In a recent print edition, O Jogo (via Sport Witness) revealed that Aston Villa are among the clubs hoping to land Braga winger Roger Fernandes. It has been stated that the Villans would have to compete with Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, Atlético Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, PSV Eindhoven and Ajax in the race to land the Portuguese wide player.
Roger’s Impressive Form In Portuguese Football
Roger has managed to shine at times with his performances on the right side of Braga’s attack. The 18-year-old has banged in a couple of goals and earned one assist in 16 matches for the Portuguese club this season in multiple competitions.
The Bissau-born talent has given a good account of himself in the final third by averaging 1.4 shots, 0.6 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per game in Liga Portugal. He was even tidy when distributing the ball in the opponent’s half based on his pass completion rate of 80.2% in the Portuguese first division (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Portuguese club will run out in the summer of 2028. Hence, the Villans would have to make a convincing offer if they want to bring him to Villa Park next year.
Should Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery Go For Roger?
Roger can find a yard of space for himself to get some strikes in at goal. He has got the vision to create a few inviting chances for his teammates in the final third and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet.
The talented teenager is primarily a right-winger but can also play as a left-sided wide player or as a left-back if required. However, there are some question marks over whether he can cope with the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League if the Villans manage to bring him on board next year.
Roger would add more firepower and depth to Aston Villa boss Unai Emery’s defence. He has what it takes to compete for a regular starting place at Villa Park in the coming years. At 18, the future looks quite bright for Roger as long as he continues to develop with each season. Therefore, Emery should go for a player of his quality in 2025.
