Aston Villa’s forgotten man Morgan Sanson saw a move to Espanyol fall through and could now become the latest Premier League misfit on his way to Turkey, reporter Sacha Tavolieri writes on Twitter.
Heading into the final few days of the summer window, The Athletic named five players Aston Villa were hoping to remove from the books. Well, three out of five ain’t bad.
While Steven Gerrard opted against letting Marvelous Nakamba go to Nottingham Forest or Fulham due to concerns over Douglas Luiz’s Villa Park future, the former Rangers boss was never going to stand in Anwar El Ghazi’s way. He joined PSV Eindhoven, following Bertrand Traore and Kortney Hause out the door.
And with the Turkish window still open, for a couple more hours at least, Southampton winger Nathan Redmond might not be the only Premier League benchwarmer jetting out to Istanbul.
Galatasaray want Morgan Sanson from Aston Villa
Sanson, according to Tavolieri, is a target for Galatasaray. The Turkish Super Lig giants want the 28-year-old on loan.
A £16 million signing from Marseille in 2021, Sanson started just six league games in nearly two years. Injuries haven’t helped. But even when he has been fit, the Frenchman appears struggle with the intensity and the physicality of English football.
La Liga outfit Espanyol came close to signing the one-time Montpellier playmaker earlier in the summer. Tavolieri, however, says that a move to Spain fell through at the ‘last minute’ due to problems with his registration.
“Morgan’s been very professional,” Gerrard explains of a man who hasn’t played a minute so far in 2022/23.
“He’s been calm, he’s been training well. But, at the same time, he’s frustrated with his game time. “I respect that. I understand that. So, if something lands for Morgan that he wants to pursue, we won’t stand in his way.
“At the same time, he’s training well and is pushing to be back in the frame.”
Galatasaray have already signed Lucas Torreira, Sergio Oliveira, Dries Mertens and France international Leo Dubois. PSG striker Mauro Icardi should also arrive in Istanbul today.
“Yes, we want to secure as soon as possible the purchase of Mauro Icardi,” admits Gala coach Okan Buruk.
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