Even though experts aren’t sure if Steven Gerrard is the long-term answer, it’s evident that Aston Villa’s leadership is putting their faith in him by giving him significant investment to rebuild the team in his image.
Villa has become the most active Premier League team this summer, making their future odds as attractive as Super Bowl odds. Philippe Coutinho’s loan move was made permanent, while the additions of Boubacar Kamara on a free and £28 million move for Diego Carlos has heightened expectations. But, what could Villa’s next moves this summer look like?
The Bigger Plans
History would suggest that it’s unlikely that Villa’s spending will be ending any time soon, as the club are reportedly looking at options for another central defender.
James Tarkowski is one target that has been touted with a move to Villa, but it’s likely that Everton may have stole a march on their rivals. Calvin Bassey is a player Gerrard knows well from his time at Rangers, and is a more likely option this summer. However, the transfer fee could require some negotiation, as the reports claim there is a gap in valuation between the two sides.
Matt Targett has already departed the club, as Villa agreed to make his loan switch to Newcastle permanent. However, it’s unlikely that Villa will be back in the market for another left-back, as they already have Lucas Digne, and Ashley Young can also fill in should the Frenchman pick up an injury.
The Midlands side have also been looking to strengthen the midfield. John McGinn and Douglas Luiz have both been linked with moves away, and the Villa may need to sell in order to finance a deal for a new central midfielder. Their top target looks to be Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who will be looking to leave Anfield this summer in order to enhance his chances of an England recall.
Who Might Leave?
Villa’s summer will likely depend on outgoings, as they will need to balance the books at some stage. In the last three years, Villa has spent at least £100 million on 17 players and have only sold one first-team star, as Jack Grealish departed for £100 million last summer.
If Villa adds another center back, Calum Chambers and Kortney Hause may have to depart if they want regular minutes. Moves to new clubs will improve their chances of playing frequently, something bettors should find as attractive as a bet on Super Bowl matchups. Other departures that have been muted include Morgan Sanson and Marvellous Nakamba. Meanwhile, Carney Chukwuemeka may be available to leave on a loan deal in order to get more minutes.
The future of Douglas Luiz is also debatable. He was brought in as a holding midfielder from Manchester City, but the club may be willing to listen to offers as he has just one more year left to run on his current deal. The Brazilian had been linked with a move to Arsenal in the January transfer window, but it’s unlikely that the North London giants will return with a bid this summer.
It would appear that Gerrard also isn’t sure about Traore or Bailey as wide forwards. Meanwhile, Anwar El Ghazi’s days at the club also appear numbered after a loan stint at Everton in the second half of last season. Villa certainly look top-heavy at present, and they may consider offloading some stars to lower the wage budget.
The signing of Danny Ings last summer hasn’t worked out as many at the club would have hoped, and the club could be willing to part ways with the English striker this summer. It’s likely that Ollie Watkins will be the first-choice striker for the 2022-23 season, but any departure for Ings would likely mean that a second striker would need to be brought in.
One name that the club has often been linked to this summer is Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan has an excellent relationship with Gerrard and may be willing for a bit-part role this season to help develop some of the younger players within the squad.
Wesley almost certainly looks to be on his way out after a disappointing loan spell at Club Brugge, while the Villa would likely listen to loan offers for Keinan Davis and Cameron Archer.
As the season nears, both soccer and Super Bowl lines are going to be attractive for those who like to make predictions.
