Report: Galatasaray planned to sell Villa Luyindama, injury may have scuppered move

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Galatasaray were reportedly planning on selling defender Christian Luyindama to Aston Villa in January – but a season-ending injury appears to have scuppered the move.

According to Sabah, officials had been in contact with Villa to organise a transfer, which would give them the funds to go about acquiring new players.

It is thought the deal would have landed them around €14 million/£12 million.

Luyindama sustained a knee injury whilst on international duty with DR Congo, and he is now set to have surgery on a torn cruciate ligament (BBC Sport).

The 25-year-old is expected to be out for the rest of the season.

TBR’s view – Blows for everyone

The nature of Luyindama’s injury is a hugely unfortunate situation.

Firstly the player himself will be out for a considerable period, and then Gala appear to be losing out in terms of what his sale could have done for strengthening the squad.

Villa will very likely have to look elsewhere now for another central defender, which is a shame considering the headway they had seemingly made over the former Standard Liege man.

Villa do have Ezri Konsa and Kortney Hause in reserve, but Luyindama is a colossus and could have further strengthened Dean Smith’s squad.