Aston Villa prepare £10m swoop for Brazilian sensation after stellar season

Aston Villa are poised to make a significant move in the summer transfer window as they prepare a £10 million offer for Famalicao's Brazilian goalkeeping sensation, Luiz Junior. The 23-year-old has caught the attention of Villa manager Unai Emery following a remarkable season in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

Reports from Maisfutebol indicate that the Villans are in the process of formalising a proposal that would see them pay an initial €10 million (£8.4 million) plus €2 million (£1.6 million) in add-ons for the talented shot-stopper.

Luiz Junior, who has three years left on his current deal with Famalicao, has been in impressive form, keeping 41 clean sheets in 139 appearances for the Portuguese outfit.

Villa's interest in the Brazilian goalkeeper comes as they look to bolster their squad in preparation for their return to the UEFA Champions League next season.

The Midlands club secured an impressive fourth-place finish in the Premier League last term and are determined to strengthen their ranks to cope with the challenges of competing on multiple fronts.

Emery recognises the need to provide competition for current first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. While the Argentine has been a standout performer for Villa, the Spanish manager understands the importance of having a strong backup option to maintain high standards throughout the campaign.

Luiz Junior's journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. The Picos native started his career at Brazilian side Mirassol before making the move to Portugal in 2019. Initially joining Famalicao's youth setup, he quickly progressed to the first team, where he has established himself as a reliable presence between the sticks.

Last season, Luiz Junior played a crucial role in helping Famalicao achieve the lowest goals conceded tally (41) outside of the Primeira Liga's top six clubs. His performances against giants Porto and Benfica were particularly noteworthy, with Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig describing him as "simply superb" in recent matches.

As Villa continue to balance their books ahead of the June 30th PSR deadline, the potential acquisition of Luiz Junior could be offset by player departures.

The club is currently in discussions with Juventus over the sale of Douglas Luiz, with Weston McKennie and Samuel Illing Junior potentially heading in the opposite direction as part of a swap deal. Furthermore, Chelsea have shown interest in signing Villa attacker Jhon Duran.

With Aston Villa's return to the pinnacle of European football, the signing of Luiz Junior would provide Emery with a strong option in goal as they aim to compete on all fronts next season. The young Brazilian's impressive performances and potential for growth make him an exciting prospect for the Villans as they look to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in both domestic and continental competitions.