According to the latest reports from Birmingham Live, Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Porto’s striker Moussa Marega. Reports mention that the Malian forward is desperate for a move to the Premier League, and he is hoping that a strong showing in the Africa Cup of Nations would bring about an impressive bid for him in the transfer market.
The Villans have already signed Wesley Moraes for big money from Club Brugge. It is being said that owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens are going to back their manager further in the transfer market. Marega has a clause in his contract which could see him leave for £30m.
The forward has been a consistent performer in the Portuguese top flight as he managed to score 21 goals and laid on 11 assists last season. Marega joined Porto in 2016, and he has contributed with 45 goals and 19 assists in 100 appearances for the club.
The reports do add that Porto are yet to receive any satisfactory offer for the striker, but things could change in the summer if Marega has a fruitful time in Africa Cup of Nations.
What can Marega bring to the table?
The 28-year-old is known for his searing burst of pace, and he can surprise a few defenders with his speed and acceleration given how strongly he is built. Therefore Marega can easily play as a targetman as he can hold the ball up well and run in between the defenders to be released by through balls. The forward is also known to be a hard worker, and he usually gives his all when he is on the pitch.
However, his finishing is sometimes off, and his close control also seems questionable on occasions. Villa are likely to get chances few and far between when they play in the Premier League, and it is imperative that they have a clinical striker. Marega on his day can score goals, but there would be occasions when he would miss some sitters as well. Think of him as a poor man’s version of Lukaku.
Should Aston Villa go for him?
£30m for a 28-year-old striker seems a bit too much to us. Moreover, the club has already signed a brilliant first team option in the form of Moraes who can probably do everything which Marega can do presently, and he is six years younger. We think that the Malian striker would be a gamble for that amount of money even though he has the experience of playing in the Champions League.
