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Aston Villa are exploring their options on the summer transfer window.
The Villans are looking to bring in top talent who will immediately slot into the starting lineup but they are also looking for rotational players and stars for the future.
One man on their radar is Stoke City midfielder and England U18 international Sol Sidibe. Earmarked as one to watch as he grows into his career, Villa are looking to get ahead of the game and bring him in before anyone else.
Aston Villa interested in Stoke City starlet
Taking to social media with the transfer update, he wrote: “Aston Villa have a strong interest in Stoke City’s teenage midfielder Sol Sidibe. England under-18 international firmly on Villa’s radar and regarded as a huge talent for the future. Other clubs have also inquired but Villa keen to continue recruiting outstanding young talent.”
Sky Sports have also offered some insight into the transfer link, reporting that as well as the Premier League, clubs from France, Austria and Germany have ‘approached’ Stoke City over a potential deal for Sidibe.
Clubs like Manchester City have flirted with the idea of signing him in the past. The 18-year-old has risen through the ranks at the bet365 Stadium and has made a name for himself as one of the country’s most exciting young players to keep tabs on.
Sidibe struggled with a back injury during the second half of the season. He last made a Championship appearance in December but has since gone on to start for England U18s in a recent win over Morocco.
Who is Aston Villa target Sol Sidibe?
Sidibe is a versatile midfielder who has played as a central and defensive midfielder this season, and even out wide on the left when called upon. Prior to his injury, he popped up with two assists for Stoke, including one against Fleetwood in the EFL Cup.
The Potters already rejected two bids for Sidibe’s signature last summer and rival clubs are expected to test their resolve once again this time round.
“There have been ups and downs in 2024. I’ve been away with England, made my first start in a league game for Stoke and featured more regularly for Stoke. It’s been a big year for me. I’ve made a lot of improvements, developed a lot and I want more of the same next year,” Sidibe said after Christmas, via Stoke Sentinel.
“I’ve always had belief in myself and my ability so I expect a lot for myself but I still probably wouldn’t have expected to do what I’ve done so far this season.
“It’s huge for me in 2025. I turn 18 and in terms of football it takes me to a new threshold and try to become a more senior player in the football world.”
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