Aston Villa join race to sign “complete” £42m defender ahead of Liverpool

Aston Villa join race to sign “complete” £42m defender ahead of Liverpool
Aston Villa transfer news

It wasn’t so long ago that goal-line technology was malfunctioning against Sheffield United on Aston Villa’s way to Premier League survival. Now, almost five years on, they’re no longer just surviving in England’s top flight, they’re thriving. Unai Emery has dragged the Midlands club away from the bottom half and into the Champions League, where they have taken Europe by storm.

Having defeated Club Brugge 3-1 to take a comfortable lead into the second leg of their last 16 tie, the Villans’ Champions League dream undoubtedly remains a reality with their sights now potentially set on the last eight.
Away from their European ventures, however, Emery’s squad still needs plenty of work in pursuit of a consistent place inside the Premier League’s top four. Currently sat 10th and five points adrift of the Champions League places, the Villans have already set their sights on one particular reinforcement.
According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign Konstantinos Koulierakis ahead of both Liverpool and Real Madrid in a deal worth up to €50m (£42m).
The young Wolfsburg centre-back has enjoyed an impressive campaign and could yet emerge to become Emery’s eventual replacement for 31-year-old Tyrone Mings.

With plenty of competition for his signature, European football could prove to be key – making Aston Villa’s current position all the more frustrating as the Premier League season enters its final stretch.
“Complete” Koulierakis is a rising star

At just 21 years old, Koulierakis is undoubtedly one to watch. Helping Wolfsburg into the top seven of the Bundesliga this season – just four points adrift of the top four – it’s no surprise that the defender has reportedly attracted the interest of several top sides.
The only question that could remain this summer is just where Koulierakis will end up and whether it will be those in the Midlands welcoming a new star with open arms. Emery could certainly use with the depth and, as football talent scout Jacek Kulig described the Wolfsburg star, a “complete” defender in Koulierakis.
The only question that could remain this summer is just where Koulierakis will end up and whether it will be those in the Midlands welcoming a new star with open arms. Emery could certainly use with the depth and, as football talent scout Jacek Kulig described the Wolfsburg star, a “complete” defender in Koulierakis.