Yahoo News Aston Villa lead Liverpool and Newcastle in race for €50m ace compared to Andres Iniesta
Aston Villa are said to be amongst the leading contenders to land the signing of FSV Mainz 05 winger Brajan Gruda this summer.
The 20-year-old, newly linked to Villa by Sport BILD, is currently recuperating over the summer break after missing out on a great opportunity to play with Germany's Euro 2024 squad for the cruellest of reasons. Having represented his country up to Under-21 level, he was brought in by Julian Nagelsmann to train with the senior side but had to pull out due to injury.
"We’d like to give these two young prospects [including Werder Bremen's Rocco Reitz] a chance to show what they can do in the senior side so that the squad can train optimally in the early stages of preparation," Nagelsmann said.
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But not just anybody can earn such a call-up. Gruda was fully deserving of this opportunity, having scored four goals and provided three assists in his breakout Bundesliga campaign last season. Amongst the league's attackers, according to Fbref.com he ranks in the 90th percentile or higher for shot-creating actions, progressive carries and succesful take-ons.
His performances have also now earned him these transfer links. It is claimed that Villa, along with Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig, are currently the frontrunners due to their ability to more readily offer first-team football, over the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich.
Whilst a price tag of €50m is speculated, the exact figure is unknown. Mainz manager Christian Heidel has never made comment on the matter, whilst the winger's club are thought to only be swayed by an 'extraordinary offer'.
The Bundesliga 's official website likens the 20-year-old to Spain and Barcelona hero Andres Iniesta. Although recognising their difference in positional play, their comparisons stem from versatility playing across the attacking line, 'superb' close control, a vision for long-range passing, and finally the ability to take on opponents.
