Aston Villa news: Expert can’t believe Luis Suarez could now complete move – ‘it’d be crazy’
Noel Whelan has insisted Aston Villa moving for veteran striker Luis Suarez this summer “just doesn’t make sense”.
The former Leeds hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 35-year-old is “past his peak” and wouldn’t be able to “handle” the Premier League.
According to The Telegraph (27 May), Aston Villa are “exploring the possibility” of bringing Suarez to the Midlands as former teammate Steven Gerrard leads a huge summer overhaul at the club.
The Uruguayan, who started 20 league games this term, is a free agent having been released by Atletico Madrid.
A Villa source has told Football Insider (25 May) that Gerrard wants an A-list striker signing this summer and is ready to allow Danny Ings to leave to part-fund the deal.
Whelan suggested Suarez’s wage demands would still be “crazy” despite his decreased potency.
“I wouldn’t like to see that deal go through at all,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I don’t understand. They’ve got a really good academy at Aston Villa with some really good prospects.
“I’d much prefer to see those youngsters, like a Cameron Archer. Rather than a 35-year-old who is past the peak of his powers.
“It just doesn’t make sense, for me. Neither would the money you’d have to give Suarez, it’d still be crazy money.
“If you want a new striker, go out and get someone who is 24 or 25 – and has a lot left to give.
“I really don’t think he’d be able to handle the Premier League.”
Aston Villa have already completed three signings this summer.
Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara, and Diego Carlos have all joined Gerrard’s side as they look to improve on this season’s 14th-place finish.
In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor issues ‘big’ Ezri Konsa claim after confirmed Aston Villa news.