The transfer window opened for Premier League clubs last week, and Aston Villa are busy making moves in the market.
Unai Emery will be competing with the “big six” to qualify for European football for the second season running next term, and added Youri Tielemans as his first signing earlier this month. Villa want to add several top quality additions to his squad this summer.
Here, BirminghamLive reviews the top transfer lines surrounding Villa…
Sporting stubborn on Goncalves price tag
Villa are yet to submit a bid to Sporting for midfielder Pedro Goncalves, it is claimed. He has been on Villa’s radar this summer and even though they are keen to sign the midfielder, Portuguese newspaper A Bola (via SportWitness ) claim that they are reluctant to pay his €80million (£68m) release clause. Sporting meanwhile, are adamant that a transfer will only materialise if the player’s release clause is triggered.
Villa are apparently not willing to pay that fee and would only like to spend around €40m (£34m). Following the recent departure of Manuel Ugarte to Paris Saint-Germain for around €60m (£51m), the Lions are in no rush to sell another player. However, A Bola adds that Pote (Goncalves) and his representatives are convinced that given his standout performances in recent seasons, he has been deserving of a pay rise which would see him become the highest earner in the squad.
BirminghamLive says: Goncalves is a tremendous talent, but Villa won’t be able to spend a huge figure on only one player this summer. Emery wants to supplement his squad with several top additions, and while the club’s transfer record will be broken this summer, Sporting’s valuation of Goncalves is simply too high at this stage. Let’s see if they allow for some negotiation on that figure.
Stoke target Philogene transfer
Stoke City are believed to have reignited their interest in Aston Villa winger Jaden Philogene. That’s according to our sister title, StokeonTrentLive, who claim boss Alex Neil was left impressed following his loan stint last season.
The 21-year-old spent the second half of 2021/22 at the bet365 Stadium, playing a total of 11 games. Despite the short stint, he showed glimpses of his game-changing potential under Neil. Philogene then joined Cardiff City last summer and continued his form, helping them to steer clear of relegation.
BirminghamLive says: Philogene will be allowed to find a new club this summer after a couple of loan moves into the EFL over the past 18 months. He spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Stoke, before he join Cardiff City for the entirety of the last campaign. Now, Stoke are moving to sign him up before they begin their pre-season preparations.
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