Journalist Josh Holland insists Ibrahim Sangare is better than Aston Villa’s current midfield options but has highlighted one factor that may derail their chances of signing him.
Having been Europe’s sixth-biggest spenders in January, reports have suggested that Villa will splash the cash again this summer with owners Wes Edens and Naseef Sawiris set to offer Steven Gerrard a war chest to help put his stamp on the team.
In February, the former Rangers boss admitted that the club only got “90-95% of business done” and a recent update from Football Insider revealed that the club are looking to bring in at least one centre midfielder this summer.
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According to Dutch media outlet Voetbal International, Villa are thought to be cranking up their interest in Sangare and the report suggested that Gerrard was in the stands at the King Power stadium as the Eindhoven club took on Leicester City in the Europa Conference League last month.
Holland does believe that the Ivorian would improve the team but he could be harder to obtain than first thought.
He told GIVEMESPORT:
“I think he’s a better Douglas Luiz, so I think he’d be perfect for Villa.
“I don’t think PSV will be able to say no to the money that Villa will be able to offer. I think the only thing that Villa could struggle with is Cody Gakpo and Noni Madueke also look like they’re about to leave PSV.
“Are the Dutch Cup winners going to allow three of their best players to leave? That’s the problem. I don’t think that can happen.”
TIF Thoughts on Sangare and Villa…
With Luiz about to enter the final year of his contract, it does seem like the right time to think about upgrading their midfield this summer.
Standing at a towering 6 ft 3 he has gained comparisons with Yaya Toure for his presence and physicality in midfield. He was brought to the Eredivisie in 2020 by the newly-minted Dutch Cup winners for just £8.1m and the club are in a strong negotiating position with the player contracted until 2025.
With Leicester and Crystal Palace thought to be in the hunt, NSWE would be as well to act quickly as Sangare is the calibre of player they need to achieve their long-term goal of European football.