Aston Villa Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours/Champions League Thread 2024/25

Felix is off the board so those links can finally go away. Had actually convinced myself Villa would be the perfect environment for him to get back to his best playing in the no.10 hole behind Watkins currently occupied by Rodgers and with a coach in Unai who actually believes in him.

After saturday and perhaps this news (at least this combined with the lack of name strikers linked - We aren't signing Lukaku) I'd say a lot more are hoping that Duran isn't going anywhere. Guy clearly has huge potential and he will probably get a lot more game time but can we keep him happy with Watkins starting when fit.

I'd guess Moreno will be out the door this week. Surprised we aren't seeing more linking Dendoncker with moves away too but I'm still hoping we sign Lutsharel Geertruida. It might be dependant on Carlos leaving and I like most will admit I've not personally seen a lot of him but he has the exact player profile we need.

Fulham agree a fee for Anderson from Palace which might mean Carlos isn’t going anywhere. I hope that does not mean no RB from Feyenoord

not a hope that’ll happen

Emi Martinez just signed a new contract. Woo, no better

Looking for logic in how Chelsea transfer players isn't the most logical thing in itself, I mean it seriously looks like they bought Felix just so Atletico could buy Gallagher off them.

Maybe there is an element of because he is our sh!thousery master etc but I love Dibu and I'm not sure if I'd want any keeper in the world over him so it really is great to see him so happy and comitted to Villa.

Meanwhile the next out the door outside of Moreno looks like it could be Illing Jr, with talk of him being loaned out and options for moves to Italy, Spain or France on the table. I guess the play is get him first team football and either he makes the grade or we sell him on for more than he was valued at when we signed him this time next year.

I'm still hoping for a RB but I also think we might be considering being opportunistic in the closing days of the window. Not Sterling but if there is that kind of situation somewhere across Europe I do think we might be in a situation to act. I mean, I do think there would have been money there for Felix but that we would have not paid what Chelsea just paid.

It is being reported at around:

£44.5million ($58m) 52m euro

the above is from the NY times.

Sky sports have it at £46.3m which is also similar to what Reuters are reporting $60m/£46m

I don't see many mentions of weekly wages but they gave him a 7 year deal.

Interesting to see Ned brought on for Cash and not Carlos. Looks like when our first 11 are fit we might not be seeing a whole lot of Konsa at RB this season (Would still like to see a new RB such as the lad from Feyenoord signed).

You can see how much Villa respect (but no fear and will go at them) this Arsenal team and could argue we have set up to play like the away team at home here.

Very happy to see Bailey come through that injury scare as he'd be a big loss as a potential outlet.

The Watkins chance is an abvious sliding doors moment as Arsenal have had most of the ball but most of the time that should be a goal and Villa in front.

Nice to see Rodgers confident enough to make that driving run at Arsenal's defense (more than once tbh). After that moment Villa looked a little bit more comfortable going forward too.

No matter what happens in this game, either team is going to be made to work for a result and I am happy we have a stronger bench to call upon this season. Duran, Ramsey, even Maatsen would have to be hoping to see some game time especially after all 3 combined off the bench for the winner last week.

Superb save but how has Watkins not scored yet today

McGinn hasn't done badly but that is a positive proactive change bringing on Duran and Ramsey now

Hard to watch given what could / should have been converted earlier