Aston Villa Are Leading The Race To Recruit This Sporting Star: Should Emery Get Him On Board? | OneFootball

In a recent print edition, O Jogo stated that Aston Villa are leading the race to recruit Sporting CP star Pedro Goncalves. It has been claimed that the Villans are in pole position to land the Portuguese winger after failing to do so earlier this summer.

Pedro Goncalves’ Impressive Numbers In Liga Portugal This Season

Goncalves has made a decent start to this season after putting in a few impressive performances for Sporting out on the flanks. The Portugal international has banged in one goal in four league appearances for his current club during this campaign.

The 25-year-old has caught the eye with his offensive contributions as he is averaging 3.0 shots, 1.8 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. He has even been tidy with his ball distribution after making 76.4% of his attempted passes in the Portuguese top tier (stats via whoscored).

His current deal at Sporting will expire in the summer of 2027. Hence, Aston Villa will have to launch a convincing offer if they want to snap the Portuguese talent up next year.

Sporting’s Portuguese midfielder #8 Pedro Goncalves reacts during the Portuguese league football match between Sporting CP and FC Famalicao at Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on August 27, 2023. (Photo by Patricia DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Should Aston Villa Head Coach Unai Emery Get Pedro Goncalves On Board?

Goncalves has got the pace to make a few dangerous runs with the ball out in the wide areas. He has got the eye to unlock the opponent’s defence with a few decisive passes on the attacking third of the pitch. The Portuguese sensation can even strike the ball with power from long range. However, he needs to figure out a way to be more productive in front of the opposition goal.

Goncalves is primarily a left-winger but can also operate as a right-sided wide player or play in the number ten position if told to do so.

We can expect Goncalves to bring more firepower to Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery’s attack. He might even help the Villans push for European football in the Premier League this season.

At 25, Goncalves has got his best years ahead of him which makes him an ideal target for the West Midlands club to pursue this January. With all things considered, Emery should focus on getting the Sporting star on board during the winter transfer period.