Aston Villa ‘appeared when nobody expected’ to sign Levante youngster Andrés García, with the Portuguese side now hoping he turns them down.
That’s according to journalist Sebastião Sousa Pinto, who provides the Sporting Club de Portugal stance on proceedings as Aston Villa finalise a deal for the right-back.
Reports throughout today have stated Aston Villa are moving quickly to wrap up a deal for García today.
They made it clear that the 21-year-old had been expected to sign for Sporting this month. The Portuguese side were wrapping up a deal and confident of getting it done.
However, Aston Villa suddenly appeared to change that. They’re now in pole position for the full-back. A deal is expected to be wrapped up in the coming hours.
Several reports from Spain have stated this will be the case and he’s joining Unai Emery’s side as a reinforcement now. In other words, he won’t be going back on loan to Levante.
The quick move from Aston Villa has left Sporting trailing behind in their wake. Aston Villa’s willingness to pay the player’s €12m clause is believed to have been key to that.
Sousa Pinto wants to put the brakes on matters, though. He insists is not finalised yet, but Aston Villa are very much in front.
“I want to say that it is not closed in any club. The negotiations are in fact very advanced, and this must be made quite clear,” he said.
“Sporting has very advanced negotiations with Levante for the hiring of Andrés Garcia. However, something that is completely out of control, both from Levante and Sporting, Aston Villa appeared when no one expected and pays Andrés Garcia’s clause in the order of €12m.
“It is necessary for people to understand exactly what is happening because it was something completely last minute. The player has an agreement with Sporting, the agreement with the clubs was there between €9.5m and €10m.
“The business was practically done and out of nowhere Aston Villa appear. They pay the clause of €12m and at this moment the future only belongs to the player.
“Anything can happen and that’s why I also leave the scenario open. The player did not decide if he will then go to the team of Unai Emery or Rui Borges. This afternoon we will certainly have an answer regarding Aston Villa.”
