Pedro Goncalves is being courted by Aston Villa.
Aston Villa is still interested in Sporting CP attacker Pedro Goncalves, but they may have to pay his €80 million release clause first.
According to O Jogo through Sport Witness, Aston Villa and Pedro Goncalves are in communication. The Sporting CP star was on their radar during the summer transfer window, but their offer fell far short of convincing the Portuguese club to trade the 25-year-old.
Portuguese clubs may be difficult to deal with for English teams, especially when one of their best players attracts a lot of attention. Several Premier League clubs pursued the 25-year-old winger over the summer, but Sporting CP stood hard on their pricing.
Goncalves had an outstanding season at Sporting, scoring 15 goals and assisting on another 12 throughout the league season. During the summer, interest in him seemed natural, but Sporting were unwilling to sell him cheaply. Aston Villa were one of the interested parties, with Unai Emery’s side reportedly making a €45 million bid.
Sporting didn’t think it was enough, and they needed much more. A far larger bid could have had them talking, as Aston Villa appeared to be in pole position to get the 25-year-old. Emery was eager to add to his attacking lineup after making some successful additions during the transfer window.
He brought in a prominent winger in Moussa Diaby, but he also want someone on the left side. Emery might have boosted competition for the injury-prone Leon Bailey by bringing in Goncalves. The Jamaican’s fitness record may have been the main reason Villa considered signing the 25-year-old forward.
However, Goncalves has signed a new contract with Sporting until 2027, with a €80 million release clause. Aston Villa are not interested in paying that much for the 25-year-old, although they may improve on their previous offer of €45 million.
In any case, Aston Villa will pursue Goncalves again in January or next summer. Given that the player only recently signed a new contract, Sporting may wish to hold him until the end of the season. They could, however, entice the Portuguese club with a large January offer.
Aston Villa must reach an agreement swiftly on a deal for a player who appears to be a key target. Other Premier League opponents, such as Tottenham and Liverpool, have expressed interest in the €80 million-rated attacker, complicating the Midlands club’s pursuit.
