Aston Villa are plotting a move to sign Bologna’s Filip Helander according to a report from Italian publication Tutto Mercato Web.
Even though he hasn’t played in England before, the name might still be familiar to some. Helander had been linked to a move to Leeds during the summer transfer window and while those reports persisted until transfer deadline day, no move would happen. Now one of their Sky Bet Championship rivals are moving to snap him up as soon as the January transfer window opens.
The 24-year-old defender has only increased his value since Leeds became interested in signing him back in the summer. He has been a regular for Bologna in Serie A and there is a high chance of him competing at next year’s World Cup in Russia after he was part of the Sweden team that shockingly beat Italy in the play-offs to secure their place there next year. And with Villa looking like they might get rid of Tommy Elphick after his limited appearances this year, they might just be looking to sign up Helander as their replacement.
The trick with Villa signing Helander will be them avoiding Financial Fair Play restrictions. The amount of money they have spent in an attempt to return to the Premier League has been no secret and they will soon be reaching the maximum amount they can spend before restrictions are placed upon them. This will restrict the amount of money they can spend in January and might stop this deal from taking place.
