Traore Leaves Lyon for Aston Villa

Burkina Faso forward Bertrand Traore. Reuters file photo
Burkina Faso forward Bertrand Traore. Reuters file photo
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Traore Leaves Lyon for Aston Villa

Burkina Faso forward Bertrand Traore. Reuters file photo
Burkina Faso forward Bertrand Traore. Reuters file photo

Aston Villa has signed Burkina Faso forward Bertrand Traore from French top-flight club Lyon subject to international clearance, the Premier League club announced on Saturday.

No fee was disclosed but media reports put it at around 17 million pounds ($21.9 million).

“We’re delighted that Bertrand has chosen to come to Villa," manager Dean Smith said. “He’s a player with immense talent who will really enhance our attacking options.”

Traore began his career with Villa’s Premier League rivals Chelsea and has also had loan spells with Dutch clubs Vitesse Arnhem and Ajax Amsterdam.

The 25-year-old striker follows the arrival of Ollie Watkins from second-tier Brentford for a club record 28 million pounds fee earlier this month.

Villa launches its league campaign at home to Sheffield United on Monday.



Guardiola Hears Boos at Oasis Concert in Manchester

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts ahead of the Club World Cup Group G soccer match between Manchester City and Al Ain in Atlanta, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts ahead of the Club World Cup Group G soccer match between Manchester City and Al Ain in Atlanta, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
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Guardiola Hears Boos at Oasis Concert in Manchester

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts ahead of the Club World Cup Group G soccer match between Manchester City and Al Ain in Atlanta, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts ahead of the Club World Cup Group G soccer match between Manchester City and Al Ain in Atlanta, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Some Oasis fans weren't quite “mad fer it” when the band dedicated a song to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola at a homecoming concert.

A smattering of boos followed Liam Gallagher dedicating “D'You Know What I Mean?” to “the greatest manager of all time, the one and only Pep Guardiola" — who was in attendance, The AP news reported.

It occurred Friday night at Heaton Park during the band's first concert in Manchester in 16 years as part of its reunion tour.

Noel Gallagher then asked: “Who you booing?”

The brothers, who grew up in Manchester and are longtime City fans, have attended many games over the years as Guardiola has guided the club to six Premier League titles — among an array of other trophies.

Guardiola, who received some respectful applause as well, didn't seem to mind the razzing — likely from crosstown Man United fans at the show — and joined the rest of the 70,000-plus fans in singing “Don't Look Back in Anger.”