Tottenham Hotspur legend Gareth Bale is possibly the most well-known example of a footballer who began in one position and then reached his full potential when moved to another section of the game.
From a struggling left-back to a world-class winger, he achieved great success at Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, and in the Champions League final against Liverpool. All of these iconic moments could have been a pipe dream if Harry Redknapp hadn’t had the foresight to test the Welsh wizard further up the pitch.
Meanwhile, a man who could follow in Bale’s Tottenham footsteps may choose to go in the opposite direction.
HITC revealed in April that Aston Villa and Ange Postecoglou’s capital city side are fans of Galatasaray’s £22 million-rated speed machine, Baris Alper Yilmaz.
One scout told HITC that Yilmaz’s adaptability and incredibly well-rounded skill set made him Turkey’s counterpart to Real Madrid utility player Federico Valverde. He has been compared to Bale, Phil Foden, and Kylian Mbappe due to his impressive speed and power.
Aston Villa and Tottenham in Baris Alper Yilmaz race
“They usually compare me to Mbappe,” Yilmaz tells TRT Spor. “(But) the biggest name I take as an example is Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Yilmaz made the majority of his 2023/24 appearances on the wing, mostly on the right but also on the left. The two-footed wideman concedes that his future may be as a full-back, but Yilmaz could’reverse Bale’ if he moves to England.
“Yes, I have dreams. “As a Turk, I want to represent my country abroad,” Yilmaz continues, paving the way for Aston Villa and Tottenham.
“I do not look into transfer issues at all. I’m focused on my work. My agency handles those matters. This is our job. If this occurs, appropriate action will be taken. (But) I enjoy watching the Premier League.
“If I’m going to play right-back, I study good right-backs.” And if I’m going to watch left-backs, I want to see good ones. We (at Galatasaray) also examined Alphonso Davies prior to the Bayern match.”
Yilmaz is reportedly admired by Manchester United, AFC Bournemouth, Brighton and Hove Albion, in addition to Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur. With seven goals and 12 assists from various positions, the Turkey international contributed significantly to Galatasaray’s triumph throughout a fantastic 2023/24 season.
Likened to Kylian Mbappe and Gareth Bale
Okan Buruk’s squad crossed the 100-point barrier by winning the Super Lig title from Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce, keen to break a more-than-decade-long drought for domestic glory, has appointed Jose Mourinho as manager.
Aston Villa may need to free up some funds before considering any big-money additions, with Unai Emery’s team among several under pressure from the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Villa are reportedly committed to keeping Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martinez, and homegrown hero Jacob Ramsey.Douglas Luiz is nearing the end of his contract and may be open to offers.
Philippe Coutinho is also expected to go, while Diego Carlos’ impending exit would cut the pay bill.
Read more at: https://sportupdates.co.uk
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