For a while at least, it seemed as if Aston Villa would have to break the bank for a new defensive midfielder.
Manager Steven Gerrard confirmed that the Premier League giants had submitted a January bid for Brighton’s Yves Bissouma, an offer reported to be in the region of £25 million. The Seagulls, however, wanted closer to £45 million. You can bet your bottom dollar that Leeds United would demand a damn sight more than that for homegrown hero Kalvin Phillips, particularly after they survived the drop by the very skin of their teeth.
Furthermore, Aston Villa would have had to make Geoffrey Kondogbia one of their highest earners if they were serious about luring the France international away from Atletico Madrid. PSV Eindhoven, meanwhile, have made it clear that they not sell Ibrahim Sangare for a penny less than his £34 million release clause.
So do not underestimate just how inspired the signing of Boubacar Kamara may be. Not only is the former Marseille star one of the most highly-rated ‘number sixes’ in European football, he also arrives at Villa Park on a free transfer with his contract running down.
Aston Villa sign Boubacar Kamara
Young, tactically flexible, and excellent in and out of possession, Kamara should represent an immediate upgrade on the erratic Marvelous Nakamba and the divisive Douglas Luiz. His cut-price arrival also frees up funds for Aston Villa to bring in a Calvin Bassey or a Quentin Merlin – a new left-back is next on Gerrard’s summer to-do list – or perhaps even a Luis Suarez.
The signing of the Marseille’s academy graduate – in typically bolt-from-the-blue, Aston Villa style – could also have implications further north. Specifically, at St James’ Park.
Gerrard watched Ibrahim Sangare in the flesh during PSV’s UEFA Conference League clash with Leicester City recently, according to Voetbal International, before turning his attention to the younger, more affordable Kamara.
Will Ibrahim Sangare now end up at Newcastle United?
Money really is no object as far as Newcastle are concerned these days, however. The Magpies won’t be put off by PSV’s reluctance to accept offers below £30 million for their 6ft 3ins colossus (Daily Mail).
“After (the season), I’ll go on holiday. And I’ll have time to talk about possible next projects,” Sangare said a couple of weeks ago. “Playing in the Premier League is not only a dream of mine but a dream of every footballer. It is the biggest and most important league in the world.”
Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff raised their game substantially under Eddie Howe during the second half of 2021/22. Though, if Newcastle are serious about challenging for Europe sooner rather than later, there can be no room for sentiment. The hulking Sangare would not only be an improvement on both, he’d also give Bruno Guimaraes the freedom to do what he does best; Pull the strings further forward and wreak havoc in the final third.
Aston Villa opted for Kamara instead. But that does not mean Sangare won’t be a Premier League player in 2022/23.
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