Aston Villa are reportedly ready to fight for the signature of a World Cup hero from South America.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken its toll on the 40 teams involved so far, including established sides such as Germany, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Uruguay. Consequently, the World Cup heroes have not only emerged from those teams but also from those still in the competition and those who have stolen the spotlight.
One of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup is San Lorenzo shot-stopper Orlando Gill. He has been one of the key men in Paraguay’s World Cup campaign in North America.
According to the report in Toronews, Aston Villa are not the only team interested in signing him.
“Torino also has competition at home, with Fiorentina and Lazio on the lookout. But the most dangerous and wealthy are in England: Aston Villa have joined Ipswich. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, Feyenoord is monitoring the situation ever more closely.”
Orlando Gill joined San Lorenzo de Almagro in Argentina in 2024. He is tied to a contract with the club until 2027. The Argentine side is aware of the growing interest in him. They are reportedly only willing to release him for £5.12 million.
At first, only Torino had been eyeing him. However, Fiorentina and Lazio have since joined the race, along with Feyenoord, Ipswich, and Aston Villa. The Lions are once again targeting another player from outside Europe. Gill’s price tag is relatively low compared to their other shortlisted targets.
The goalkeeper, who started his career at Club Sportivo San Lorenzo in Paraguay, might only have a chance to move to Villa Park if Emiliano Martinez‘s departure plan from the club is completed after the World Cup. Otherwise, the Italian side could secure his signature instead.
Based on the official statistics on FIFA.com, Gill ranks first for total saves. He has made 28 saves, well ahead of other top goalkeepers such as Diogo Costa (Portugal), Bart Verbruggen (the Netherlands), and even Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois. The closest players still in contention to overtake him are Switzerland’s Gregor Kobel (16 saves) and Courtois (13 saves).
At club level, Gill has made 59 appearances and kept 29 clean sheets. Based on data from FotMob, the San Lorenzo goalkeeper has recorded an impressive save percentage of 82.2% and has made 18 high claims.
Gill is capable of playing as a sweeper as well. He performed that role four times in the domestic league. His pass completion rate stands at 44.2%, while his accurate long-ball percentage is 29.7%.
The goalkeeper, who has only 11 international caps, might have a slow start in the Premier League at first, but he has already proven himself on the biggest stage at the World Cup. Gill has the potential to establish himself as Martinez’s ideal successor in the long run. Saving two penalties in the shootout against Germany offered a glimpse of his quality.
The Paraguayan goalkeeper who just made his international debut in the last game of the World Cup qualifiers against Peru seems to be a better target than River Plate’s Santiago Beltran. The Argentine is younger but not proven yet at the top level. His price tag is slightly more expensive too than Gill.
The post Aston Villa in a tight tussle to sign South American World Cup hero appeared first on AVillaFan.com – Aston Villa Fan Site.
