This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
According to Gregg Evans of The Athletic, Aston Villa will pursue a winger more than a striker in January.
And that would be quite a surprising move on Dean Smith’s part.
What’s the word?
Much has been made of the club’s transfer activity as the January transfer window soon approaches.
Last month it was revealed that Villa were planning to set aside £20m for a marquee signing after they failed to add an attacking addition before the summer’s deadline.
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Further reports have also claimed that Jonathan Kodjia will be sold in the new year, which would leave Smith with just two senior strikers in his ranks – club-record signing Wesley and 21-year-old Keinan Davis.
Speaking on The Villa View’s podcast this week, Evans revealed the club’s intentions in January, he said:
“I’m led to believe that Villa want a winger more than a striker. If they can get somebody who is versatile and does both then that’s ideal.
“Suso knows the market in France and Spain much better than Dean [Smith] will, for example.
“There are a couple of targets they are looking at. Suso will put them into Dean, and if Dean doesn’t like them, then he’ll say and they’ll have a conversation between them.”
Surprising
When considering that Villa could be left thin in attack come the end of January, it seems surprising that the club will target a winger rather than a striker.
Out wide, they have three options in Anwar El Ghazi, Trezeguet, and Jota, and although the latter may be injured, he will surely have made his return by then.
Jack Grealish can also play there, and it’s a role he’s been thriving in ever since Smith pushed him forward, scoring two goals in three matches.
On the contrary, much of the weight is being thrown on Wesley’s shoulders, yet he’s still bagged four goals in ten appearances, which isn’t half bad for a team like Villa, who surely just want to remain in the Premier League this campaign.
The 22-year-old could do with some support and competition to elevate his game onto the next level, which will only help the entire team going forward, if not offer Smith some sort of plan B.