Regardless of lacking out on the Champions League spot following a controversial remaining matchday defeat towards Manchester United, proceed their hunt for first-team names in addition to rising younger abilities. In considered one of his current posts on X, The Telegraph’s John Percy has revealed the Villans’ curiosity in Stoke Metropolis teenager Sol Sidibe forward of a possible summer season transfer.
The 18-year-old England youth worldwide progressed by means of the Potters’ academy ranks earlier than making his senior debut in August 2023. Though he appeared 8 instances within the 2023-24 season, his engagement elevated within the earlier marketing campaign with 13 appearances throughout competitions.
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Will Keane of Preston North Finish is challenged by Sol Sidibe of Stoke Metropolis in the course of the Sky Wager Championship match between Stoke Metropolis FC and Preston North Finish FC at Bet365 Stadium on November 26, 2024 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photograph by Cameron Smith/Getty Photographs)
Nonetheless, Sidibe was under no circumstances concerned since January after being recognized with a pars in his decrease again. His minutes should be managed rigorously to keep away from additional setbacks, and Villa, underneath UEFA for breaching the monetary guidelines, may snap him up now in a cut-price deal somewhat than paying an astronomical determine in a few years when the teenager cements his first-team standing.
Why Aston Villa Might Profit From The Deal In The Lengthy Run
Stoke Metropolis had a disappointing Championship marketing campaign once they completed 18th within the league standings. Mark Robins’ males survived relegation by two factors, and the decline may see them lose a number of prospects, together with Sidibe. His contract at Staffordshire expires in June 2027, and the Potters would somewhat settle for a proposal this summer season than lose him for nothing except he pens a brand new deal to increase his keep past the present time period.
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This appears unlikely contemplating Stoke’s downfall, and Aston Villa, due to this fact, have recognized the teenage midfield prodigy as an opportunistic signing. Sidibe has proven his technical capacity as a box-to-box possibility, additionally, his physicality and game-reading attribute make him an honest match for the ‘quantity six’ position.
In the meantime, Villa are effectively geared up deep down the midfield with John McGinn, Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara, and Ross Barkley difficult one another in Unai Emery’s 4-2-3-1 setup. Monchi, their president of soccer operations, has spoken of Enzo Barrenechea following a powerful mortgage stint with Valencia, and the upcoming pre-season could possibly be essential to interpret the Argentine’s fast future.
Sidibe, who has now from his long-term harm, would possibly discover himself approach down the pecking order at Villa Park. Nonetheless, he may nonetheless be concerned from the bench and have within the Cup video games towards lower-ranked opponents. The ceiling his excessive for the starlet, as he holds all of the traits to fulfil his potential underneath Emery’s tutelage.