Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Aston Villa have all been offered the chance to sign former Barcelona starlet Ilaix Moriba, sparking a battle between three Premier League sides this summer.
The Celta Vigo midfielder, who came through the famous La Masia academy, looks to be heading for the exit door, as the Spanish club look to sell their way out of a difficult financial position.
After ending the financial year with a €15m (£13m) loss, they’ve grown increasingly desperate for a big sale and have now instructed intermediaries to find Moriba a Premier League move.
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Who needs Moriba the most this summer? |
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Aston Villa |
Aston Villa are one of the most interesting sides to watch this summer, but another midfielder may not be on their agenda. The Villans have already got Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes on the way to replace Youri Tielemans, who just left for Manchester United, and Amadou Onana, who suffered an ACL injury at the World Cup. Signing Moriba would be one player too many. |
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Nottingham Forest |
It’s also no secret that Nottingham Forest want a midfielder after losing Elliot Anderson for a British record fee earlier this summer. Having already seen an opening offer rejected for Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall, with the Lilywhites setting their asking price at close to the £50m-mark, a cheaper deal for someone like Moriba certainly makes sense. |
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Sunderland |
Sunderland have had their own resolve tested this summer before Chelsea failed to match their asking price for Granit Xhaka. The threat of losing the midfielder was all too real for a moment, however, and it’s clear that the Black Cats would be wise to think about long-term replacements for the 33-year-old. And that’s where Moriba could come in. |
In terms of quality, the Celta Vigo man could quickly become an undeniable bargain, given the desperation of the Spanish club. Despite his €30m (£26m) release clause, they’re willing to sell Moriba for around €20m (£17m) this summer.
£17m Moriba could be the perfect Bergvall alternative
As reported by Nos Diario in Spain and relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Forest have all been offered Moriba at just £17m this summer.
All three clubs have viable reasons why they should be tempted by the chance to welcome the 23-year-old, but it’s Forest who could benefit the most.
They’ve just seen an offer rejected for Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall and have the chance to land a far cheaper alternative in the form of the Celta Vigo star.
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25/26 |
Bergvall |
Moriba |
|---|---|---|
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Minutes |
966 |
2,488 |
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Goals |
1 |
2 |
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Tackles P90 |
2.05 |
3.15 |
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Recoveries P90 |
3.63 |
3.65 |
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Chances created P90 |
0.47 |
0.61 |
The La Liga star outperformed Bergvall in several key areas last season and, most importantly, bettered the Swede out of possession. If Forest are to replace the quality of Anderson in that department, then they should end their pursuit of the Spurs man and turn their focus towards Moriba and others.
At £17m, the 23-year-old could quickly become one of the most underrated bargains of the summer in the Premier League.
