetlee Llamido and Brandon Mosqueda.

Aston Villa added a friendly against Porto on July 25 to complete their pre-season schedule, fitting the match between two fixtures at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium. The club’s preparations also include a Far East tour with games against Indonesia All Stars, BG Pathum United, and Bayern Munich, followed by a final friendly at Borussia Monchengladbach. Their competitive season begins on August 12 with the European Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain in Salzburg.

Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene confirmed Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a World Cup win over the USA, ruling him out for most of the 2026–27 season. Belgium and Aston Villa medical staff are coordinating his treatment and rehabilitation, while the club may be forced into the transfer market as they attempt to remain within UEFA financial fair play limits.

The Premier League rescheduled three early Aston Villa fixtures for live broadcast, moving matches against Arsenal, Hull City and Tottenham to new dates and kickoff times for coverage on Sky Sports and TNT Sports. Four of Villa’s first five league games will now be televised, while the home match against Nottingham Forest remains at 3pm unless altered due to potential Champions League commitments.

The Premier League’s first round of broadcast selections has shifted three early Aston Villa fixtures, including the home opener against Arsenal, which moves to a Monday night slot on Sky Sports. Matches away at Hull City and Tottenham have also been rescheduled for televised broadcasts on Sky Sports and TNT Sports. Four of Villa’s first five league games will now be shown live on TV, while the home match against Nottingham Forest remains at 3pm unless altered due to potential Champions League commitments.

Fordhouses extended their dominant lead in the South Staffordshire Cricket League with a comfortable victory over Walsall as their closest challengers, Wombourne and Beacon, failed to gain ground. Strong individual performances shaped several matches, including standout innings from Michael Hill, Max Walker and Stuart Burrows, along with key bowling displays from Keshan Wijerathne and Aaron Patel. Beacon and Wolverhampton shared a tense tie, while Penkridge, Tamworth and Hammerwich secured important wins, leaving Brewood and Old Wulfrunians Tettenhall still struggling near the bottom of the table.

Morgan Rogers aims to stay focused despite transfer interest from Arsenal, while Aston Villa are expected to reject offers below £100 million, influenced partly by his comparison to Elliot Anderson’s recent £116 million move to Manchester City. Villa’s transfer plans hinge on Rogers' future, with Middlesbrough entitled to a significant sell‑on percentage. Emi Martinez also faces renewed interest from Juventus, and Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser is being considered as a potential replacement.

Aston Villa plan to reject any offers for Ezri Konsa that fall below their valuation as Arsenal show tentative interest. Both Konsa and Morgan Rogers are regarded as key assets, with Rogers valued at around £100m amid additional interest from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. Villa aim to meet financial fair play requirements through the sale of fringe players, with Evann Guessand and Lamare Bogarde among those attracting interest.

Ben Healy prepares for the Tour de France after recovering from injury and illness, aiming to repeat his 2025 success that included a stage win and time in the yellow jersey. Confident in his form, he anticipates opportunities in transitional stages and plans to maintain his aggressive, unpredictable racing style. Rising attention around him has grown following his achievements, while his team EF Pro Cycling highlights his increasing profile.

Aston Villa were fined £19 million by UEFA for exceeding cost‑control limits in 2025 but will pay only about £6 million initially, with the remaining amount suspended due to improved financial trends. The club previously entered a three‑year settlement agreement after an earlier fine and must continue reducing its squad‑cost ratio in 2026 to avoid further penalties.

Seventeen-year-old Kobe Clarke won the under-19 75kg title at the Four Nations Championship in Scotland, defeating Wales’ Mitchell Jones and edging Ireland’s Jason Whelan in the final. His coach, former British lightweight champion Martin Gethin, highlighted Clarke’s progress and discipline, noting his growing amateur pedigree that includes national titles and victory at the Haringey Box Cup. Clarke’s recent performances attracted the attention of England Boxing coaches, reinforcing expectations of a promising future.

Reece Colley won the Ivy House Knockout with a 4-3 victory over Mick Baker after defeating Michael Powell in the semi-finals. Hotshots secured the Coseley Friday Trebles title, while Junction B moved clear at the top of the Tettenhall Wednesday League. Staffs Knots extended their lead in the West Midlands Super League, and Wednesfield Legion maintained their position at the top of the Wednesfield Sunday League through multiple individual wins.

Emi Martinez continued playing for Argentina at the World Cup despite fracturing a finger during Aston Villa’s Europa League final warm‑up, rejecting surgery to avoid missing the tournament. Wearing a splint and undergoing fluid‑draining treatment, he has featured in all group‑stage victories and hopes to play without the splint in the upcoming knockout match against Cape Verde. He credited his coach’s support for encouraging him to push through the injury. His club future remains uncertain amid interest from Juventus.