In a recent report, Sky Sports revealed that Aston Villa have reached an agreement to sign Olympique Marseille midfielder Morgan Sanson. It is believed that the Villans will pay an initial fee of £14m, which could potentially rise to £15.5m with add-ons for the French sensation’s services with the player expected to travel to Birmingham next week (via Sky Sports).
Sanson’s Impressive Form At Marseille This Season
Sanson is enjoying a decent campaign at the Orange Vélodrome as he has produced a run of eye-catching performances as a box to box midfielder in André Villas-Boas’ first-team. The 26-year-old has been involved in 19 matches for the French club this term, finding the back of the net twice while earning three assists in all competitions.
The Saint-Doulchard born midfield enforcer has given a good account of himself at the centre of the park because he is averaging 1.7 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 0.9 shots, 0.8 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League group stages this season. He has distributed the ball with conviction after making 78% of his attempted passes in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
The Frenchman is currently playing at his peak but might need some time to settle into life in English football. However, the Villans can expect to get the best out of him as he is still maturing as a footballer and would be hungry for success under Dean Smith’s stewardship in the coming seasons.
What Will The French Playmaker Bring To Villa Park?
Sanson is a decent midfield option who can influence the game at both ends of the pitch. He has a good work ethic and loves to make a tackle to earn the ball back for his side. The French midfield ace can even make some energetic runs with the ball in the opposition half and is not afraid to launch a shot from long range as he packs a lot of power with his attempts. He has an excellent passing range and possesses the strength to get the better of his marker and win some important headers at the centre of the park.
A midfielder of Sanson’s quality will undeniably enhance the overall depth of Dean Smith’s squad. He will add some healthy competition for John McGinn, Marvelous Nakamba, Ross Barkley and Douglas Luiz for a place in Villa’s starting XI in the second half of this campaign.
Plus, his addition could propel the Villans towards securing a top-half finish in the Premier League this season. All in all, Sanson could turn out to be a shrewd signing for the West Midlands club as he has what it takes to be a success story at Villa Park in the years to come.
