Aston Villa could swoop in at the last minute for Leeds United transfer target in a bold swap deal attempt.
Aston Villa are reportedly considering a controversial swap deal that could ruin fellow Premier League side Leeds United’s transfer plans.
The Villans are exploring a host of options in the transfer market this summer as they seek to improve the overall quality of their squad, all while complying with two tough sets of financial regulations. Villa have already eased their concerns over a potential breach of the Premier League profit and sustainability rules (PSR) but an effort must still be made to conform to UEFA’s squad cost rules (SCR), with the wage bill in need of reduction.
Selling and loaning out players remains the optimum focus at this moment in time as Villa seek to reduce their squad costs and put themselves in a strong position for next year’s PSR deadline. Some incoming business can take place, though, as long as it’s well-considered.
Aston Villa tipped to complete bold Besiktas swap deal
One avenue Villa could pursue is swapping players or using those who are seen as surplus to requirements as sweeteners in potential deals. That’s exactly what the Villans could end up doing, as a new report has surfaced to suggest a recent signing could already be set for the exit door.
Rather controversially, Turkish outlet Aksam reports Villa have decided they want to sign Besiktas striker Semih Kilicsoy this summer and would be willing to include Donyell Malen in a swap deal. Although Malen only joined from Borussia Dortmund for £22 million in the winter, Villa are said to see his departure as worth it as long as Kilicsoy’s services are secured in return.
Birmingham World understands Kilicsoy has been a player of interest for a long time and that Villa saw an offer rejected last summer, though the Malen aspect of this speculation is unconfirmed. It would be a rather bold move if Villa did go ahead with such an offer, but it can’t be completely ruled out.
Leeds plan could be scuppered by Villa amid ‘bid’ claim
If Villa do make a move for Kilicsoy, it could scupper newly-promoted side Leeds’ transfer plans. The Whites have been heavily linked with the 19-year-old in recent weeks and a report from Aksam suggests they’ve already lodged an offer of €20 million (£17.3m) to sign him.
Already a four-time senior Turkey international after making his debut at the age of just 18, Kilicsoy enjoyed a mega breakthrough season with Besiktas in 2023/24 as he scored 11 goals in 23 Turkish Super Lig matches. The striker’s output slowed last campaign as he scored three and assisted four in 32 league games, but he still showed glimpses of real quality.
As he’s still a teenager and is several years away from what tends to be the prime for centre-forwards, Kilicsoy has so much room to improve. It could be tricky to adjust to the demands of the Premier League as a player who has been more of an impact substitute in Turkey, but, on the flip side, it’s a challenge that could help him thrive.
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