Steve Wollaston

Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey appears increasingly likely to join Hull City after Hull chairman Acun Ilicali posted an update suggesting the deal is close. Bailey has one year left on his contract, is open to a new challenge and did not join Villa’s pre-season tour. The move would allow Villa to reduce its wage bill and receive a transfer fee, while Bailey would remain in England near his family. His Villa career is described as a mixed five-year spell in which he made useful contributions but failed to secure a regular starting role.

Boubacar Kamara returned to action for Aston Villa after seven months out with knee ligament damage, scoring shortly after coming on in a 3–1 pre-season friendly victory over BG Pathum United in Thailand. Kamara said he had worked hard during rehabilitation and was pleased that his goal boosted his confidence. His return is viewed as a major boost for Unai Emery as Villa shape their midfield for the new season, with Kamara and João Gomes seen as a potentially formidable pairing.

Birmingham City won both of their split-squad pre-season friendlies, defeating Northampton Town 2–0 through two Demarai Gray goals and Crewe Alexandra 2–1 with goals from Jay Stansfield and Briar Bateman. The results extend Chris Davies’ side’s unbeaten preparations before a high-profile friendly against FC Barcelona on 31 July. Birmingham will then begin its competitive schedule against Swansea City in the Carabao Cup before opening its Championship campaign away to Sheffield United.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson for £65 million, potentially reuniting him with manager Unai Emery, who gave Jackson an early breakthrough at Villarreal. Jackson returned to Chelsea after a season-long loan at Bayern Munich but was not included in the club’s initial preseason squad traveling to Australia. The proposed deal would need to be permanent because Premier League rules prevent clubs from taking two players on loan from the same top-flight side, and Alejandro Garnacho has already joined Villa on loan. The fee would exceed Aston Villa’s reported £50 million club record for Johan Manzambi.

Aston Villa set-piece coach Austin MacPhee is leaving to join Chelsea, a move John Townley describes as an unwanted blow for Villa. MacPhee is credited with helping the club produce a prolific set-piece attack and is considered difficult to replace, although Townley believes Villa’s established system can eventually cope. The departure is made more painful by Chelsea’s status as a direct rival, while Unai Emery remains the club’s most important figure to retain.

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor said during a talkSPORT appearance that he could not name any Beatles songs and would not recognise Sir Paul McCartney in the street. He recognised “Hey Jude” after being prompted and said he would choose to see The Beatles because he had already heard much of Oasis. The comments were widely shared online, prompting amused and baffled reactions, while the report also recaps Agbonlahor’s Villa career and Premier League scoring record.

Aston Villa issued a warm farewell to Morgan Rogers following his record £117 million transfer to Chelsea, praising his rise since joining from Middlesbrough in 2024 and highlighting his key contributions, including a Europa League triumph and England caps. Chelsea met Villa’s valuation despite Arsenal’s interest. Rogers departs after 125 appearances, 14 goals and 11 assists last season. Villa’s summer business includes major signings Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes, while Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have exited.

Aston Villa supporters react to the club agreeing to sell Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117m, a move set to break the British transfer record. Fans express mixed feelings, noting Rogers’ inconsistency but acknowledging the significant financial return and potential for reinvestment in the squad. Contributors highlight Villa’s recent success, question Rogers’ choice to join a lower‑placed club, and emphasise the importance of using the funds to strengthen multiple positions ahead of the new season.

Leon Bailey is attracting interest from Hull City as Aston Villa consider moving on the winger following limited playing time under Unai Emery. Additional interest from Trabzonspor and Celta Vigo has been reported. Villa are seeking replacements after agreeing a £117m deal for Morgan Rogers to join Chelsea, with Crysencio Summerville and Ibrahim Mbaye among the targets. AS Roma are pushing ahead for Summerville, though West Ham are holding out for a higher fee. Villa have already secured Johan Manzambi and are close to completing a deal for Joao Gomes.

Middlesbrough are set to earn roughly £20.2 million from Morgan Rogers’ impending £117 million transfer from Aston Villa to Chelsea due to a 20% sell‑on clause from his 2024 move. Rogers chose Chelsea over Arsenal, influenced by new manager Xabi Alonso. His sale follows a strong spell at Villa, where he contributed to Champions League qualification and a Europa League triumph. Villa face squad adjustments after losing Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and are pursuing reinforcements including Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, and Joao Palhinha.

Aston Villa are assessing a £15 million move for Celta Vigo midfielder Iliax Moriba, though the Spanish club are unwilling to sell and the player is uncertain about his role. Interest from Crystal Palace, Juventus, and Galatasaray adds competition as Villa rebuild their midfield following Youri Tielemans’ departure. Deals for Joao Gomes and Johan Manzambi are progressing, while Joao Palhinha is being targeted on loan to cover for the injured Amadou Onana. Ross Barkley could leave, with Coventry City and Fulham monitoring the situation.

Morgan Rogers’ impending £117m move from Aston Villa is presented as a rational financial decision, with the club capitalising on a significant profit and avoiding retaining a player whose focus has shifted. Despite fan anxiety and concurrent departures and injuries, Villa are depicted as operating strategically, supported by strong scouting and a substantial reinvestment budget. The deal is framed as beneficial in navigating PSR constraints and maintaining financial stability while preparing for an intense transfer window.

Roy Keane is considering leaving his punditry roles with ITV and Sky Sports by the end of 2026, citing travel hassles and negative encounters with fans as key reasons. He has suggested Switzerland as a possible destination and previously joked about emigrating if England won the World Cup. His comments comparing Aston Villa captain John McGinn to a “pub player” drew backlash, though both later clarified the remarks, with Keane offering further praise for McGinn. England’s World Cup loss to Argentina has delayed any hypothetical move, but Keane may still depart punditry after the tournament concludes.

Emiliano Martinez continues to experience daily pain from a fractured ring finger sustained before Aston Villa’s Europa League final but chose to avoid surgery to remain available for Argentina at the World Cup. After missing several matches during recovery, he reports improved condition from the knockout stages onward and emphasizes his commitment to the national team. Martinez reflects on past comments about retirement, expresses confidence ahead of the final against Spain, and maintains focus despite transfer interest from Juventus.

Youri Tielemans said Jonny Evans influenced his £35m move from Aston Villa to Manchester United by speaking to the manager about his character. Tielemans expressed excitement about joining United, citing the team’s quality, ambition, and the opportunity to develop under the current manager. The midfielder aims to take the next step in his career and looks forward to integrating with his new teammates.

Micah Richards plans to leave his roles with the BBC, Sky Sports and CBS by 2034, saying he wants to step away from mainstream media after the 2034 World Cup. After retiring due to knee injuries, he became a high-profile pundit across major broadcasters and co-hosts a popular podcast with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer. Richards says he intends to focus on grassroots efforts to support young people in his hometown of Chapeltown, Leeds, aiming to make a meaningful impact beyond charity appearances.

Ross Barkley was seen at the same Marbella training venue used by Coventry City, prompting speculation about a possible transfer, but he was only working with his personal trainer and not training with the squad. Although Coventry may hold interest, Barkley remains under contract with Aston Villa for another year and is expected to report for pre-season. The facility is commonly used by various professional footballers, explaining the overlap in location.