Aston Villa Opinion: Why Erkan Eyibil will be a smart signing for the Villans
According to a report from Turkish Football, Aston Villa are one of the host of clubs interested in Mainz 05 starlet Erkan Eyibil.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder, who has scored 15 goals in 19 appearances for Mainz’s Under-19s this season, has been hailed as the next Mesut Ozil. His exploits in Germany have seen him attract a lot of eyeballs, with the likes of West Brom, West Ham, Newcastle United, Fenerbahce and Besiktas lodging an interest in the rising star, adds Turkish Football.
Erkan Eyibil, however, is out of contract at the end of next season and has yet to agree on an extension with Mainz. That should definitely encourage the clubs that have scouted him, but Aston Villa must win the race for the teenager’s signature in the summer transfer window.
Aston Villa are battling Midland rivals West Brom in the playoff semi-finals, with a place at Wembley at stake. With our without promotion, the Villans will be preparing for life without Jack Grealish next season. Grealish has attracted interest from several bigger clubs across England a move away from Villa Park in the summer is certainly on the cards.
The 23-year-old creative midfielder’s departure will certainly weaken Aston Villa’s attack, especially with the likes of Albert Adomah and Anwar El Ghazi struggling to put in consistent performances. And although the likes of John McGinn and Conor Hourihane have delivered the goods, the addition of Eyibil could be one of the players Villa need in the summer.
Playing for Mainz’s U19 side in the A-Junioren Bundesliga Sud/Sudwest, Eyibil has been terrific, having been involved in plenty of goals and assists. He is yet to make his first-team debut for Mainz, but the 17-year-old has been putting up some seriously impressive numbers for the German side’s youth teams.
The German-born starlet of Turkish descent is a naturally talented midfielder, who is at his best when operating from the no.10 role. Eyibil is just 17 and has the entire career ahead of him, so needs to make the right decisions for his progress.
However, he would be risky signing for Aston Villa due to his lack of experience of English football, but given his creative ability and his decent goal scoring track record in Mainz’ youth teams, he might be worth a gamble for the Villans.
Verdict
The teenage sensation is keen to play in the Premier League next season which means securing the promotion to the top-flight will be crucial for Villa to stand any chance of acquiring his signature.
To Read More Aston Villa News, Click Here:- Latest Aston Villa News
Therefore, Dean Smith and co. have to first make sure they secure promotion to the Premier League before dreaming of a move for Erkan Eyibil.