It wouldn’t be a new day in the week without Aston Villa being linked to yet another goalkeeper. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus shot-stopper Mattia Perin has interest from the Premier League newcomers with sporting director Fabio Paratici rumoured to be in England to finalise a deal. The news has caused mixed opinion amongst the Villa fanbase.
Perin’s move to Portuguese giants Benfica fell through last week after complications with his medical – the club stated that the player would face around four months on the sideline. The two-time Italy international has endured an injury-plagued career and has only made nine appearances at the Serie A champions since joining them last summer from Genoa in an initial €12m (£10.7m) move.
The potential transfer has left some Villa supporters split with a handful believing he could be the new Pierluigi Gollini – who the club signed from Hellas Verona in the summer of 2016, drawing comparisons to Fabian Barthez before actually turning out to be a flop. He made just 20 appearances in the Championship permanently joining Atlanta following a loan spell.
One member of the Villa Park crowd took a swipe at Perin’s injury history claiming he is made of glass (but would be class if he stayed fit!) whilst another supporter played down the link, questioning whether the club would sign a goalkeeper who has already failed a medical. However, many supporters would be happy, calling him a very decent player and simply asking the club, please.
You can read the best of the reaction from a number of Villa fans below:
Yay, the new Gollini.
— Seán Ó'Laoire (@SeanOLaoire77) July 24, 2019
Can’t see us signing a keeper who’s already failed a medical, sprat to catch a mackerel I think
— Nigel Gisbourne (@gsbrn1) July 24, 2019
Golini 2 ????
— Stephen Johnson (@sljvilla) July 24, 2019
He’s made of glass if stays fit would be class though if stayed fit
— reece taylor (@reeceta07663415) July 24, 2019
PLEASE ????????
— LukeP (@LukeP66135722) July 24, 2019
Very decent player
— CryPartisan 2.0 (@CryPartisanUK) July 24, 2019
This legit?? He is a player
— Andrew Turner (@andyturner21) July 24, 2019
If this happens????????????????
— Valentin Brandstaett (@Valibrands) July 24, 2019