Last season resulted in success for Aston Villa – after gaining promotion back to the Premier League via the playoffs, Dean Smith and his side managed to retain their Premier League status by avoiding the drop by one point on the last day of the season. As well as securing safety, the club even made the Carabao Cup final, eventually losing to Manchester City.
All-in-all, it was a good season for the club, and there are no doubts now that Smith and the board will be looking to invest further in the team to try and climb their way back up the Premier League table. Rumours fly around all the time in the football world, and links between clubs and players differ every day no matter the circumstances.
After recent reports that the Villa owners were setting a £100million budget for Smith to add ‘three or four quality additions’ – who would be the most realistic signings for the club to make, to really try and cement themselves as a Premier League club once again?
Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins enjoyed his best season at Brentford last campaign, scoring 26 goals in the Championship, and has been valued at £25 million by the club.
Recent reports from Sky Sports have stated that Villa are preparing an opening bid for Watkins, but will face competition from other clubs also looking to secure the 24-year-olds signature – however, Villa may find themselves in pole positions as Watkins is said to be keen to reunite with his former boss Dean Smith at the club.
It is certain that Watkins would provide great competition for Villa’s current strikers in Wesley, Samatta, and Davis – and Smith would have a task on his hands when choosing who to play upfront.
Milot Rashica
The Kosovan winger has had a tough season with German outfit Werder Bremen – the club recently saw themselves finish in 18th place in the Bundesliga, and scraped a 2-2- draw against Bundesliga 2 club FC Heidenheim in the second leg of the relegation playoff, meaning Bremen had done just enough to stay in the Bundesliga thanks to the away goal rule.
Despite the club’s lack of form in the league, Rashica still managed 8 goals and 5 assists, and helped the club to a strong finish to the season, giving them a place for the relegation playoff that they triumphed in.
Villa will have some persuading to do, however, as it has been reported that Rashica does not want to join a club that may face another relegation battle – with the club also looking at a minimum of €25 million for the winger.
Christian Luyindama
The Congolese defender only played 10 games for Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray this season due to suffering a serious knee injury in November last year, but his defensive numbers from those are impressive.
Luyindama averaged 1.7 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, and 3.8 clearances – as well as 4.4 aerial duels, won per game. The 26-year-old was linked with the Villans back in May, and reports claim that Luyindama is keen on a move to Villa Park, with the Turkish club valuing him at £11 million.
A move for the defender may be dependant on the futures of Villa’s current defensive options, with Tyrone Mings being linked with a move away.
José Campaña
The 27-year-old midfielder enjoyed a great season with Levante in La Liga, helping the club to a 12th place finish. Campaña would add great quality and experience to Villa’s midfield, something that on-loan midfielder Danny Drinkwater failed to do.
After 37 league games, Campaña finished the campaign with 2 goals and 7 assists to his name – as well as an 81.4% pass success rate. It has been reported that Levante value to the player at around £27 million, and other clubs such as Leeds, Everton, Arsenal, Atletico, and Villarreal, with his preference, apparently being Sevilla – the club where he started his career.
If Villa are serious about securing his signature and adding some needed quality and experience to their midfield, then they will need to put a generous offer on the table to sway the player to Villa Park.
Divock Origi
A name that will be known to Villa fans – the Belgian striker has been linked with a move to Villa after six years at Liverpool. Origi could be the perfect option upfront for the club, with a great blend of experience and quality, as well as still being just 25-years-old.
The striker played a big part in the club’s Champions League-winning season, scoring a brace in the second leg of the semi-final against Barcelona, as well as a goal in the final against Tottenham. Liverpool value the player at £25 million, a fee that Villa will comfortably be able to meet should Smith and the club make a serious move for him.
