Aston Villa Eyes Mateus Fernandes as Potential Midfield Reinforcement
Aston Villa is reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Mateus Fernandes, a talented midfielder from Southampton, as the club looks to bolster its squad for the upcoming season. According to journalist Alan Nixon, Villa has entered the race to sign the 20-year-old Portuguese starlet, who is also being courted by Leeds United and Crystal Palace.
Fernandes’s impressive performances for Southampton, despite the team’s relegation from the Premier League, have caught the attention of several top clubs. The midfielder’s style of play bears similarities to that of Aston Villa’s John McGinn, who has been an integral part of the team since his arrival in 2018. Fernandes’s ability to create scoring opportunities, his dribbling skills, and his tendency to get fouled in the final third make him an attractive prospect for Unai Emery’s side.
Statistical Comparison with John McGinn
A comparison of Fernandes’s statistics with those of McGinn reveals striking similarities between the two midfielders. According to FBref, Fernandes and McGinn have registered similar numbers in goals, assists, shots per 90 minutes, and shot-creating actions. Additionally, both players have demonstrated a high level of success in dribbling past opponents, with Fernandes boasting a successful take-on percentage of 42.6% and McGinn at 45%.
Potential Fit for Aston Villa
Fernandes’s playing style, which emphasizes dribbling and creating scoring opportunities, could be a valuable asset for Aston Villa. Emery’s side has thrived on the contributions of midfielders like McGinn, who have been instrumental in the team’s success. The addition of Fernandes could provide a similar spark, allowing the likes of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana to focus on their defensive duties.
Transfer Speculation
The transfer fee for Fernandes is estimated to be around £30 million, a significant investment for Aston Villa. However, given the player’s talent and potential, it could be a worthwhile expenditure for a club looking to strengthen its squad for the challenges ahead. With Leeds United and Crystal Palace also in the mix, Emery will need to act swiftly to secure Fernandes’s services.
As Aston Villa prepares for its final Premier League match of the season, the club’s focus is already shifting to the summer transfer window. The potential signing of Mateus Fernandes could be a significant coup for the Villans, providing a boost to their midfield and potentially cementing their status as a top-half Premier League team.
