Hooray, something to talk about for a change.
I can’t say I know much about this player. I think I’ve heard his name mentioned, Villa rumours apart, but I honestly couldn’t tell you if I’ve seen him play or not. I probably have, seeing as he has 23 Spanish caps, but like most fans, I suspect, I don’t tend to concentrate on centrebacks unless they give an extremely good or bad performance.
It’s another signing that seems to be universally liked amongst us Villa fans and I’ve seen fans of other clubs who have said that signing Torres would be a real coup. So if football fans’ opinions mean anything at all, it would seem we’ve done some very solid business again after signing Tielemans on a free.
The fee, although officially undisclosed is rumoured to be around the £30 million mark and I have to say that seems pretty cheap to me. Of course, it’s a lot of money, but it really isn’t in the scheme of things. Not that I think the actual transfer fee is that significant these days. I’d be more interested to find out what the club is actually paying him, as it’s that that is now the real indicator of how high a club is aiming. It sounds ridiculous, but £100k a week really isn’t a big deal now, is it?
No, you’d have to guess that he’s probably being paid nearer the £150k mark. The mind boggles.
So what little do I know about him?
Well, apparently he’s a left footer, which I find interesting seeing as Mings, who is probably our top centreback is also a lefty. It doesn’t seem to be ideal to play two left footers together at the back, but who knows? Emery knows the player well, so maybe he thinks it’s doable. Is it really likely that the manager wants the pair of them to compete? How likely is it that Emery would drop one of them?
There’s no way Torres would have been signed just to sit on the bench. I suspect we might see more of a 5/3 at the back. We’ve already seen it to some extent under Emery, where he likes to play a more fluid game than most. Six at the back hasn’t been unknown, so I can easily us playing three which allows our fullbacks/wingbacks to bomb on.
I fully expect a right sided defensive yet attacking player similar to Moreno to come in during this window.
Back to Torres and he’s seemingly someone who likes to play out and has a couple of tricks in his repetoire, with one notable one being a Cruyff turn. I can’t wait to see that one.
The dampeners of Moreno’s and Ramsey’s injuries apart, this is looking to be a very successful transfer window. If the aforementioned right back, maybe a right winger and another striker were to come in, particularly if they’re the sort of calibre of player we’ve already signed, I’d be seriously happy.
Being more realistic though, I think the reality might be more like one top calibre player along with a couple of next tier players. Not journeymen, but not top level either.
I’m not sure where we stand with our squad numbers and to be honest, I haven’t kept track for years, but I’m sure we had at least a couple of vacancies that could be filled.
Which might mean that at least a couple of those we expect to go might end up staying, just as backup for the Conference.
Which I’m also looking forward too.
The optimist in me sees this competition as a pre-cursor to us entering the Europa league. And given that we’re the favourites, it’s our cup to throw away.
Favourites. You don’t hear that about the Villa in any competition very often.
Some more nice weather and it’ll be a very nice summer indeed.
Fingers crossed that we’re seeing something special again.
Hear, hear Badger.
I agree with you that I can’t see Emery dropping Mings and neither can I see him buying Torres to sit on the bench. He knows Torres well and has worked with Mings for more than half a season. He must believe the two can play together.
Three at the back is an option as is Konsa at RB with Cash playing as a wing back in front of him.
The real plus is that we now have quality options in defence and with our defensive mid fielders.
If some of the latest links are true we might be looking at a seriously good squad come the start of the season.
Quality squad, elite manager, restructured management and seriously rich top blokes owning the club – exciting times.
What’s not to like?!
UTV
I wonder about Cash. He was a right winger who converted to right back. If Konsa played at right back could Matty play on the wing again? Well he can shoot, it is his crossing that is suspect. He can whack the ball to beyond the left upright, but can he dink it to the right post? That is where practice is needed.
I am not sure Torres is intended to play with Mings. Mings is our quickest defender so he is the sweeper and will get booked, he will also struggle to play 2 games a week every week – with the travelling – where Europe extends well beyond the Urals for Uefa. I see them swapping in and out.
OLL, I like Cash. He’s the swashbuckling type, that gives his all.
But I think he was converted to a RB purely because his crossing isn’t good enough.
If we’re being ruthless (and I feel Emery will be, it’s what makes him a winner) I reckon the decision has already been made that Cash isn’t the solution. He’s had plenty of time to practise his crossing and I’ve seen no sign that it’s improved.
If we have Moreno romping forward and crossing well, Cash makes the side look seriously unbalanced imo, although you could counter that by playing a better right winger than Bailey, I guess.
By that, I mean a more consistent winger. We all know Bailey can do it, but it’s all too rarely.
I get your point about swapping Mings and Torres, but would Horseface and the Spanish manager be happy with both of them only playing intermittently?
And I’m still not convinced that Torres will be happy to play half a season, as much as it makes sense. Less games means you’re less likely to be injured, to my mind.
It does intrigue me, what Emery has in mind and if he’s told Torres that he won’t play every game, that’ll be something else I’ll be saluting him for: salesman of the year.
Badger. Horseface still picked Maguire when he only played occasionally, so thereis a precedent.
Good point. I was daft enough to be thinking about what he said about Grealish. The absolute donkey.
I must admit Emery has us all guessing over the set up next season. A few teams sort of worked out how we play towards the end of last season and therefore could nullify our attacks. It was almost like the ‘Stop Grealish, Stop Villa’ from a couple of years ago, therefore, vis-a-vis, ergo etc…etc…I think Emery will have several ways of getting us to play so nobody knows what Villa side they’re going to face.
I can see ‘Ramsey The Younger’ and Archer stepping up to the first team so that alone will have a big impact on the squad like 2 new signings. Imagine a sweeper behind 2 central defenders who are good at racing forward? That would be interesting.
On Cash, I also really rate him but perhaps needs to develop in a way like Stones has at Citeh. The stupid winter WC threw his season out of step and he never really recovered, but with Ash gone (and thanks for everything Ash!!!), there will certainly be development in that role.
I can see Baily, Trez and maybe another couple of first teamers going. Digne? No idea but he’s another top player we should keep hold of.
I can see 2 more marquee signings and perhaps there is truth in Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby rumours – That would be another great coup!!
(On a side note, just seem Dele Ali’s revelations about his childhood. No wonder the poor guy is screwed up. Best of luck to him. What is wrong with people or have we always behaved like this?).
‘Ramsey The Younger’ – love it Brum Bum – sounds like something from Game of Thrones. Are he and Archer ready to step up to the first team squad?
Meanwhile, and accepting it is the silly season of click bait mania – otherwise known as the transfer window – Villa are being linked with some serious top European talent.
Whilst it may just be lazy journalism, being linked with this sort of player suggests Villa are seen as a club on the up with an elite European manager and two billionaire owners.
We may not have access to sovereign wealth but we are up there with the wealthiest club in the EPL.
After so many years of heartbreak (I’ve been supporting them since the mid ‘50’s) at last it seems we really do have something to be excited about.
Bill hang on to your hat mate it’s going to be quite a ride!
UTMV.
Hitch I never doubted when we had two unbelievable owners take us on , they the owner’s are the lucky ones as they picked a club with historical past, Hitch I wish my lad was here as he idolize Villa with Villa plate , snooker room of trophy’s and every shirt every season plus entertainment seats at Villa. We are going to be bigger than the Manchurians just give it time .
Bill, I feel for you losing your son and fellow Villa fanatic.
I know it’s not the same, but I lost my best mate this year – like you and your son we shared so many things together – particularly cricket and I wish he was here so we could enjoy the Ashes and good wine together.
On the click bait theme.
Multiple sources are reporting that Villa have a bid of €45m for Moussa Diaby rejected by Beyer Leverkusen – who are looking for around €60m – but negotiations between the two sides are continuing. If Villa pull this off it will be a true marquee signing and a club record fee.
I don’t know a lot about him other than he’s a French International quick right sided wide player but can play in any front position – either wing or as a false 9. He has 49 goals in 172 appearances for Leverkusen.
I don’t have his assists record.
Mind you there are also reports we are in discussion with Notts Forest over their winger Johnson.
Always remembering it’s silly season!
Fwiw this is MOMS take on the Diaby / Johnson rumours
https://www.myoldmansaid.com/will-aston-villa-be-priced-out-in-chase-for-former-top-newcastle-target/
IF we were to buy one of these two players does that mean Bailey will be on his way this window?
With all the matches Villa will (hopefully) be playing, I would be surprised and disappointed to see Bailey go – not because I particularly rate him, but he’s shown he can do a job and we will need numbers.
Agree with all of this, apart from the part at the end with the nice weather, I suspect this summer is going to be one of the worst weather wise that we’ve seen in years, and in years to come.
Onto the Villa, though, I’d be very happy with Moussa Diaby and Brennan Johnson as we’ve been heavily linked with (Diaby more so).
Possibly that Jesús Vázquez as full back cover on both sides, then its a 10/10 window for me. Although without the full back I’d probably still put it in that sector, excellent business from Emery, Monchi & NSWE.
Seems (according to the jungle drums) that Digne is available for the right offer, as is Bailey (the latter subject to getting either Johnson or Diaby).
So may well see a versatile full back come in.
As Emery likes to play one full back high (Moreno) and one more defensively (Cash at the moment) then don’t rule out Konsa playing at right back. His stats last season shows he was excellent at preventing players going past him – isn’t that an important requisite for a full back?
This Charles De Ketelaere from AC looks a half decent .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=483ZAoT_j2U
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/07/14/player-told-he-can-leave-now-aston-villa-want-to-sign-him/
NO NO NO & NO!
Absolutely RSS – he’s rubbish.
At the moment we’re being linked with almost every footballer in Europe 🙂
A football players labourer 😁
We know nowt. Nobody does. It’s bloody frustrating though.
I half expect something mental to happen like ‘We’ve signed Harry Kane’ to happen. That would royally p1ss my best mate off who’s a Spuds fan! But Kane really should be considering the Bayern move even though it’s a one-horse league.
We have no choice but to sit and speculate. Hang in there lads!!!!
Anyone know if the match today Walsall v Villa at 1 o’clock on any link bar Villa TV ? They want £4-99 can’t afford it I’m a pensioner 😃 RSS agree no no and bloody No. we don’t want failure in our team .
1-1 ht. Watkins
Morgan Samson?
Is this the Mandela effect?
Thought he was out the door last season?
Interesting who Emery is using in this match.
Some of the youngsters like Philogene, Iroegbunam, ‘Ramsey the Younger’ and Feeney understandable so Emery can take a look at them in real game time but Sanson and Chambers – that seems a little strange.
Is he putting them in a shop window – of sorts?
My thoughts Hitch, no Archer no Mings and no Mcginn gives us a clue. It ended in a draw so how do we see it ..
I’ve been busy, so didn’t get to see it (a fiver to see kids?) or hear it.
It was obviously a nothing game and if I’d paid, I’d have been disappointed tbh.
I acually contemplated going to the Valencia game.
You can get a seat at the Mestalla for £17.50.
But a weekend in Valencia costs around £375 each just for the flight and digs. I’ll pass.
You can watch it for fiver Badger and save around £800!
Not quite the same experience though together with a few days in Valencia.
Valencia is one of my favourite cities. That would be an expensive trip though.
Media speculation would suggest that Villa are interested in both Diaby and Johnson.
According to various sites both players can play on either wing. Diaby is also credited with being able to play as a false 9 and Johnson as a wing back. It seems Emery likes players that can play in a number of positions.
It also seems Villa are prepared to offer Digne as part of the deal forJohnson but there’s a potential issue with Digbe’s wages.
Does it also suggest that Emery doesn’t see Bailey as part of the squad going forward?
I can well see us being actively involved in the transfer window right up to the ‘final whistle’.
I’d guess that the Diaby rumour has more weight, but I suspect they’re both rubbish.
I have been looking for a reason to talk about Digne though.
£25 mill and a rumoured £160k a week?
Thanks for giving me another reason for thinking you were one of the biggest mistakes the Villa ever made, Gerrard.
(Shakes head, while asking why Purslow lasted so long).
…Coutinho’s signing and contract is even more hideous. Digne can still offer something. Then there’s dumping El Ghazi. Could Unai have improved him? No doubt. His goals and assists record speaks for itself.
I recall Purslow purring “Steven wants proven winners.” In other words, he hasn’t the skills or the gumption set to coach top young talent into s winning team. A disaster that was thankfully curtailed by Mr Sawiris. Did anyone see the clip on Twitter of Gerrard coaching in Saudi? It’s hands over eyes shake your head stuff.
UTV
This just an opinion but I reckon king BP’s cunning plan was to get a few seasoned pro’s through the door, rely on their experience and knowhow to get us a respectable midtable position and maybe a cup run?
Then the plan was to basically tread water until clipperty did an exit stage left, then he’d be off on his trusty steed back to his spiritual home.
The one major flaw with this here plan…
He’s f***ing useless.
Off-subject, but RIP Tony Butler.
His coverage of Villa, especially back in the 70’s when Sir Ron was there, was absolutely unforgettable. They don’t make ’em like that anymore.
Hear, hear Ardent. Remember him well.
I remember being in my mates kitchen listening to the away leg of the 1978 UEFA Cup Quarter Final on a transistor radio, Little scores giving Villa the lead at the Camp Nou and so sending Tony Butler off on a rant –
“Get out your prayer mats and all hail the God Ron Saunders”.
Brilliant, what a legend.
RIP Tony.
Far from off topic. Tony Butler was the original ‘take no nonsense from callers’ radio chat show host, copied in other local radio but never bettered. Not RIP though. OYB Tony.
He was brilliant but I can’t believe he was still going!!! how old was he?
88 BB.
Not a bad innings.
TBF, he had finally retired about 10 years ago – but you’re right, I didn’t realise that he was still alive until I saw the death listed in Wikipedia a couple of days ago.
I reckon when the Walsall LB took his shirt off post match he found the number inside. He had been turned inside out by whichever of the young players Villa had on the right wing. If we have not bought one by the time the team head to America I hope one at least of the three apprentice right wingers get to play against premiership opponents.
That would be Jaden Philogene who also won the penalty from which Watkins scored.
I think it was actually Kadan Young who is only 17 and he looks like a real live wire. Definitely one for the future.
What happened to Bidace?
Sky Sports will be showing Villa’s friendlies in the States…
Monday (July 24, at 12am BST) – Newcastle United vs Aston Villa
Thursday (July 27 at 12am BST)
Sunday (July 30 at 5pm BST)
A rare treat for me getting some games on the same timezone!
Around 17:00 over there?
(Roughly about beer o’clock? 😁)
I’ll have to check the times as I think some are up in the north east around Philly – but in Texas we’re 6 hours behind home.
Aren’t the GMT times on the club website?
Sky showing three Villa games – first two Villa games kick off at 12 midnight and the third at 5pm BST
Cheers!
Shame Pau Torres name isn’t the other way around. We’d have all been calling him T’Pau and singing ‘China In Your Hand’ at every game!!!…Or has someone else already thought of that?
Didn’t the Spurs fans sing that to Darren Anderton?
😁
Wasn’t Anderton’s song ‘China in your legs’…
🙂 very good Bum Bum
What should we read into Sanson being included in the 26 man squad flying to America? Is he part of Emery’s plans after all?
Philogene and Kadan Young also included as is Archer.
I simply don’t understand the long-running saga of Sanson.
He doesn’t appear to have ever done anything ‘wrong’ but has been ignored by Smith, Gerrard and (so-far) Emery. Yet all the reports I’ve seen have said that his loan clubs each wanted to keep him.
I can’t see that Villa have much to lose giving him a chance to prove what he can do, after all, we’re hardly likely to get any significant money by selling him.
Hitch
I reckon the big one here is the omission of Jhon Duran. It is rumoured he is going out in loan to Spain for a year.
In my mind this is signalling Cameron Archer is going to be given a chance of being in the first team this season. I really hope this is true.
I hope that’s tha case; Archer could save us a fortune!
You’re right Sid – I must admit I missed it and I agree he’s likely to go out on a season loan – we forget he’s only 19 and one for the future. Is Emery signalling a big opportunity for Archer?
The other omission is Traore. With Villa reported to be chasing at least one wide player, it’s likely that Traore will be sold. Rumour is that Fenerbahce are interested in a permanent deal.
Iroegbunam is also missing from the squad so it’s likely he’ll also go out on loan. Apart from our strength in depth in mid field, it appears that as a product of West Brom’s academy he doesn’t qualify for one of the four club trained players required within the list of 8 home grown players required in the squad – two of which are likely to be Ramsey and Archer.
All very complicated!
That’s the squad to be registered for the Europa Conference League.
So Liverpool want Kamara and Spurs want Luiz.
Read the room former top 4 boys, the football world is changing and we are no longer your feeder source.