A generation of Aston Villa supporters have endured endless struggles following their team, even having to witness their beloved club spend multiple years in England’s second tier.
The return to the Premier League back in 2019/20 handed the fans a chance to see their club once again battle with some of the land’s biggest institutions.
Unai Emery has transformed the Villans into one of the country’s most feared outfits, subsequently achieving three consecutive European finishes in England’s top-division.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reacts
Last week’s Europa League triumph over Freiburg in Istanbul broke new ground for the side, as they secured their first European trophy in three decades.
However, it’s only fuelled the expectation for added success in the West Midlands, which must see the hierarchy act accordingly during the upcoming transfer market.
Aston Villa make offer to sign £35m talent this summer
In recent days, Aston Villa have been touted with a move for a whole host of stars who have delivered at the top-level of European football over the last few seasons.
Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe has been mentioned as one summer transfer target after catching the eye against Emery’s men in the Europa League this term.
Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe
His side aren’t alone in the pursuit of the attacker’s signature, as Chelsea remain keen on making a £35m offer for his services when the transfer window opens.
Rowe isn’t the only option on Villa’s shortlist ahead of the summer window, with Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara also being hugely linked with a transfer to the West Midlands.
According to journalist Evren Goz via Sport Witness, Villa have already submitted an offer for the Brazilian, but it’s unclear whether that’s to the player or the Turkish outfit.
The report states that Emery’s men are huge admirers of the 26-year-old, and they could have an offer accepted, with the player potentially wanting a new challenge.
A transfer fee in the region of £35m has been mooted for his signature this summer - a potential bargain if a deal can be reached ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Why Sara would be like a prime John McGinn for Aston Villa
Aston Villa have completed some shrewd business to aid their European success, but none more impressive than the addition of John McGinn from Hibernian back in the summer of 2018.
Aston Villa captain John McGinn
The Scottish international moved to Villa Park during the club’s stint in the Championship, but has remained a mainstay in the starting eleven during their impressive rise to trophy glory.
He’s since racked up over 330 appearances across all competitions for the Villans, with arguably his best contribution coming in the Europa League semi-final second leg win over Nottingham Forest.
John McGinn - stats for Aston Villa
Statistics
Games played
Goals scored
Assists
Yellow cards
Red cards
Minutes played
The 31-year-old netted twice in just a handful of minutes to secure their place in the final - before registering an assist during the final triumph in Istanbul.
Such a deal will no doubt go down as one of the club’s best in recent history, but the hierarchy have the potential to replicate such a move with Sara this summer.
gabriel-sara-galatasaray
The Brazilian would undoubtedly cost a huge amount more than the Scottish international, but he would have the chance to have a similar effect on the squad upon any move.
Like McGinn, he’s become known for his goalscoring ability from deep-lying positions in recent years - as seen by his tally of six goals across all competitions this term.
He, too, has made a name for himself in the Championship, starring with Norwich City over a two-year period before his subsequent switch to Turkey in 2024.
The 26-year-old has produced some impressive figures throughout the recent season, which could make him a superb option at the heart of Emery’s side for many years to come.
Sara, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by Alex Linardos, created a staggering 2.7 chances per 90 this campaign, with 0.4 of which being categorised as big chances created.
Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen and Gabriel Sara during the warm up before the match
Both of the aforementioned tallies rank him in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe this term, subsequently matching McGinn in being able to provide an endless threat in the final third.
Without the ball this term, the former Norwich City talent has been just as influential, as seen by his 56% ground duels won tally and 3.6 ball recoveries made per 90.
Like his talent in possession, he has all the tools to be a monster hit with the supporters in the West Midlands - especially if he can mirror McGinn’s impact at Villa Park.
Galatasaray's Gabriel Sara shots at goal Andreas Hillergren
£35m for a player of Sara’s quality could prove to be an excellent deal for Emery’s side as they look to build on the generational European victory in Istanbul.
At just 26, he’s entering the prime years of his career, which could see him thrive for the Villans with his experience in the Champions League a huge asset.
He and the Scottish international could form a superb partnership alongside one another, which could see added trophies being won under Emery’s guidance in the near future.
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