Aston Villa has reportedly made a surprise move for Levante’s promising right-back Andrés García, derailing Sporting Club de Portugal’s advanced negotiations for the player. Portuguese journalist Sebastião Sousa Pinto has shed light on the situation, which has rapidly shifted in favor of the Premier League side.
Earlier reports indicated that Sporting were close to finalizing a deal for the 21-year-old. The Portuguese club had reached an agreement with Levante, believed to be valued at between €9.5m and €10m, and were confident García would join their ranks.
However, Aston Villa’s unexpected entrance into the negotiations has completely altered the outcome. The English club has reportedly offered to meet García’s €12m release clause, a decisive factor that has propelled them to the forefront of the race for his signature.
This development has left Sporting scrambling, with Sousa Pinto confirming the dramatic turn of events:
“Sporting has very advanced negotiations with Levante for the signing of Andrés García. However, Aston Villa’s appearance, when no one expected it, has changed everything by paying his €12m clause. This was entirely unforeseen and beyond Sporting and Levante’s control.”
While García had initially reached an agreement with Sporting, the choice now lies entirely in the player’s hands. Sousa Pinto explained further:
“The deal with Sporting was practically done. But Aston Villa’s intervention has left García with a choice between joining Unai Emery’s side or Rui Borges at Sporting. We should have clarity on his decision this afternoon.”
Reports from Spain corroborate Villa’s swift action to close the deal, suggesting that García is poised to join the Birmingham-based club immediately. Unlike some earlier speculations, the plan appears to integrate him into Unai Emery’s squad without sending him back on loan to Levante.
Aston Villa’s urgency and readiness to activate the release clause demonstrate their intent to bolster their squad midseason, likely aiming to secure García as a reinforcement for their right-back position. Meanwhile, Sporting will have to come to terms with a missed opportunity after coming so close to completing the transfer.
García’s final decision will be pivotal and could further define Aston Villa’s ambitious January transfer window under Emery’s leadership. As it stands, the Premier League club has made a bold statement, showcasing their readiness to outmaneuver competitors in the market.