In a recent report, Sampiy has stated that Aston Villa are set to rival Everton for Galatasaray defensive ace Christian Luyindama. It is believed that the Villans are ‘closely involved’ in a move for the Congolese centre-back but would have to pay at least Є10m to land him (via Sampiy).
Luyindama’s Impressive Season In Turkish Football
Luyindama has enjoyed a solid season for the Turkish outfit thus far after producing several commanding displays at the centre of Fatih Terim’s defence. The 27-year-old has been involved in 17 matches for Galatasaray this term, netting two goals and securing three yellow cards in various competitions.
The Kinshasa-born talent has been a rock at the back for the Turkish giants as he is averaging 0.6 tackles, 2.0 interceptions and 3.9 clearances per game in the Turkish Super Lig. He has also been decent with the ball based on his pass completion rate of 86.1% and his average of 0.5 shots and 0.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in league football (stats via whoscored).
The Congolese sensation has established himself as one of the top centre-backs in Turkish football, so Villa boss Dean Smith will do well to capture his signature this month or at the end of this campaign when he will just have one year remaining on his contract at the Türk Telekom Stadium.
What Will The Congolese Defender Bring To Villa Park?
Standing at 1.91m, Luyindama is a towering presence inside the penalty area and can win his fair share of aerial duels at both ends of the field. He possesses incredible strength to overpower the opposition and clear his lines when needed.
The Galatasaray centre-half can benefit from a fresh challenge away from Turkish football, so he might be tempted to join the Villans or the Toffees if either of them end up agreeing on a deal to sign him in the future.
Dean Smith has got Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Kortney Hause fighting for a place in his first-team. However, an experienced and dominant defender like Luyindama could offer some healthy competition for them in pursuit of a regular starting place at Villa Park in the coming seasons. At 27, the Congolese star is playing at the peak of his playing career, so the Villans will do well to lure him to the West Midlands before the transfer window slams shut at the start of next month.
If the reports are true about Galatasaray’s Є10m asking price, then Smith should consider matching that figure to land Luyindama as he could be a star performer for his team over the next few years. All in all, he will be a decent mid-season signing as he could propel Aston Villa to a top-half finish in the Premier League later this year.
