Report: Aston Villa told to pay £25million to sign left-footed star

Tue 23 November 2021 10:45, UK

Aston Villa have been told to pay £25million to sign Stuttgart left-back Borna Sosa, with Steven Gerrard very keen.

Sosa, 23, has been excellent for Stuttgart since joining the club in the summer of 2018. He helped them gain promotion back to the top tier.

Since then, he has sparkled in the Bundesliga – laying on 14 assists in 50 games. His set-piece ability is impeccable, likened to David Beckham.

He is currently competing with Rangers defender Borna Barisic to be Croatia’s first-choice left-back – another player linked with Villa.

Now, Bild report that Gerrard is intent on bringing Sosa to Villa in the January transfer window. However, Stuttgart want a huge £25million.

Sosa to Villa: Is he worth £25m – and is Barisic a better option?

In terms of quality, defensively and in attack – Barisic and Sosa are similar. The say Barisic is available for just £8million.

However, the difference of £17million makes sense – given Barisic is 29, six years older than Sosa. But do Villa want to spend as much as £25million?

Sosa is probably worth that kind of figure. Defensively he needs work, but under Steven Gerrard he will get the required tutelage.

At such a young age and with mass resale value, he is worth north of £20million. Will Villa want to spend, after a £100million summer outlay?

Barisic is a bargain but his form will drop after a year or two. Sosa gives Villa a long-term option or the chance to sell on for more.