Alejandro Garnacho has already made an impression after making his Aston Villa debut in a 3-1 victory against an Indonesia XI on Saturday night.

Emiliano Buendia, Ross Barkley and Brian Madjo scored the goals as fans got a first look at Garnacho in Unai Emery’s side. He has a point to prove this season after being let go by Manchester United and Chelsea in the space of 12 months.

The Argentina international now has a chance to stake his claim in the Villans’ starting XI after missing out on a place at the 2026 World Cup. But how did he get on during his first appearance?

Alejandro Garnacho’s Highlights Get Fans Talking

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If all goes to plan, the 22-year-old could move to Villa Park permanently after joining on an initial loan from Chelsea, with a conditional obligation to buy clause. However, Garnacho doesn’t appear to be off to the best start.

Footage of every action he made in the game has emerged online, and one glaring issue has been pointed out by many football fans. Watch his highlights below.

The main criticism of his debut performance is the ‘safe’ nature of his play. The ex-Man Utd youth product often chose to turn backwards or pass sideways, rather than directly going at his full-back one-on-one.

It’s a part of modern football that many supporters have grown tired of, but Garnacho used to confidently back himself to dribble forward and create problems. It could be a case of low confidence after a difficult couple of years.

Fans were quick to give their thoughts on social media. One supporter said: “What exactly was fire about the performance? Passing the ball back 90 percent of the time.”

Another pointed out his constant backwards passing: “Even if he is ahead of his FB, he still stops and passes it backwards,” while one more X user stated: “I am supposed to be seeing something aside from those useless back passes he repeatedly made in the game? Bro isn’t gonna get better anytime soon.”

“Can’t beat his man, always passes back, can’t take a shot,” was the verdict of one fan. Garnacho was even accused of being ‘lazy’ in his slow play, as one supporter said: “Looks like he is slowing play down? And is a bit lazy? Not direct?”

Despite the criticism, Garnacho claimed he was delighted to be back on the pitch enjoying his football. He took to Instagram to post a picture from the game, along with the caption: “First start after 3 months. Happy to be enjoying football again. 1% every day.”

Philip Otele is set to leave Basel this summer, GMS understands. Basel are prepared to sanction an exit for around €5m.

The 27-year-old Nigerian scored nine goals in all competitions for Basel in the first half of last season before heading on-loan to Hamburg.

Hamburg had an option to buy, but GMS understands Otele decided not to join the Bundesliga side permanently. Part of the reason was a mismatch of styles between player and club, with Otele deciding to explore other options in systems that allow him more attacking freedom.

At Hamburg, he was forced to play as a makeshift left-back during the closing weeks of the campaign as Hamburg battled to pull clear of the relegation picture.

Otele has interest from England

Otele has drawn historical interest from Fulham, but there is no indication of a fresh move. He has also been on the radar of Birmingham City, while GMS understands Derby County have held some talks. There are also suitors from Italy. Lecce have opened formal talks, while Frosinone have made a proposal.

Otele has also been approached by Saudi clubs over the past 12 months and has not shut the door on a move to the Saudi Pro League, whether this summer or in the future.

Otele has been capped five times by Nigeria and is capable of playing as a right or left winger as well as leading the line.

Otele enjoys 15 g/a season

During the 2025-2026 season, Otele managed to bag 15 goals and assists during his time with both Basel and Hamburg.

While at Hamburg, as previously mentioned, Otele was often used as a makeshift left back, making it more difficult for him to contribute as much in the final third.

In the previous campaign before that, Otele bagged 13 goals and assists in just 18 Super League games for Basel. He’s always had a knack for providing a threat in the opposition half.

A departure now looks inevitable for Otele in the coming weeks, with Basel prepared to sanction an exit.

Liverpool could further strengthen their defence and are firmly in the mix to sign one of the Premier League’s most highly-regarded defenders.

The Reds signed young French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in January for £60 million and he officially arrived at Anfield earlier this summer. He has replaced Ibrahima Konate, who joined Real Madrid after his contract expired.

Jacquet is tipped for a bright future at just 20 years of age and looks likely to partner Virgil van Dijk in Andoni Iraola’s defence. But the Merseyside outfit seems intent on adding a more experienced defender to their squad.

Liverpool Eyeing Aston Villa’s Konsa

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Liverpool are reportedly targeting Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and while he isn’t pushing for an exit, he is open to leaving Villa Park. That’s according to CaughtOffside, who claim that Arsenal are also chasing the England defender following an impressive World Cup campaign.

Konsa has been vital for Unai Emery over the years and helped the Villans win the Europa League last season. He appeared 48 times across competitions, putting in many eye-catching performances.

Villa are believed to value Konsa at £60 million, a fee that Mikel Arteta’s champions are unlikely to meet. There’s no word on whether Iraola’s Reds are willing to pay that amount, although they could be enticed by his versatility and experience.

The 28-year-old, dubbed “one of the best defenders in English football”, can play at right-back if required, a role he occasionally took on during the World Cup. He has two years left on his contract but given Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans have left Villa Park, Emery may be eager to keep another of his high-profile stars.

Konsa May Be Ideal For Iraola

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Konsa could be an excellent addition to Iraola’s squad and might be a perfect partner for Van Dijk. Liverpool have yet to find success replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold since he left for Madrid last summer.

Bringing the “excellent” Englishman to Anfield could help address that issue, as he can move to right-back while Jacquet partners Van Dijk. Iraola will want plenty of options ahead of his first campaign, which includes competing in the UEFA Champions League.

The main sticking point is Villa’s asking price, as a £60m fee might be beyond what the Reds are willing to pay. They may also have to see off competition from Arsenal, whom he is said to be “interested” in joining.