Aston Villa closing in on “monster” Joao Gomes upgrade

Over the last couple of months, Aston Villa supporters have seen the core of their most successful side in a generation completely ripped apart by different factors.

Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana are both currently sidelined with serious knee injuries, with both of the aforementioned pair set to be ruled out until the start of 2027 at the earliest.

To make matters worse for the Villans, star man Youri Tielemans had a surprise £35m release clause within his contract and was subsequently triggered by Premier League rivals Manchester United.

The Belgian has since made a move to Old Trafford – penning a five-year contract and bringing his three-year association with the West Midlands outfit to a crashing halt.

However, the hierarchy have been working tirelessly to back Unai Emery and have since made huge progress on a deal to land a top-level operator this summer.

What Joao Gomes will offer Aston Villa in midfield

Earlier this week, it was reported that Aston Villa had reached a full agreement with Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers for the signature of midfielder João Gomes.

Emery’s side have reportedly agreed to pay £38m for the Brazilian’s signature, with the player already in the West Midlands to complete the formalities of the deal.

Such a move will be the club’s fourth most expensive in their 152-year history, but what will the 25-year-old add to the current senior ranks at Villa Park?

Despite suffering relegation with Wolves last term, Gomes gained a reputation for being a top-level ball-winner – as seen by his tally of 3.4 tackles made per 90.

The aforementioned tally ranks him above 90% of other midfielders in the Premier League – subsequently highlighting his tremendous ability to regain possession for his side.

However, despite his talent out of possession, the midfielder also caught the eye with the ball at his feet – as seen by his tally of 1.4 successful dribbles per 90, which was only bettered by two other midfielders in England’s top-flight.

His box-to-box nature could make him the perfect option for Emery’s men, but the club’s business in the transfer market has shown no signs of slowing down in recent days.

Why Villa’s latest target would be an upgrade on Gomes

In an attempt to further strengthen the Villa midfield department, the hierarchy completed the club-record signing of Johan Manzambi from German side, Freiburg.

The Swiss international has penned a long-term deal in the West Midlands, with the 20-year-old taking the number 44 shirt upon his arrival from the Bundesliga.

The hierarchy are still hunting for added reinforcements at the heart of the side despite the recent moves, which has seen Bayern Munich star Joao Palhinha mentioned as just one possible target.

According to A Bola, Emery’s men have already agreed terms with the German club over the terms of a deal to land the Portuguese international on loan until the end of the season.

The report also states that the 31-year-old is set to travel to the United Kingdom to complete a move after fending off interest from Benfica for his signature.

Palhinha has experience of starring in England’s top-flight, having spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Tottenham Hotspur and helping the Lilywhites fend off any threat of relegation.

When comparing his stats to those of Gomes from the aforementioned campaign, the Portuguese international managed to better the Brazilian talent in numerous key areas.

The Bayern star managed to win a staggering 4.5 tackles per 90 – leading to analyst Marcus Bring labelling the experienced midfielder as a “defensive monster.”

The aforementioned tally was way above the number produced by Gomes last term, whilst also ranking ahead of 98% of players in England’s top-flight.

Without the ball, Palhinha’s dominance was there for all to see, subsequently making more defensive contributions per 90 – with his tally of 12.4 only being bettered by £116m man Elliot Anderson.

His phenomenal tally of 7.9 ground duels won per 90 is also way higher than the figure produced by the Brazilian – with the former Spurs star undoubtedly a bigger asset without the ball.

However, even with the ball at his feet, the 31-year-old managed to impress, as he ended the most recent campaign with more combined goals and assists.

Signing such a player on loan this summer would be an excellent deal for Emery’s men, with Palhinha a player who had proven experience of being a dependable option in the Premier League.

He could even partner Gomes at the heart of the midfield in Kamara’s and Onana’s absence, with the Portuguese international a player who could help the Villans claim added silverware next term.