Aston Villa’s Premier League misfit Bertrand Traore could leave for Turkey before the transfer deadline with Super Lig giants Galatasaray offering the winger a £40,000-a-week contract in Istanbul, as reported by Sozcu.
If Steven Gerrard is intent on making the 4-1-2-1-2 diamond formation his go-to-system at Villa Park, then a man signed from Lyon in a £17 million deal two years ago looks to be one the players in his squad most negatively affected.
Traore, a jinking winger who loves to cut in from the touchline, doesn’t really suit a more central role alongside Ollie Watkins or Danny Ings. And it seems that Gerrard doesn’t fancy trying him out as a wide midfielder either.
According to the Birmingham Mail, Traore has been training with Aston VIlla’s U21s recently, alongside the similarly transfer-listed Frederic Guilbert.
The message, from Gerrard, could hardly be clearer. The sooner you leave, Bertrand, the better.
Has Bertrand Traore played his last game for Aston Villa?
And according to reports, the one-time Chelsea youngster could be the latest invitee into Turkey’s home of rescued footballers. Former Villa Park team-mate Trezeguet has joined Super Lig champions Trabzonspor already this summer, and Traore might not be far behind.
Sozcu say that Galatasaray are in pole position; Offering Traore a £40,000-a-week contract. Besiktas and Istanbul Basaksehir are also in the running. Whether Traore is willing to accept such a proposal remains to be seen. He reportedly earns closer to £80,000-a-week at Villa (Spotrac). As such, he’d have to half his wages in order to join Galatasaray.
The ball, then, is in his court. Does he add a couple more digits to his bank balance while training with the kids at Bodymoor Heath? Or embark upon a new adventure; At an ambitious, historic club desperate to bounce back from a dismal 2021/22 campaign.
Galatasaray have already signed Lucas Torreira, Sergio Oliveira and France international Leo Dubous. Swiss striker Haris Seferovic has arrived too, alongside Napoli’s all-time record goalscorer Dries Mertens.
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