Sources: Aston Villa chief Johan Lange in new job threat as Unai Emery takes control
Aston Villa sporting director Johan Lange was not heavily involved in the club’s January signings amid new doubts over his future at the club, sources have told Football Insider.
Owners Naseef Sawiris and Wes Edens are continuing to assess the 43-year-old’s position as they prepare to make a new recruitment appointment with close ties to manager Unai Emery.
It is believed that Emery took a very hands-on approach in the recent window.
He primarily used his own network and contacts for the completed deals – as well as other moves which fell through.
Aston Villa added young striker Jhon Duran and experienced left-back Alex Moreno to the squad in January.
Lange signing Danny Ings was allowed to join West Ham, while Frederic Guilbert joined Strasbourg on a free transfer.
Football Insider first revealed that Lange’s job was under threat at Villa Park in December.
NSWE are concerned with Lange’s transfer record during his two-and-a-half-year reign at Villa Park.
The Dane has presided over the arrivals of stars like Lucas Digne, Leander Dendocker, Leon Bailey, Bertrand Traore, and Morgan Sanson for big fees.
However, established first-team stars Matty Cash and Emiliano Buendia have also arrived under Lange’s watch.
Aston Villa are moving towards a more sustainable model following more than £450million of transfer spending over the last four seasons.
Football Insider revealed last week (16 December) that the Midlands giants are poised to announce their first profit of the Edens and Sawiris era when they publish their next set of accounts later this year.
Aston Villa are yet to record a top-half finish since returning to the Premier League for the 2019-20 season.
Emery’s side sit 11th in the top flight with 17 games left to play this season.
In other news, expert issues verdict on possible Ollie Watkins exit as Aston Villa deal agreed.