Unai Emery
January 2026
Emery and Tielemans clashed as Tielemans was substituted late on, with Emery appearing to shove the midfielder toward the dugout during a tense finale. With added time ongoing, Emery replaced Tielemans with 18-year-old George Hemmings as Villa protected a 1-0 lead secured by a Jadon Sancho goal, prompting an on-field argument that drew attention despite Villa qualifying for the last 16.
Brennan Johnson
January 2026
Crystal Palace expect Brennan Johnson to complete a £35 million move and undergo a medical within 24 hours, with the club hoping to include him for the weekend match against Newcastle. The fee would break Palace’s transfer record. Palace have moved quickly after agreeing a £35m deal, with Johnson pushed down Tottenham’s pecking order after Kudus arrived and minutes limited under Thomas Frank. Palace want more quality for European commitments and to back Oliver Glasner with a headline signing.
Elliot Anderson
December 2025
Manchester United have put Elliot Anderson at the top of their midfield shortlist as they prepare for uncertainty around Kobbie Mainoo and continued struggles from Manuel Ugarte. United also expect to miss out to Manchester City for Antoine Semenyo, forcing a pivot in January plans. Anderson is viewed as a premium target but is unlikely to be available until summer because Forest are fighting relegation and chasing a Europa League run. United’s wider holding-midfield list includes Carlos Baleba, Conor Gallagher, Adam Wharton, Tyler Adams, Joao Gomes, Ruben Neves and James Garner.
Brennan Johnson
December 2025
Crystal Palace have reportedly agreed a £35 million deal with Tottenham for Brennan Johnson, but the player has not agreed personal terms and is considering options amid other Premier League interest. Johnson has started only six league games this season and has been pushed down the pecking order after Mohammed Kudus joined Spurs. Palace want more quality to compete domestically and in Europe, while Spurs would take a loss compared to the £47.5 million paid in 2023.
Micky van de Ven
December 2025
Micky van de Ven says he was stunned by Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal from Tottenham after delivering Europa League glory, insisting he still believes in the much-criticised system and revealing players had pushed for small tactical tweaks as the pressure and media noise around the manager intensified. Signed by Postecoglou in 2023, Van de Ven recalls discussing adaptations with the staff during the Europa League run, then being shocked to learn of the sacking despite long-awaited silverware, texting the Australian to thank him for two years together and branding the club’s decision something he “never expected”.
Angelo Stiller (VfB Stuttgart)
November 2025
Go Ahead Eagles forward Victor Edvardsen mocked Stiller’s appearance just minutes after coming on, gesturing at the German’s nose and sparking a confrontation that earned him a booking and widespread criticism online for disrespectful behaviour. The Dutch club fined Edvardsen €500 and publicly condemned his actions, with the player entering Stuttgart’s dressing room to apologise in person and later stressing his duty to act as a role model, while Stuttgart’s leadership chose not to inflame the situation further.
Aston Villa
October 2025
West Midlands Police advised banning Maccabi fans from Villa Park to avoid violence. The move drew sharp criticism from Israel’s foreign minister and UK leaders who argue policing should enable safe attendance. Prior incidents around Maccabi away fixtures prompted a risk-averse stance. Political pressure now targets a reversal before matchday. Any change depends on revised risk assessments and stewarding plans.
AS Roma
October 2025
AS Roma missed three penalties in succession as Lille held on for a 1-0 Europa League win. Goalkeeper Berke Ozer saved all three attempts after Hakon Arnar Haraldsson’s early strike gave the French side a lead they never surrendered.
Artem Dovbyk twice saw efforts retaken and saved before Matias Soule’s attempt was also stopped. Gian Piero Gasperini called it “unique and accidental,” admitting the misses compromised the result. Despite defeat, Roma’s Serie A form under Gasperini has been promising with four wins from five.
Manchester United
September 2025
Manchester United announced record revenues of £666.5m despite finishing 15th last season and losing the Europa League final. Commercial growth, spearheaded by a record Snapdragon deal, helped offset reduced player wages and cost-cutting that included 200 staff redundancies. Commercial income rose 10% while operational costs fell, boosting EBITDA to £182.8m — the highest in Europe since COVID. While hailed as proof of resilience, critics note cuts came at human cost, with redundancies branded “restructuring.” Champions League absence remains a financial drag.
Crystal Palace
August 2025
Palace issued a scathing statement after CAS upheld their ban from the Europa League, forcing them into the Conference League. The club accused UEFA of unfair rule enforcement and bias towards multi-club ownerships, calling the ruling a blow to smaller clubs’ ambitions.