Aston Villa reach agreement with Istanbul Basaksehir for Bertrand Traore – report
Aston Villa forward Bertrand Traore is close to a move to Istanbul Başakşehir, according to VOLE journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu.
The 26-year-old has been on the periphery of the Aston Villa team for a while now, struggling to break into the first team.
However, the report from Sabuncuoglu reveals that the two clubs have reached an agreement for a permanent transfer before the window slams shut.
Traore to Istanbul?
Traore’s exit is an unfortunate end to the Villa career of a player who threatened to become a fantastic player but never was able to deliver on his potential.
The Burkina Faso international, who previously played for Chelsea, has played for several clubs in Europe, with Istanbul being the seventh club in his seven-year professional career.
The versatile forward joined Aston Villa from French club Lyon in September in the 2020 summer transfer window for a £16million fee.
He had a healthy goal contribution rate in France, with a goal or assist every 2.6 games for Les Genes, but this rate dropped significantly when he moved to Villa Park, registering a goal or assist every 3.2 games for the Villans.
In his two seasons at the club, he was exciting and displayed pace and strength on the right wing, but ultimately he was never a reliable player and parting ways makes the most sense.
Hopefully, he can re-find some form in Istanbul and find a home in the SuperLig as it is clear this is something that he has needed for a long time.
In other Aston Villa news, Alan Hutton believes Kortney Hause should leave the club.