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After failing in their first approach, Aston Villa have reportedly made a second attempt to convince one of their summer targets into a Premier League switch ahead of next season.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans have been one of the busiest sides in the transfer market so far this summer, especially in the Premier League. In total, they've welcomed five fresh faces with Amadou Onana reportedly on his way to make it a sixth. The Belgian's arrrival, alongside Ian Maatsen's, stands out amongst the crowd as the most impressive business that Villa have so far completed.

Aston Villa now "closing in" on swoop to sign "highly rated" gem for Emery

He’s one for the future.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 13, 2024

With so many incomings, however, departures always seemed likely as those in the Midlands have already seen with the exit of Douglas Luiz to Juventus and as they may see with Moussa Diaby. The former Bayer Leverkusen star has reportedly agreed personal terms with Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad and could now be on his way out of Villa Park just one year on from arriving.

The winger's exit would undoubtedly deal Unai Emery a frustrating blow this summer, but Villa could at least make up for Diaby's potential departure by reversing the trend of Saudi clubs signing European stars.

According to TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have made a new approach to sign Saud Abdulhamid from Al-Hilal, having already made an initial approach at the start of the transfer window. The right-back reportedly believes that now is the best time to move into European football after impressing in Saudi as a standout defender. Despite approaching Abdulhamid's representatives though, Villa are yet to open negotiations with Al-Hilal.

It could be quite the way to break the trend by luring a player who is regarded as one of the best right-backs in the Saudi Pro League to English football after the likes of Ruben Neves and now perhaps even Diaby chose to move in the opposite direction.

"Incredible" Abdulhamid has earned Aston Villa interest

A Saudi champion and one of the best defenders in the country, Abdulhamid has more than earned the interest of Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, AS Roma and others in a busy race for his signature. Villa, of course, after their new approach, will be hoping to take the lead in that race, but it remains to be seen whether they can reach an agreement on both personal terms and on a fee with Al-Hilal.

The 24-year-old ended last season with four goals and nine assists – eclipsing Matty Cash's five goals and three assists in the process – and could now make his biggest move yet to Villa Park. Dubbed "incredible" by Arab News, Abdulhamid could be a shrewd coup by those in the Midlands this summer.

Strength in depth could be key for Villa if they want to repeat last season's success in the Premier League whilst causing even greater upsets in the Champions League, and adding Abdulhamid to compete with Cash would bring exactly that.

West Ham United have dispelled any notion that the glory days have passed, with new head coach Julen Lopetegui combining with technical director Tim Steidten to get busy building this summer.

Luis Guilherme, an exciting teenage winger from Brazil, has signed in a £25.5m deal, while Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Max Kilman has joined for £40m. More is set to happen at the London Stadium, with landing a centre-forward among the most important issues.

Luckily, as per Fabrizio Romano, West Ham have been busy, offering £35m to sign Jhon Duran from Aston Villa. The 20-year-old Colombian scored eight goals for Unai Emery's side last season and has been described as an "erratic entertainer" by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell, creating a storm of chaos when thrown onto the field.

Michail Antonio, 34, started just 21 times in the Premier League last year as he battled through injuries, and he shall remain on the books. Danny Ings, however, has flattered to deceive throughout his time as an Iron and must be ditched.

Why Danny Ings must be sold

West Ham signed Ings from Aston Villa for £15m in January 2023. He had been a prolific Premier League figure with Southampton, where he scored 44 goals from 100 matches, but fell by the wayside in the Midlands.

Frankly, he hasn't picked himself up in the capital, instead tumbled deeper and deeper into the muddy morass. A return of four goals from 52 appearances hardly speaks of an astute investment, especially given the struggles that West Ham have found at No. 9 over recent years.

For Lopetegui to throw the veteran – who will be 32 years old in under two weeks – back into the starring role at centre-forward would likely prove to be an unsuccessful opening gambit, and considering his weekly salary, it's surely time to take him off the books.

The joint-second-highest earner in the London Stadium club's squad, Ings has not provided West Ham with bang for their buck – not by half.

Given that the up-and-coming Duran is earning just £30k per week at Villa – over four times less than his positional peer – he could feasibly be signed and provided with a salary comfortably below that of the three-cap England international.

Southampton are actually seeking to re-sign the striker this summer after getting promoted to the Premier League, so surely here is the perfect opportunity to close a forgettable door for all involved.

Ings just didn't click in Moyes' West Ham system, and while Lopetegui's arrival has seen fresh life gust into the first-team squad, the one-time Saints sharpshooter is not getting any younger and to balance the striking odds on his shoulders would be an ill-fated gamble indeed.

It would be quite ironic for the Hammers to ditch Ings, having signed him from Villa, and replace him with Duran, signing him from Villa. But while the first time proved unlucky, Duran has the world at his feet and might just prove to be an absolute force in the Premier League for years to come.

Steidten and the powers that be in east London must ensure that this transfer rotation is enacted swiftly.

West Ham have hit gold on phenom who's worth even more than Watkins & Duran

Julen Lopetegui must relish the chance to wield this highly talented player.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 12, 2024

Former Aston Villa starlet Myles Sohna has confirmed he has had to retire from football at the age of 22 due to a catalogue of injuries.

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• Sohna played in Villa's academy
• Struggled with injuries before release
• Retires from football at age 22

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The defender spent 12 years in Villa's academy but injuries halted his progress, before leaving the club in 2023. The youngster has had three separate knee surgeries in his short career and now he has decided to hang up his boots for good as if he kept playing it may hamper his "quality of life".

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• WHAT MYLES SOHNA SAID

  The Instagram post reads: "It is with mixed emotions that due to injury, I have decided to retire from professional football. This has truly been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but after months of careful consideration and consulting with a specialist, it has become clear that this is the best decision for my long-term health. The past 3 seasons have been the hardest in my career, both mentally and physically. After rupturing my anterior cruciate ligaments in both knees in back-to-back seasons and working incredibly hard to get back from them both. Unfortunately, over a year ago I sustained a separate serious knee injury, which required a third operation.

  "Going into the operation, I knew there was a chance the injury could potentially be career-ending but I never imagined this would become my reality. Despite doing everything in my power to get back fit, I still experience significant pain and swelling every time I perform any high-impact activity. As a result of this, I have been advised that continuing my career would severely affect not only my ability to play but most importantly, my quality of life in the future and given this, my health must come first.

  "I want to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout my footballing career and also my past teammates and staff at Aston Villa FC for making my 12 years there so special. I made memories there that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I trust that this is Allah's plan for me and I believe that he is the best of all planners. I now look forward to beginning this new chapter in my life. MYLES SOHNA 🖤."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While many would want to keep trying to return to football, sometimes making decisions like these are vital to your long-term health. It may be difficult finding a new career for himself but having a healthy body will be vital as a new chapter of his life begins.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While it remains to be seen what path Sohna will take next, his old side Villa host Crystal Palace at Villa Park in the Premier League on November 23.

17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri scored his maiden Premier League goal in Arsenal's comfortable win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

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• Aretat praises teenager Nwaneri
• Vows to help him build his career
• Scored first Premier League goal in win over Forest

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bukayo Saka handed the Gunners the lead early in the first half before Thomas Partey doubled the team's lead in the 52nd minute. Nwaneri, who replaced captain Martin Odegaard in the 82nd minute, then scored his first-ever Premier League goal to seal a comfortable win for his club.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After the game, manager Mikel Arteta praised the 17-year-old attacking midfielder as he pointed out the special qualities that the youngster possesses. He also vowed to help the young player build a career at Emirates Stadium. While his game time in the league has been limited, Nwaneri has started in both of the club's Carabao Cup ties this term and has scored four goals.

• WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

  Speaking to reporters, the Gunners boss said, "What I like is that he comes in and in that context, the first thing he does is take a touch, runs forward, runs past two players and put it inches away from the post. I am responsible to build a career for him. You have to do that brick by brick. Today he put another brick. Now we have to put another cement, make sure it doesn’t get dry so we can put another one and that will stick.

  "Then we put one more layer, one more layer. If you want to put five in a row believe me it won’t work. We have to manage not only his expectation but his load as well, which is really important."

  He added, "I will try to educate him, raise him, and give him the pathway that we believe is the best. His family, his agent, his friends, they will be very important as well. Don’t listen too much to the noise, focus on what he does which is to play football and he loves every minute of it and good things will happen to him for sure."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  The north London side will be back in action in the Champions League in midweek as they take on Ruben Amorim's ex-club Sporting CP on Tuesday night.

Aston Villa are pulling no punches in the transfer market this summer, with Unai Emery working day and night to gear his squad up for Champions League nights.

Five years on from their return to Premier League football, the Villa have enjoyed incremental growth and a season in the Conference League, but finishing in the top four last year has cemented their status as one of the country's elite, and opened the door to a whole new realm of opportunity.

Sure, Douglas Luiz was sold to Juventus in order to placate PSR, while record signing Moussa Diaby is in the process of a £51m transfer to the Gulf, joining Al-Ittihad, but the fact that such exits do not strike as a detriment to Emery's cause bears testament to the machine he has crafted in the Midlands.

A host of signings have been made so far, the latest of which being the exciting £50m capture of Amadou Onana from Everton, but the central defence is as yet untouched. With the £100k-per-week Diego Carlos mooted for a departure and Tyrone Mings approaching the year mark of his ACL rupture, Villa might be wise to strengthen at the rear.

Aston Villa transfer news

As per Football Insider, Aston Villa are preparing to tussle with Liverpool for the signing of Juventus' Dean Huijsen, a 19-year-old centre-back who excelled out on loan with Roma last term.

His first real taste of senior action, the Netherlands native is highly regarded in Italy but Juve are keen to settle their financial concerns and could part ways if their €30m (£25m) asking price is met.

Villa's Champions League status gives them a fresh position of power in the market these days, but Liverpool are one of England's elite. However, having completed some dealings with the Old Lady this summer, Monchi will hope that such business hands his outfit the advantage here.

Dean Huijsen's 23/24 season in numbers

One year ago, Huijsen was gearing up for his first taste of senior action in Turin, having been snapped up by Juventus as a teenager, leaving Malaga and moving to Italy despite interest from Real Madrid's prestigious academy.

Huijsen was born in Amsterdam but has been raised in Andalusia since his fifth birthday and recently switched his international allegiance to Spain this year, having now earned his maiden caps with the U21s.

After making his professional debut off the bench as the Old Lady secured victory over AC Milan in Serie A last October, Huijsen transferred to Roma for a six-month loan spell, tasked with playing a role in Daniele de Rossi's first team.

It's safe to say that he passed with flying colours, showcasing his quality as a modern-day, complete centre-back after posting two goals and an assist across his 14 outings.

Praised for his "ridiculous" quality by analyst Ben Mattinson, the rangy defender stands at 6 foot 5 and looks to have the acumen and physique to make a marked impression under Emery's wing, with Villa likely able to offer him the platform to hone his talents and bloom into a leading top-flight player in the years to come.

He's young, yes, comparatively untested, also yes, but just take a look at his extraordinary strike against Frosinone, having entered the fray at half-time with just two senior starts under his belt.

Moreover, he proved to have the buds of a sharp ball-playing game, completing 88% of his passes in the Italian top flight, ranking among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted and the top 11% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Now, Villa must accelerate their interest – especially with Liverpool keen on a deal. While he's yet to kick a ball at Villa Park, Samuel Iling-Junior has already made the move to Emery's brood and Huijsen must follow suit.

Huijsen can be Samuel Iling-Junior 2.0

Iling-Junior, an Englishman, broke into Juventus' first team last season after signing for the club as a 16-year-old in 2020, leaving Chelsea's youth academy to venture to Italy.

His transfer to Aston Villa – along with midfielder Enzo Barrenechea, 23 – was orchestrated as part of Juventus' deal to sign Douglas Luiz, whose sacrifice was necessary as Monchi fought to overcome pressing PSR concerns.

Iling-Junior might not have played competitively for Emery's side yet but he's got bundles of potential down the left flank, playing 27 times last year, scoring one goal and providing two assists, though he only registered six starts across all competitions.

Like Huijsen, his talent is patent despite his limited match action, and Villa might just have something of a treasure on their hands, with the 20-year-old even described as an "assist machine" by journalist Michele Neri and praised for his "high energy and work volume as well as dreamy ball skills" by journalist Antonio Mango.

Most importantly, he regularly showcases skills that point toward success in the Premier League, with a rounded and athletically robust skillset: as per FBref, he ranks among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for progressive carries and the top 19% for tackles per 90.

Clearly, Iling-Junior is a top talent who could explode under Emery's management next season, and Huijsen must now follow him and Barrenechea toward England's Midlands to kickstart his career at a club that just continues to rise.

Imagine him & Williams: Aston Villa could sign a "clinical" star for £0

Unai Emery is in the market to sign a striker this summer…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 22, 2024

With the opening day of the Premier League season just over a week away, Leicester City are reportedly set to make an official offer in an attempt to sign a player who knows all about England's top flight.

Leicester transfer news

Whilst they haven't been able to splash the cash so far this summer, Leicester have still managed to welcome a number of reinforcements. The likes of Issahaku Fatawu, Caleb Okoli, Michael Golding and Bobby De Cordova-Reid have all arrived to hand Steve Cooper's side a boost as they look to simultaneously complete their business and avoid crossing the profit and sustainability line.

That said, the Foxes could still make at least one statement-signing before the window slams shut at the end of the month in what could yet strengthen Cooper's new side enough to avoid relegation at the first time of asking.

According to De Telegraaf in the Netherlands, Leicester are set to make an official offer to sign Steven Bergwijn from Ajax in a deal that could be worth close to €20m (£17m). Those at the King Power are reportedly unwilling to go above that price, however, in what could yet make negotiations difficult to sign the winger, who earns £75k-a-week in the Eredivisie.

Imagine him & Fofana: Leicester plotting move for "explosive" PL talent

Leicester City could seriously bolster their attacking options with this pair of new signings.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 7, 2024

Of course, Bergwijn is already a familiar name with Premier League fans, having previously played for Tottenham Hotspur from 2020 to the summer of 2022. It was in that time that the King Power became all too aware of the Netherlands international's quality, as he netted a dramatic brace to seal a 3-2 victory over Leicester.

If the winger does seal a move to the Foxes this summer, then it's fair to say that he'll have quite the making up to do.

"Great" Bergwijn would be an impressive coup

Whilst he was only able to show glimpses of his best form during his time at Spurs, Bergwijn may now have the opportunity to prove himself once and for all in the Premier League, courtesy of Leicester. For £17m, he would have to hit the ground running, however, as last season's stats showed he is more than capable of – scoring 13 goals and assisting a further five in all competitions.

Earning the praise of former Spurs manager Jose Mourinho after scoring a debut winner against Manchester City, the current Fenerbahce manager said via TNT Sports: "The goal was a great goal and so important for us. (It was) the icing on the cake of a very good performance. Independent of the goal his performance was very good, very solid, very mature."

Now an experienced player at 26 years old, Bergwijn could get the opportunity to become the main man at Leicester this summer.

Levi Colwill has relished taking on the Chelsea captaincy over the last couple of seasons in the prolonged absence of skipper Reece James.

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• James out again with injury
• Colwill among vice-captains
• Centre-back recognises own leadership

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  James has played only 241 minutes of football this season but is not expected to feature for Chelsea again until 2025 after picking up a new hamstring injury. The England international has already missed 40 games at club level since undergoing surgery on a similar issue midway through last season.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With the club captain routinely sidelined, Chelsea have had to call on several other players to take the armband. One of those players has been Colwill, who has acknowledged his own 'leadership qualities'.

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  WHAT COLWILL SAID

  Colwill said: "I think I have always had leadership qualities in me. Last season I did captain the side a few times. So I have always had it in me. Maybe at the start of the season I wasn't showing it much to him.

  "But I think the team all know I am definitely growing as a player and a person around the team and trying to help out as much as possible. The most obvious one is communicating.

  "And, no matter the game I am having, trying to help my team-mates as much as possible, to organise them and give them the best chance of winning the ball back or attacking. I think it just comes down to that."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Chelsea are back in action on Sunday when they welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge. James has been ruled out but Colwill is in line to start for Enzo Maresca's side. If results go their way, the Blues could end the weekend sitting second in the Premier League table.

Glasgow Rangers saw their chances of appearing in the Champions League group stage end after a loss at Hampden on Tuesday night.

The 2-0 defeat to Dynamo Kyiv means the Ibrox side will play in the Europa League for the second year in succession, a result which could alter Philippe Clement’s transfer business.

The tie was on a knife edge during the first half, with both clubs having chances to open the scoring, yet the match turned on its head just five minutes into the second half…

Jefte's dismissal vs Kyiv

It is fair to say that in such a pivotal game you need luck to be on your side, but on this occasion, the Premiership outfit certainly didn't get the rub of the green.

Jefte – who was booked during the first 45 – went in for a 50/50 with a Kyiv player and clearly won the ball fairly, but Marco Guida, the referee, flashed a second yellow card to the Brazilian, reducing the Gers to ten men.

It was a truly horrendous decision – the worst Clement had seen in "more than 30 years of football" – and this gave Kyiv all the momentum heading into the final 40 minutes of the clash.

Two late goals sealed progression, but several players were far from at their best, including James Tavernier.

James Tavernier's performance vs Kyiv

In times like these, the captain should lead by example and push the team on to achieve new heights. Tavernier’s mentality has arguably been weak for quite some time now, with the defeat to Kyiv proving to be the nadir.

Of course, the sending off didn’t help matters, but the Light Blues still created a few chances after that, yet they couldn’t convert.

The Englishman delivered a few decent crosses into the opposition box during the first half, but defensively, he was torrid yet again.

Vladyslav Kabayev ran rings around him for Kyiv, highlighting Tavernier’s defensive frailties. While this is not fresh news, the defender has started the season poorly so far.

Indeed, the National gave him a match rating of 6/10, which was generous to say the least.

What Rangers do now

While there was no guarantee that Clement would have gotten the better of RB Salzburg coach Pep Lijnders in the playoff round, crashing out in such a frustrating manner will no doubt sting.

With a massive financial windfall blown due to the defeat against Kyiv, it feels as though the Light Blues are currently operating at a Europa League level. Even if they did make it through the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition, the thought of facing the likes of Real Madrid or Manchester City surely would have sent shivers down every supporter’s spine.

Between now and the end of the month, Clement must use what limited funds he has to bring in another attacking midfielder. Truth be told, the vast majority of the squad needs improvement, proving that this summer has been yet another failed rebuild.

Tavernier’s display against the Ukrainian side may be the final straw for much of the Ibrox faithful. Having been touted for an exit earlier this summer, the former Newcastle United youngster will remain at the Gers, for another season at least.

Unless his performances drastically improve in the coming weeks, many will feel that this summer was a missed opportunity to secure a transfer fee for the right-back, especially with his poor displays of late.

After Cerny: Rangers table offer for "high potential" Tavernier replacement

Philippe Clement could be set to sign another South American talent…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 27, 2024

The U.S. international missed the Cherries' last match vs. Ipswich Town due to a knock, but he's back

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• Tyler Adams set to return for Bournemouth
• Was held out of Ipswich match as precaution
• Seeking fifth start of season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. men's national team midfielder Tyler Adams is set to return to the pitch for Bournemouth on Monday when they take on West Ham United in the Premier League, manager Andoni Iraola confirmed. The 25-year-old missed their 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town last week as a result of a minor knock, as Iraola wanted to take no risks.

  Adams had previously played two-straight matches in 90-minute cameos for the club, so the Spaniard said he was not willing to take any chances.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Speaking Friday, Iraola confirmed that Adams will be available for selection.

  "I expect Tyler to be available, he's ready," the manager said.

  The news comes after he missed the first two months of the season due to back surgery, and nearly all of the 2023-24 campaign as a result of two-different surgeries and a phase of back spasms. Monday could mark his fifth start of the EPL campaign for his club.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Adams made just five appearances for Bournemouth across all competitions in 2023-24, playing 138 minutes as a result of various injuries. However, in the CONCACAF Nations League finals in March, he was fit enough to feature for the USMNT – and he went on to score a long-range effort in the final vs. Mexico.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ADAMS?

  The and the clash Monday at 3 p.m. ET. Bournemouth will be searching for their fourth-straight victory, looking to climb the Premier League table.

New Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Rafael Louzan has already sparked controversy just days after his appointment.

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• Louzan in trouble less than 10 days after becoming RFEF president
• Professed his admiration for Perez
• Will remain Spanish football president until 2028

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Louzan beat his competitor Salvador Gomar by 90 votes to 43 to become the new RFEF chief until 2028. However, in less than 10 days, the administrator has sparked controversy in Spanish football after he accidentally professed his love for Real Madrid and his admiration for their president Florentino Perez.

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  WHAT RAFAEL LOUZAN SAID

  Speaking to ahead of Los Blancos' Intercontinental Cup final in Doha, the 57-year-old said: "I will try to meet with President Florentino at the final in Doha (not yet played at the time of the interview) and at the same time put myself at his complete disposal. I have known him for a long time and I have great admiration for his capacity for work, for where he has led this club and all Real Madrid fans are very happy with the management he has done at this great club."

  He added: "(In the Intercontinental Cup) we are faced with the possibility, once again, although it may seem easy, which it is not, that the best ambassador we have in the world, Real Madrid, can be champion. It seems that we are used to it, but despite that, this is very difficult and it is very difficult to achieve what this great club achieves."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The new Spanish football president is already in danger of being forced to relinquish his new job as he is currently awaiting the appeal of a conviction for abuse of office in a previous role as president of the Pontevedra Provincial Council. Louzan has been handed a seven-year suspension from holding public office and could therefore be forced out of his role at RFEF.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  After a brief winter break, La Liga is all set to return to action next week with Real Madrid taking on Valencia in an away fixture on January 3.