AS Roma
April 2026
Donyell Malen is reportedly on the verge of joining Roma permanently after hitting the appearance threshold that turns his clause into an obligation to buy. The reported fee is €25 million, with the Dutch forward set for a long-term stay in Serie A. Schira says Malen has already reached the trigger conditions and will sign through 2030 after impressing on loan with strong goal output
Morgan Rogers
March 2026
Morgan Rogers has been warned not to join what Dean Saunders described as the graveyard of Manchester United and was also advised against Chelsea, with the view that Aston Villa remains the best place for his development. The warning comes as the England international’s stock continues to rise. The argument against a move is based on Rogers’ current stability, Villa’s strong contract position and the belief that his game still has more room to grow away from a more chaotic environment. Reports continue to frame him as a major target, but Villa are under no pressure to sell.
Ollie Watkins
March 2026
Ollie Watkins said he expected to be left out of England’s squad for the March friendlies after an inconsistent season. The Aston Villa striker has fallen behind Harry Kane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke in Thomas Tuchel’s current centre-forward pecking order. Watkins has not featured for England since October 2025 and missed the latest camp after a dip in form and previous knee issues. Tuchel’s expanded squad left him out, with recent reporting indicating the England manager wanted different backup options behind Kane for the Uruguay and Japan matches.
Jamie Carragher
March 2026
Jamie Carragher said Arne Slot now faces a very difficult task to rebuild trust with Liverpool supporters after boos rang out at Anfield following the draw with Tottenham. He described the crowd reaction as a major warning sign during a worsening season. Liverpool’s failure to beat Tottenham left them fifth and deepened concern over their slide from last season’s title success. Carragher said the visible frustration in the stadium, including boos and fans leaving early, showed that the relationship between the manager and the crowd had shifted sharply.
Liverpool
March 2026
Roy Keane labelled Liverpool bad champions after their 1-1 draw with Tottenham left them 21 points behind Arsenal. The former Manchester United captain questioned the squad’s mentality and suggested deeper problems may be affecting the team’s chemistry and title defence. Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane said great teams back up success and argued Liverpool’s fall from last season’s title win has been severe. He also pointed to possible background issues after the draw, while Dominik Szoboszlai warned the squad as they slipped further from the top four race.
Bruno Fernandes
March 2026
Michael Carrick said Manchester United definitely do not want to lose Bruno Fernandes this summer, underlining the captain’s importance after another decisive display. The manager addressed transfer speculation directly and made clear that Fernandes remains central to the club’s plans. Carrick spoke after Fernandes inspired victory over Aston Villa and said the club would not want to part with him despite uncertainty over the longer term. The midfielder’s strong recent form, leadership and attacking output have only strengthened his standing during a period of continued outside speculation.
Mason Mount
March 2026
Mount is reportedly not pushing for an exit and wants to rebuild his United career after injury disruption. Despite interest from Villa and Fulham, he is focusing on fitness and availability to prove value and earn a regular role.
Joao Pedro
March 2026
Chelsea won 4-1 at Villa Park to move within three points of the Champions League places, overturning an early deficit with Joao Pedro scoring three. Villa led through Douglas Luiz, Pedro levelled on the half-hour and struck again in first-half stoppage time, then Chelsea controlled the second half as Cole Palmer scored and helped exploit Villa’s high line for a late fourth.
Aston Villa
February 2026
Tammy Abraham said Villa must keep pushing in the title race after his late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw against Leeds, leaving Villa seven points off top spot with 11 games left. Leeds led through Stach, then Abraham came off the bench to score in the 88th minute. He argued the race remains open given Arsenal’s recent dropped points and Villa’s proximity to Manchester City, despite Villa’s patchy form in recent weeks.
