Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill is not getting carried away by rumours of interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Manchester United.
Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill has attracted reportedly serious interest from Manchester United and Aston Villa following an impressive display for Paraguay at the World Cup, where his team reached the round of 16.
However, the 26-year-old insisted he is not getting carried away by the rumours. Both clubs are pursuing backup or rotating goalkeepers; Gill’s modest release clause makes him accessible relative to established options.
He was particularly impressive against France, as Les Bleus went through to the quarter-finals courtesy of a solitary goal scored by Kylian Mbappé from the penalty spot.
Aston Villa are one of the interested sides, according to reports, with Unai Emery eager to address the goalkeeping situation at the club. At the moment, there are strong rumours that Emiliano Martínez could depart in the summer, with Juventus among the clubs strongly linked.
Aston Villa are also chasing Zion Suzuki as Martínez’s replacement, according to reports, which could shut the door on a potential move for Gill. Manchester United are the other club linked, and the goalkeeper has now spoken out to address those rumours.
Gill addresses the speculation
Gill’s comments to Clarin via Sport Witness, suggested that he is not getting carried away by the rumours linking him with Manchester United and Aston Villa. He said he wants to speak with his club, San Lorenzo, about his future, while also revealing that he has a modest release clause in his contract.
Gill said, “I can’t say yes or no. They told me there is interest, but not a formal offer,” he explained. “I don’t want to get carried away. We’ll sit down and speak with the club to see what is best.”
The goalkeeper also acknowledged that his contract contains a release clause, which the report stated to be in the region of €6 million.
He continued, “I have a clause in my contract and I think it has to be respected. Then it depends on the club. If it’s good for both parties, we’ll have to reach an agreement.”
His performances have been bright, and certainly good enough to earn a move to one of the top clubs in Europe or England. Manchester United have confirmed the arrival of former Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow as a new backup option.
Aston Villa’s case remains open and will depend entirely on Martínez’s future. At the moment, there is a chance the Argentine could leave, which could pave the way for a new goalkeeper to arrive, whether that is Gill or someone else.