Aston Villa Remain Interested In This Sporting Winger: What Will He Add To Emery’s Team? | OneFootball

In a recent print edition, A Bola revealed that Aston Villa remain interested in Sporting CP winger Pedro Goncalves this summer. It has been stated that the Villans are only willing to sign the Portuguese talent for a reduced fee in this off-season.

Goncalves’ Impressive Record In Portuguese Football

Goncalves enjoyed a productive season in Liga Portugal as he managed to produce a lot of impressive performances for Sporting in the final third. The 24-year-old has found the back of the net 20 times and earned 15 assists in 51 matches for Sporting CP in the previous campaign in multiple competitions.

The two-time Portugal international gave a good account of himself by averaging 3.2 shots, 2.2 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Liga Portugal. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball in the final third, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 81.3% in the Portuguese top-flight (stats via whoscored).

Goncalves is under contract at Sporting until the summer of 2026. Therefore, it won’t be easy for the Villans to snap him up on the cheap this year.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – APRIL 20: Pedro Goncalves of Sporting CP warms up prior to the UEFA Europa League Quarterfinal Second Leg match between Sporting CP and Juventus at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 20, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

What Will Goncalves Add To Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery’s Side?

Goncalves loves a tackle and can make a few clever runs with the ball out on the flanks. He has got the vision to engineer a few clear-cut chances for his teammates on the attacking end of the field. Goncalves is primarily a left-sided wide player but can also function as a right-winger or as a box-to-box midfielder if asked to do so by his manager.

The Portuguese sensation can even shoot the ball with venom and accuracy from long range. He can even contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals up top.

Goncalves has got what it takes to add more firepower to Aston Villa boss Unai Emery‘s attack. He might even help the Villans push for European football in the coming seasons.

At 24, Goncalves will only get better with each season, so the West Midlands club should focus on getting a deal done for him in this off-season. However, there are some question marks over whether he could be able to cope with the physicality and high intensity of Premier League football.