Aston Villa can repeat their masterclass of signing Boubacar Kamara on a free by landing one of their transfer targets in this window.
Unai Emery is still in the market for a few players to strengthen his Aston Villa squad as they look to push for a Champions League place in the second half of the season.
The main area of focus for Emery is cover at right back and support for Ollie Watkins.
But it’s on the wing where Villa could land a bargain.
It was reported last week that the club were showing interest in signing Lazio winger Felipe Anderson on a free transfer.
The Brazilian, who spent time in the Premier League with West Ham United, is free to speak to clubs outside of Italy this month about a pre-contract agreement.
Indeed, if they were to capture the 30-year-old – who has assisted six times in 19 Serie A appearances this term – he could prove to be their biggest bargain since Boubacar Kamara.
Boubacar Kamara has been a bargain
During Steven Gerrard’s reign as manager, Villa captured Kamara on a free transfer from Marseille in the summer of 2022.
The Frenchman has since become such an integral part of Emery’s midfield, forming an indispensable partnership with Douglas Luiz.
Kamara is an all-round talented midfielder, who can cover every blade of grass, take the ball in tight spaces and allow his Brazilian counterpart greater freedom.
It’s those qualities, coupled with his incredible ball-winning attributes, that have seen him rise to prominence at Villa Park.
In the Aston Villa squad, he ranks joint-first for interceptions, top for tackles and fifth for accurate passes per game, as per Sofascore, showcasing his abilities do almost everything required of him.
Gerrard luring Kamara to the Midlands is one of the greatest things he did at the club and if Emery can sign Anderson, he can become the next bargain to walk through the door.
Why Felipe Anderson would be a bargain
Despite failing to hit the heights expected of him at West Ham, Anderson’s performances since re-signing for Lazio warrant recognition, and there is no surprise to see several clubs queue up for his signature.
The Brazilian has plundered 20 goals and supplied 24 assists for the Italian giants, as per Transfermarkt, which is a respectable record for a wide player.
He could now have the chance to complete his redemption arc by returning to the Premier League and smashing it under Emery.
Once lauded as “unbelievable” by former Hammers teammates Declan Rice and Aaron Cresswell, Anderson is the Champions League quality signing that shows Villa mean business.
He boasts the European experience that the Villans crave having featured 44 times combined in the Europa League and Champions League.
Indeed, such experience could be invaluable when the season reaches its closing stages and Emery needs every character in his squad to make their voice heard.
It’s rare that a player of this quality and experience comes along on a free transfer and the club must do everything in their power to sign him.
