Aston Villa are considering a move for PSG’s Carlos Soler as a possible replacement for Douglas Luiz. Villa had an incredible season under Unai Emery.
The Villains secured a 4th place finish guaranteeing Champions League football next season. Emery’s Villa secured 68 points bagging 76 goals this season. Although benefitted by Tottenham Hotspurs’ loss, The Villains wouldn’t mind it one bit.
Especially, since Aston Villa will be making a Champions League return after a whopping 41 years gap. Villa are looking to increase squad depth and will be signing players on the back of their amazing season.
Ross Barkley could be rejoining Villa Park after his loan stint in 2021-22. Villa and Luton Town could materialize a deal for the midfielder. Moreover, Barkley is keen on the move as Luton have been relegated to the Championship.
Villa look to reinforce midfield
Barkley’s signing would be a big step towards adding experience and depth to Villa’s midfield. Moreover, Barkley revived his career during his loan spell at Villa Park that earned him EURO’s call-up.
Additionally, Carlos Soler could be moving to Aston Villa. Reports claim that Soler doesn’t want to leave the Les Parisiens. However, the midfielder is currently not a plan of Luis Enrique’s PSG plans.
Henceforth, a loan deal could materialize between The Villains and Les Parisiens. Regardless, Unai Emery’s Villa haven’t made any solid contact for Soler just yet.
Why Carlos Soler for Villa?
Carlos Soler rose through the ranks and played for 17 long years with Valencia. Additionally, Soler won the Copa del Rey with Valencia in 2019. PSG signed the 27-year old in 2022 for an initially agreed fee of €18 million, potentially rising by €3 million. Soler has already clinched two consecutive Ligue 1 titles with the Les Parisiens. He has also won the Trophee des Champions (2023) and Coupe de France in this campaign.
Moreover, the 27-year old has plenty of experience with 328 club appearances and 47 goals to his name. The Spaniard has also won 14 caps for his national team and scored 4 goals. However, Soler has mostly featured as a substitute under Enrique this season.
Soler has great attacking instinct. He can adapt to playing on the right flank as well as in the central midfield. Moreover, Soler is a good passer of the ball and can read the game well. If Villa can materialize a loan deal, it would be ideal for The Villains.
Villa pursuing Carlos Soler to replace Douglas Luiz?
Douglas Luiz could be leaving Villa Park with numerous teams lurking around him. While a Champions League spot should be enough to convince Luiz to stay, there’s no guarantee. Especially, with teams of glorious history and immense fan following like Arsenal lining up to buy Luiz.
However, several bids of Arsenal were already rejected by Villa in 2022. Regardless, The Gunners have rekindled their interest in the Brazilian. If Douglas Luiz decides to leave Villa Park, Carlos Soler could replace the midfielder.
Soler and Luiz have shared almost identical stats this season. Both occupy midfield playing the same positions and have exactly the same passing accuracy of 86%. Moreover, they have made almost a similar number of key passes per game.
While Douglas Luiz is defensively able, the Spaniard is also adept in the department. While Soler might not be the number one man on the team sheet at the Parc des Princes, he could become a starter in Emery’s Villa if Luiz leaves.
Will a deal go through?
Aston Villa haven’t made any solid approach towards signing Soler. However, if Soler is available on loan, The Villains should definitely be going for him. Regardless of whether Luiz leaves or not.
Soler could have increased game time while Villa can reinforce their midfield benefitting both parties.
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