Aston Villa’s long-standing admiration for Pedro Gonçalves is unlikely to go any further after the Portuguese star extended his contract with Sporting until 2030, as reported by local newspaper O Jogo.
The attacking midfielder, known as “Pote”, has been one of the most consistent performers in the Primeira Liga since joining Sporting from Famalicão in 2020.
His new deal adds three more years to his previous contract and keeps his release clause fixed at €80m (£68.4m), a figure that O Jogo says was already high enough to discourage concrete offers from Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen in the past.
O Jogo report Aston Villa ‘withdrew their plans’ to sign him.
Speaking to Sporting TV, Gonçalves made it clear that he sees no reason to leave: “I’m happy, it’s always a proud moment to renew with the club of my heart. I’ve been feeling good here. I feel that everyone involved wants me to be part of the club’s history, and I’m very proud of that.”
The 27-year-old reflected on his journey in Lisbon, highlighting both his personal growth and the evolution of the club: “We feel Sporting is a stable club. The stadium has changed, the Academy is being improved, a lot has changed. I can see the club growing, and that’s important. Sporting has to be one of the biggest clubs, not only in Portugal but also in Europe.”
Given the new contract length and unchanged €80m clause, the chances of Aston Villa revisiting their interest appear minimal. For now, Gonçalves looks firmly tied to Sporting. And, in his own words, “happy to keep writing [his] story” with the Lions.
