Agbonlahor can’t believe Aston Villa behind-the-scenes news with Unai Emery ‘unhappy’
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted transfer business at Aston Villa hasn’t been as “bad as people are making out” with the future of sporting director Johan Lange under serious doubt.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested new boss Unai Emery isn’t “happy” with the 43-year-old’s plans since his arrival in November.
Sources told this site on 30 December that Aston Villa are actively seeking a new sporting director who has Emery’s seal of approval.
Football Insider revealed last month (19 December) that the future of current incumbent Lange is up in the air – amid question marks from Villa chiefs over the club’s transfer record during his reign.
The Dane has been responsible for bringing in the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Leon Bailey, Emiliano Buendia and Danny Ings for big fees.
The Midlands giants have spent around £450million since returning to the Premier League in 2019 but are yet to finish above 11th.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think it’s been as bad as people are making out.
“When you look at the business since promotion – some players have worked, some haven’t.
“That happens in football. You’re never going to have a 100% hit rate.
“To make a change in sporting director, that’s coming from the top – Unai Emery has come in as a top manager, and maybe he’s not happy with what he’s heard so far.
“But I think there have been some good signings, and nowhere near as bad business as some of the other clubs.
“Some of the people Lange has brought in are shining as a really important part of this Aston Villa team.”
In other news, Football Insider reveals the truth about Aston Villa’s swoop for Harry Maguire.