- Aston Villa are reportedly one of three Premier League clubs tracking Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Marlon Gomes
- Newcastle United and Sunderland are the other two teams
- Shakhtar have set a price tag of €20 million (£17.3 million)
Aston Villa have entered the race to sign Shakhtar Donetsk central midfielder Marlon Gomes. Whilst the middle of the pitch is not a priority this summer, Unai Emery remains keen to add more quality in depth.
Following a highly impressive campaign under Unai Emery, the club has successfully cemented its place among the elite, securing crucial Champions League football once again.
To maintain this upward trajectory and handle the grueling demands of a congested fixture schedule, the hierarchy are heavily focused on building more quality into their current squad.
According to SportsBoom’s Ekrem Konur, one of the players Villa are tracking is Marlon Gomes at Shakhtar Donetsk. Konur’s report indicates that the Villans have not taken any official steps, but they are considering the 22-year-old, and a deal could begin to gain speed.
Price and English competition
Shakhtar have placed a firm €20 million (£17.3 million) valuation on the young midfielder. The Ukrainian club has established a stubborn reputation in Europe for being tough negotiators, and has no intention of lowering their price.
Furthermore, interest from other clubs complicates a deal. Newcastle United and Sunderland are both monitoring the Brazilian’s situation with equal intent. Shakhtar currently hold ultimate leverage in knowing multiple English clubs are circling their prized asset.
Tactical fit
Emery is prioritising the injection of youth and depth into his tactical setup. Gomes perfectly checks the box of a dynamic, progressive midfielder capable of orchestrating play under heavy pressure. Having originally made his name with Vasco da Gama in Brazil, Gomes has developed his defensive work rate and tactical discipline in European competition.
Additionally, he can play as a 6,8, or 10, which would provide excellent structural depth alongside Villa’s current midfield. This ensures Villa have the quality to sustain their tempo across domestic and European fixtures.
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Ultimately, the pursuit of Gomes highlights Villa’s strategy of investing in high-upside players to maintain their position among Europe’s elite. While a €20 million fee is notable, given their financial constraints, it is an accessible amount for a player with a high ceiling.
If signed, the versatile Brazilian could become a vital component in Emery’s long-term structure, offering the depth required to compete across multiple, intense competitions next season.
