Aston Villa: Dean Smith eyeing BSC Young Boys’ Mohamed Ali Camara | OneFootball

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is eyeing a move for BSC Young Boys centre-back Mohamed Ali Camara this summer.

What’s the story?

With Emi Buendia from Norwich already signed, and a bid for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe also made, it appears Villa are keen on making some quick moves in the transfer window.

And now, according to Sport Witness, Smith’s side are interested in the 23-year-old Camara, and that they, along with fellow Premier League side, West Ham, have asked BSC Young Boys for some information.

The report claims that Camara’s club form has caught the attention of several clubs, including Villa, and that “despite the renewal (of his contract), a source has told Sport Witness the Swiss champions would allow the player leave this summer if they receive a convincing offer.”

Better stats than Ezri Konsa

When you compare his stats to one of Villa’s star defenders last season, Ezri Konsa, the 6 foot 3 titan favours very well.

As per Sofascore, the 23-year-old averaged 0.9 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game, and had an impressive success rate of 58% duels won in total, while that percentage goes higher to challenges made in the air (65%).

Compare that to Konsa, who averaged 0.7 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game, while winning 68% of his duels in total and 63% in the air.

Camara also appears to be someone is comfortable with the ball at his feet too, averaging far more touches and boasting a far better passing accuracy too.

While he may only be playing in the Swiss league, and his stats should be taken with a pinch of salt, the centre-back certainly has some of the attributes that appear to make him a real perfect fit for English football.

His combination of size and aggression marks him out as an old-school rugged defender, but his ability to play out from the back too shows he’s got a bit more to his game than the classic ‘hack it into row Z’ style of defending.

It’s no surprise Villa are eyeing a move for him, and especially with rumours linking Bjorn Engels with a move away.

Villa could wave goodbye to Engels and reinforce the centre of defence with a move for Camara this summer.

Meanwhile, Villa must avoid selling this star this summer…