Welcome to 'Ask Jimmy,' where SI Media writer Jimmy Traina will answer one question about a burning topic from the sports media world.

A balls and strikes challenge system is finally coming to Major League Baseball. After being used for several years in the minor leagues, the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System will be featured in the big leagues beginning next season. Each team will get two challenges per game when it comes to balls and strikes, which will be retained if successful.

This is nothing but a positive for the sport. You can’t have games decided on missed calls by the home plate umpire and this is a way to fix that.

The only downside is that I wish teams were allotted more than two challenges per game from the start. I’d give teams four or five challenges per game. Even if you think home plate umpires do a great job, they’re still going to miss a handful of calls in each game. Why not implement a system in order to rectify that?

If your argument against the ABS challenge system is that it will slow down the game, think again. 

Baseball has done a great job of speeding up the game by instituting the pitch clock. The challenge system won’t have a significant effect on the length of games.

Via MLB: In 288 games with the ABS Challenge System during Spring Training 2025, there were an average of 4.1 challenges per game. Those challenges took an average of 13.8 seconds. 

Adding on a minute to each game to get important calls correct is a no-brainer. 

Baseball already has instant replay, so adding another layer to have balls and strikes challenged seems like a natural progression. 

Think about how history would have changed if ABS was around in 1998 when the Yankees got this gift from the home plate umpire.

You just can’t miss a call like that in a World Series game.

The only downside in my view is that this will limit the number of player explosions when a home plate umpire gets a call wrong. Now, instead of throwing their helmet or slamming their bats, a batter will simply tap his head to call for replay. 

A separate tournament will determine which Caribbean nation is represented with the final country confirmed by qualifying event

Reuters27-Apr-2021Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, England and a nation from the Caribbean have all qualified for the women’s event 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham,Women’s cricket will feature at the Games for the first time, and cricket for the second time, after a men’s ODI competition, which was staged in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, was won by South Africa.Alongside the hosts England, the other nations to qualify were determined based on the T20I rankings on April 1, 2021.Related

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Athletes from the Caribbean represent their individual countries at the Games and a qualifying tournament for those nations will decide which team takes West Indies’ spot.The final place in the tournament will be allocated to the winners of a qualifying event to be held by January 31, 2022.”Cricket is a sport that is synonymous with the Commonwealth and we are so excited to have it back in the Games for the first time since the men’s competition at Kuala Lumpur,” Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin said.”The debut of women’s T20 cricket will be a historic moment for Commonwealth Sport and a wonderful showcase for women’s sport across the world.”The 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will attract 4,500 athletes from 72 nations and territories, is scheduled to run from July 28 to August 8 next year

MatériaMais Notícias

da betsul： Como escrever as linhas de uma história que não possui um desenrolar definido? As pessoas envolvidas na produção de “Acesso Total” passaram por isso. Afinal de contas, tudo que fizesse parte do documentário, que passou a ser exibido nesta terça-feira no SporTV, dependia do que o Botafogo fizesse dentro e fora de campo.

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da cassino： + Controle de lojas, distribuição em milhão e desenho conjunto: detalhes da proposta da Volt ao Botafogo

Em entrevista ao LANCE!, Flávio Winter, um dos diretores da obra, explicou como a organização dos episódios funcionaram. Serão, ao todo, oito episódios – um exibido a cada terça-feira no SporTV e na “Globoplay”.

– Apesar de ser uma obra aberta, desde o início fomos muito organizados. Desde que soubemos que faríamos a série, eu e o roteirista Gustavo Machado sentamos para desenhar a narrativa que imaginávamos para contar a história em partes. Então, desde o início, apesar de o trabalho ser muito grande e envolver muitos profissionais, já sabíamos como queríamos contar a história, os caminhos dos roteiros de cada episódio. Isso foi nosso guia desde o início para as tomadas de decisões que tivemos com cada novidade que acontecia. E, claro, adaptando conforme tudo foi acontecendo – afirmou.

A cobertura não foi um processo natural para jogadores e dirigentes, que demoraram a se acostumar com a quantidade de câmeras gravando cada passo que era dado no dia a dia.

– Foi um processo delicado. Tínhamos sempre três profissionais cobrindo o dia a dia do Botafogo, captando imagens de tudo: treinos, vestiário, jogos, viagens, reuniões e papos informais. Só um dos cinegrafistas, o também diretor da série, Antônio Bento Ferraz, tinha acesso ao vestiário em dias de jogos, uma exigência dos jogadores para que tivessem mais conforto em momentos mais íntimos. E desde o início contamos com o apoio do presidente, Durcesio Mello, e do diretor de futebol, Eduardo Freeland – destacou.

O que mais chamou a atenção? Para Flávio, o enredo de “super-herói” envolvendo a superação do elenco do Botafogo é o ponto-chave do documentário. O time, que começou desacreditado após um Carioca ruim, evoluiu e conquistou o título da Série B do Brasileirão.

– A união dos jogadores para que o projeto desse certo. A verdade é que poucas pessoas acreditavam que esse time do Botafogo poderia ser campeão da Série B. Muitas pensavam que o time teria muita dificuldade inclusive para conseguir o acesso. Imagina ganhar o campeonato mais disputado dos últimos anos nesta divisão? Os jogadores acreditaram no projeto do presidente, do diretor de futebol e de todo o pessoal interno do Botafogo. E, principalmente, no trabalho do Enderson Moreira. Para um time ser campeão, antes de tudo, precisa acreditar que vai ser campeão. E, pelo que vimos nos bastidores, esses jogadores sempre quiseram muito alcançar esse objetivo.

MAIS DECLARAÇÕES DE FLÁVIO WINTER

Qual a diferença para o “Acesso Total” do Corinthians?
– O Corinthians foi o primeiro clube a ter a coragem de se abrir para um documentário como esse. O Botafogo também nos deu todas as condições e aumentou as possibilidades de contar uma história não só do futebol, mas dos bastidores extracampo. Temos de tudo um pouco. Tristeza, alegria, confusão, discussão no vestiário, euforia, depressão, dívida, churrasco e pagode. Acho que foi um casamento que deu certo: a produção do documentário, que sempre foi muito verdadeira e honesta, e o Botafogo, que aceitou mostrar suas vulnerabilidades.

O que esperar do segundo episódio?
​– Um episódio com reviravoltas, uma característica da série. Apesar de sabermos o final da história, existem muitas coisas a serem reveladas através dos bastidores. No segundo episódio, mostramos o tamanho da crise financeira que o clube enfrenta; a chegada do CEO Jorge Braga, contratado para tentar resolver essa questão e os tropeços do time no início da temporada. Nesse período, a pressão sobre o trabalho do técnico Chamusca começa a aumentar porque o time não está respondendo em campo.

É difícil montar roteiro diante da forma como a série foi gravada?
– Muito difícil. Nosso roteirista Gustavo Machado já nos trouxe um desenho bem definido do que ele imaginava de narrativa para os episódios. Apesar de ser um enredo cronológico, tentamos mostrar os desdobramentos de uma forma que surpreendesse o consumidor da série. Essa parceria entre diretores e roteirista foi muito importante e sem ela ficaria mais difícil acontecer. O roteiro também vai se adaptando durante o processo e ganha vida depois que chega na ilha de edição. A montagem final também é muito importante. Trabalho feito por João Silvério, Heros Steyka e José Cardozo. Neste processo, ajustes naturais são feitos para que o consumidor veja em cada episódio o que de mais relevante e interessante aconteceu na temporada do Botafogo.

Pair put on sixth-wicket stand of 116 in 30 overs after hosts slump to 110 for 5 at Taunton

David Hopps15-Apr-2021

Dystopian science-fiction novels have never been shy of depicting an isolated and fearful society in which debilitated human beings become over-reliant on technology and are force-fed propaganda in a sad and meaningless existence.It’s more than a little unfair to describe county cricket’s digital revolution during the time of Covid like that but you get the picture.County cricket’s in-house streaming service has been quietly advancing for several years, and as lockdown is eased it remains indispensable for spectators still shut out of grounds until May 20 and, even then, only likely to be allowed back in reduced numbers.So while it would have been considerably nicer to be at Taunton to watch the first West Country derby in the Championship for 14 years, in the interests of science it was time to experience what everyone was going through.A quick vox pop on the Facebook group confirmed that most county followers have developed a real affinity for the coverage of their county, even if they fear the eventual introduction of paywalls and even if there will always be someone who thinks the game should be broadcast live on BBC 1 with a lengthy run-of-play report in the .But at a time when the Hundred is fast approaching, and is often justified by grave warnings that “the game is dying”, it will be an eye-opener to the naysayers to discover this dying game covered by multiple cameras, action replays and, in the majority of cases, commentary synched with BBC online coverage, although Middlesex and Gloucestershire now have their own commentary teams. It feels more like a Golden Age.”In time,” E.M. Forster warns of technological advancement in “there will come a generation that had got beyond facts.” That should be a warning to those commentators who display an obsequiousness towards their home county that journalistic integrity should be paramount.Nobody would ever accuse Somerset’s much-valued commentator, Anthony Gibson, of a tendency to inaccuracy, even if he does have a healthy regard for the talents of an entertaining Somerset side striving once again to win a first Championship title. A sprinkling of local pride is no bad thing. And pride was in abundance after Somerset lost the toss on a difficult batting morning, then lost half their side for 110, but fought back to be dismissed late in the day for 312.County cricket’s cultural shift – perhaps even cultural confusion – does have a peculiar aspect for such an erudite individual. This authentic West Country man, writer of several books celebrating the connection between authors and their landscape, now occasionally breaks off from commentary, as he must, to read the latest social media offering from Grumpy Git. He seemed to know who it was, too, which was quite a feat as in county cricket it could be pretty much anyone.Professional commentators rightly point out the distinctive styles of TV and radio cricket commentary which make county cricket’s hybrid streaming service a slightly uncomfortable compromise. Radio commentators paint a picture whereas TV commentators interpret it, in far fewer words yet here the two go side by side. That is all the more off-putting when commentators cannot see the TV screen and their conversation bears no relation to the pictures.While all that is true, it should not deflect from an offering fast approaching broadcast quality, and backed up by videos of every wicket and boundary. County cricket is used to compromises.As for the cricketers themselves, they might no longer face the level of independent, and critical, coverage that they did a generation ago, but their techniques have never been more on show. Tom Banton was a case in point – one of the most dangerous T20 players in the world was ill at ease in making 29 as Ryan Higgins and David Payne found swing and seam with the new ball, ample to justify a decision to bowl first. He played on, an indeterminate prod at Payne’s inswinger. Holding down the opening spot in the Championship will aid Banton’s all-round development, although it will demand reassessment if he is to succeed.Danger increased whenever Higgins and Payne had the ball, but there was also a promising seam-bowling debut from Dominic Goodman, a 20-year-old student at Exeter University, who looked a dependable sort, found a bit of bounce at times and deserved his reward when he swung the second new ball to have Josh Davey caught at slip. “A big lad who makes good use of his height,” said Higgins, and so he was.There are some county batting line-ups where watching on the TV would have made it tempting to channel hop after lunch, although BBC 2 had kindly scheduled something called 800 Words in the post-prandial slot which was a useful reminder for any journalists watching on TV where their priorities lay.Somerset, in any case, are highly entertaining, worthy of a close watch, and this time it was Steve Davies and Craig Overton who rallied them from 110 for 5 with a stand of 116 in 30 overs. Overton, promoted to No. 7, which will please England, remained naturally bullish, while Davies, happily feasting on anything short and wide, was as crisp and clean as a sanitised kitchen. Overton fell to a fine delivery from Higgins; Davies fell more disappointingly, hanging out his bat so markedly that he chopped on an outswinger from Payne.Related

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Back in 2007, in the last West Country Championship derbies, Somerset won both matches handsomely, with Andy Caddick proving to be Gloucestershire’s nemesis on both occasions. This time, Somerset’s advantage is slighter, but if conditions remain the same they have the edge.Somerset have always been one of the forerunners of online streaming, their offering marshalled by the impressive Ben Warren, a master of chilled-out commitment. Their YouTube and Facebook sessions totalled combined figures of more than 80,000 on the first day with the average session time more than 15 minutes.As impressive as county cricket’s commitment to online streaming is, as vital a lifeline as it may prove to be, it cannot match the real thing. County clubs are communal or they are nothing. Forster’s message in was that the move to a globalised, technological-driven society must not be allowed to destroy our humanity and our connection with the natural world; that progress must be tempered with such community, with human relationships and a beating heart.For those who retain an affinity to England’s professional circuit, the need to protect the game’s soul need not be explained. Somerset supporters watching online will have missed, as many of us do, a coffee in the Stragglers, the renewal of acquaintances by the pavilion and the ear-shattering wisdom of Tractor Driver in front of the scoreboard. It is those who question the circuit’s continued existence who need to learn the lessons provided by a dystopian novel or two.

Roberto De Zerbi is now in the frame to replace Pep Guardiola, amid a new update on the Manchester City manager’s future at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola’s contract isn’t due to expire until the summer of 2027, having penned an extension last season, and Man City fans will no doubt be hoping he stays for the foreseeable future, given the unprecedented success he has brought to the blue side of Manchester.

Trophies Pep Guardiola has lifted at Manchester City

Number of times won

Premier League title

6

Champions League

1

UEFA Super Cup

1

Club World Cup

1

FA Cup

2

League Cup

4

Community Shield

3

However, Jurgen Klopp resigning as Liverpool manager at the end of the 2023-24 campaign due to fatigue displayed just how draining it is to be a Premier League manager for a sustained period of time, and there will come a point where City need to start seriously thinking about successors.

At the moment, the former Barcelona boss will be focusing on closing the gap to Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, while also attempting to win a second Champions League, but there has now been a new update on when he could leave the Blues.

Man City targeting De Zerbi amid Guardiola future update

According to reliable reporter Paul Hirst, in a report for The Times, an exit at the end of the 2026-27 campaign is on the cards as the 54-year-old has won everything there is to win since arriving at the Etihad Stadium back in 2016.

The three-time Champions League-winning manager is expected to see out his current contract, but Man City may then be faced with the difficult task of bringing in a successor, and De Zerbi is in the frame, as the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss has admirers within the club.

Guardiola is personally a fan of the Marseille manager, who has made a fantastic start to the 2025-26 campaign, with his side currently second in Ligue 1, just two points behind Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the Ligue 1 table.

Not only is the 46-year-old impressing in France, but he was also hailed by Statman Dave for the work he did during his first year as Brighton manager.

The Italian is well-known to favour a possession-based style of football, so he may not need to make wholesale changes at Man City, which is another bonus, alongside his experience in the Premier League.

The only concern will be that De Zerbi is yet to lift many major trophies, winning only the Ukrainian Super Cup with Shakhtar Donetsk in the 2021-22 season.

In truth, whoever replaces Pep will find it almost impossible to eclipse what the Spaniard has achieved at City, and supporters will be hoping he extends his stay beyond the end of next season.

Every current manager in the Premier League has been ranked Every current manager in the 2025/26 Premier League ranked

Every current Premier League boss ranked from best to worst.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 8, 2025

All the key numbers from Afghanistan’s victory in their must-win Super Eight game against Bangladesh in St Vincent

Sampath Bandarupalli25-Jun-20241 Afghanistan’s win in Kingstown was their first against Bangladesh in a World Cup game. The two teams had met four times previously – once in a T20 World Cup (2014) and three times in the ODI World Cup (2015, 2019 and 2023) – and Bangladesh had won all those matches.2 Instances of teams outside of the first eight Full Members to have reached the semi-final of an ICC event before Afghanistan in this T20 World Cup. Kenya made it to the semi-finals in the 2003 ODI World Cup, and so did Bangladesh in the 2017 Champions Trophy.9 Four-plus wicket hauls for Rashid Khan in T20Is, the most by any bowler in the format, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan’s eight. He took his third four-wicket haul in all T20 World Cups during the Super Eight match against Bangladesh – the joint highest in the competition along with Ajantha Mendis, Saeed Ajmal and Anrich Nortje.3 Openers to carry the bat in a men’s T20I, including Litton Das against Afghanistan. Chris Gayle was the first to do it – in the 2009 T20 World Cup semis against Sri Lanka. Richmond Baaleri of Ghana carried his bat through the innings against Botswana in 2023.Related

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442 Partnership runs between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran at this T20 World Cup – the most by a pair in a single edition of the tournament, surpassing 411 runs by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in 2021.Gurbaz and Ibrahim are also the first to share four fifty-plus stands in a T20 World Cup.152 Wickets for Rashid in T20Is. He is only the second bowler to bag 150-plus wickets in T20Is, after Tim Southee (164).5-0 Record of teams batting first in Kingstown at this T20 World Cup. It is the first time that teams batting first have an unbeaten record at a venue in a men’s T20 World Cup.

Bryce Street gave another example of his ability to bat long periods of time with a career-best 117, his third first-class century, as the match against Western Australia at the Gabba continued to be a forgettable experience for bowlers.Street’s hundred was followed by half-centuries for Matt Renshaw and Jimmy Peirson as Queensland closed in on Western Australia’s total with the match seemingly destined for a stalemate.Marnus Labuschagne had started the day in sight of a century but fell eight runs short when he got an inside edge into pad which looped to square leg.Usman Khawaja had got himself set when he tickled a catch down the leg side and Street’s 335-ball stay was ended by a spectacular catch at long leg by Liam Guthrie to haul in a top-edged hook.Renshaw and Peirson then added 103 for the fifth wicket as Queensland, who are top of the table, opted against declaring behind to try and open up the match.Jake Carder, playing his first Shield match of the season, claimed the last wicket of the day when Peirson was sharply caught at slip.

David Lloyd and in-form Kiran Carlson contribute fifties against Northamptonshire

ECB Reporters Network22-Apr-2021

Glamorgan 324 for 7 (Cooke 107* Lloyd 65, Carlson 54) vs NorthamptonshireChris Cooke celebrated his second century of the season as Glamorgan enjoyed a run-filled opening day of their LV= Insurance County Championship clash with Northamptonshire.Cooke, who had scored an unbeaten 102 against Yorkshire in the season opener, serenely reached the close on 107 not out, after a chanceless afternoon and evening batting.David Lloyd and the in-form Kiran Carlson also reached half-centuries as Glamorgan racked up 324 for 7 having been put in by Northants.Lloyd reached a second half-century in as many matches in 69 balls, during a knock filled with crisp and positive striking.David Lloyd drives through the covers•Getty Images

While Lloyd had feasted on driving Ben Sanderson, Nathan Buck and Wayne Parnell, the experienced Gareth Berg was causing problems and taking wickets with his incisive seamers.The former Middlesex and Hampshire man’s eight-over first spell saw him take two for nine. After a 66-run opening partnership, Berg deceived Nick Selman into leaving a ball which angled into his off stump. Andy Balbirnie was rattled on the pads soon after to hand Berg his second wicket in 10 deliveries.Having bossed the session, Lloyd would have felt disappointed in the manner in which he departed to the last ball before lunch, as he tamely flicked Parnell to midwicket for 65.South African Parnell, who has been forced to wait for his Northants bow after his quarantine was extended by the NHS’ track-and-trace system, struck again after the interval to pin Billy Root.Carlson and Cooke then partnered up to put on 106 for the fifth wicket, with 20 boundaries shared between them thanks to a lightning quick outfield and a tiny square boundary on one side.Carlson has begun this season in style with scores of 55, 127 not out and 132 in his innings against Yorkshire and Sussex. He continued that form by bringing up a rapid 64 ball half-century.Captain Cooke followed him to the milestone with the day’s trademark square drive in 18 more balls than his partner.But Carlson and Callum Taylor fell in successive balls to Saif Zaib – yorked for 54 and beaten past the outside edge respectively – although the part-time spinner couldn’t bag a first Northants hat-trick for 11 years as Dan Douthwaite blocked a potential treble.Douthwaite entertainingly accompanied Cooke in a 92-run union before he was castled by Berg for 44 with the second new ball – Berg ending the day with 3 for 52.But it was Cooke, who had totted runs up almost anonymously, who became the first Glamorgan player to convert their fifty – as he reached a hundred for the sixth time in his first-class career in 180 balls with a glorious straight drive.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly plotting a move for Liverpool star Mohamed Salah as the owners eye a Galactico signing after losing Kylian Mbappe.

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PSG eyeing a move for SalahEgyptian has less than a year left at LiverpoolReds yet to offer him an extensionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After the departures of high-profile players such as Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe, PSG’s owners are determined to bring in a marquee signing, with Salah being the prime target, as reported by With Salah’s contract at Liverpool nearing its expiration, the French club are preparing to make a serious offer for the Egyptian forward, who they believe can still perform at the highest level for at least three more years.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

While Salah has attracted interest from several clubs including those in the Saudi Pro League, the report mentions that he is not inclined to move to the Middle East at this stage in his career. His preference is to continue playing at an elite level in Europe, and PSG are looking to capitalize on this opportunity by offering him a three-year deal to bolster their attack.

DID YOU KNOW?

PSG’s ownership, led by Qatar Sports Investments, is under increasing pressure to make a significant signing after losing some of the club’s biggest stars, including Messi and Neymar, over the past few years. The departure of Mbappe, in particular, has left a gap in their forward line that they are keen to fill with a player of Salah’s calibre. Following PSG’s underwhelming 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates, the French side’s ownership is looking to make immediate improvements to their squad to maintain their domestic dominance and enhance their chances of success in the Champions League.

Getty WHAT NEXT?

Losing Salah would be a massive blow to Liverpool as his departure would leave a void difficult to fill, both on the pitch and in terms of leadership. He will be next in action against Crystal Palace on Saturday in the Premier League.

Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign Abde Ezzalzouli, at Unai Emery’s request, and Real Betis’ asking price has been revealed.

Villa’s interest in signing a new forward comes amid doubts surrounding Harvey Elliott’s future, with widespread reports suggesting Liverpool could recall the attacking midfielder from his loan spell in the January transfer window.

Elliott has failed to establish himself as a first-team regular, featuring for just 97 minutes across four matches in the Premier League this season, and Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on whether there is any way back for the Englishman.

The transfer expert said: “At the moment, it depends on his performances in training. The situation is still not changing and of course, Elliott is not happy.”

Should the 22-year-old exit Villa Park this winter, there may be room in the squad to bring in another attacker, and the Villans are now looking to sign a new winger…

Aston Villa join race to sign Abde Ezzalzouli at Unai Emery's request

According to a report from Spain, Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign Real Betis star Ezzalzouli, with the forward being monitored closely ahead of the January transfer window, although there could be competition for his signature from Crystal Palace.

The Betis board’s asking price is ‘significantly’ in excess of the Moroccan’s current value of €12m (£11m), with the Spanish club eager to retain one of their key players, and manager Manuel Pellegrini has made it clear he wants to keep hold of him.

The 23-year-old has been personally requested by Emery for January, with the manager setting out to sign a new winger in order to strengthen his side’s chances of winning the Europa League.

It is little wonder Pellegrini is keen to keep hold of the 25-time Morocco international, given that he has impressed at Real Betis for quite some time, with scout Ben Mattinson waxing lyrical about the left-winger during the 2024/25 campaign.

The former Osasuna man has also made a flying start to the season, chipping in with three goals and two assists in his opening eight games, which has helped propel his side to fifth in the La Liga table.

Emery strengthened his options at left-wing in the summer, signing Jadon Sancho, but the Manchester United loanee is yet to make an impact, failing to register a single goal or assist in his opening eight matches in all competitions.

As such, it would make sense to bring in a new winger in the January transfer window, and Ezzalzouli could be a fantastic long-term addition to the squad.

Aston Villa targeting Ansu Fati alongside Abde Ezzalzouli

Aston Villa prepared to make Ansu Fati offer but face complicated roadblock

The Villans are willing to make a bid for a new forward, after Emery’s plea to the board.

By
Dominic Lund

Nov 4, 2025