Unai Emery bound to regret January transfer decision as Aston Villa exit now confirmed
Aston Villa fans could see their Premier League title hopes going up in smoke after the latest transfer activity at Villa Park.
Harvey Elliott is already expected to leave Villa, having made very little impact upon joining on loan from Liverpool, and recent incomings go to show the lack of trust he has.
While Unai Emery has put Elliott’s playing time down to his contract, his performances are just as much a reason, adding just one goal in his five appearances so far.
Villa have also signed Brian Madjo from Metz and Alysson Edward from Gremio, both of whom are exciting attacking talents, but have very little experience in the top European leagues.
Donyell Malen’s exit confirmed at Villa Park
To add to some of the already questionable transfer choices, the Villans have now confirmed Donyell Malen‘s permanent move to Roma this month, with the player wanting more valuable minutes.
Ollie Watkins has returned to form in recent weeks, most noticeably with his brace off the bench against Chelsea, but his inconsistency should be enough warning against letting talented stars leave.
Only Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia have more goal contributions across all competitions this season than the flying Dutchman, playing a huge role in Villa’s current league standing.
After 21 matches, Emery’s side are just six points off first-place Arsenal, joint-second with Man City, with the Premier League title race well and truly open right now.
Who could Aston Villa sign to replace Malen?
That could all come crumbling down, though, unless the Villans can sign someone to fill the void left by Malen’s departure, and there are very few who could offer that.
Villa fans believe that Tammy Abraham is on his way to Villa Park, waving goodbye to Besiktas fans on Thursday, 15 January, but there has been little movement in terms of his transfer yet.
There is no doubt that Emery is seen as a tactical genius. However, he has been known to upset players, such as Watkins, when playing Marcus Rashford ahead of him last season.
That decision ultimately backfired, with the exiled Man United star joining Barcelona during the summer instead, and letting Malen go this month could be another of those decisions.