Aston Villa could have one of the best attacks in the Premier League if they secure Raheem Sterling and Ivan Toney. Unai Emery’s team still aims to strengthen for the upcoming Premier League season and a Champions League campaign.
Villa has already welcomed players such as Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen, Jadon Philogene, Samuel Iling-Junior, Lewis Dobbin, Enzo Barrenechea, and Ross Barkley this summer while parting ways with Moussa Diaby, Douglas Luiz, Cameron Archer, and Tim Iroegbunam. However, they may not be done making moves in the transfer window yet.
Sterling was reportedly offered to Villa after being sidelined by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who took away his No. 7 shirt and gave it to new signing Pedro Neto. Additionally, Toney, who was linked to Villa Park in July by TeamTalk, might be reconsidered before Friday’s deadline. Express Sport examines what Villa’s starting XI could look like once the transfer window closes.
Villa is also reported to be pursuing a £35 million deal for versatile Liverpool defender Joe Gomez. Along with Konsa, Gomez was part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024. However, Gomez seems to be manager Arne Slot’s fourth choice at center-back, as Slot chose to pair Jarrell Quansah with Virgil van Dijk before substituting the young player for Ibrahima Konate.
Gomez provides additional height and defensive strength when played as either a right-back or left-back, and he also brings significant experience to the central defense.
Meanwhile, Maatsen, acquired from Chelsea for £37.5 million, adds dynamism and attacking power on the left flank. He played a crucial part in Jhon Duran’s winning goal during the 2-1 victory over West Ham in their season’s opening match.
Aston Villa’s Key Signings and Formidable Partnerships for the Season
Onana has already won over Villa fans since his move from Everton by scoring their first goal of the season in the victory against West Ham. The Belgian is poised to create a formidable midfield partnership with John McGinn.
On the wings, Leon Bailey is shown to be one of Villa’s most dangerous players when he cuts onto his left foot from the right, while Sterling builds his career by drifting inside from the left. Villa was a potent counter-attacking team last season. With Sterling and Bailey on the flanks, opposing teams would face significant challenges.
Sterling would add valuable experience in the Champions League, having recorded 44 goal contributions in 82 appearances with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea. A loan might be the most practical approach for Villa, considering Sterling has three years remaining on his contract and earns a substantial salary.
Although both remain behind Harry Kane in the lineup, Toney and Watkins shone as two of England’s standout players at Euro 2024. Toney contributed by assisting Kane’s winner against Slovakia. He scored a penalty in the shootout against Switzerland. At the same time, Watkins came off the bench to score the decisive goal in the semi-final against the Netherlands.
Together, they would form a dangerous partnership in the Premier League and the Champions League. Toney favors playing in a front two, while Watkins tends to make runs behind defenders rather than holding up the ball.
Their strengths would complement one another well. Toney, valued at £50 million by Brentford, was mentioned as a potential alternative to Jhon Duran during Euro 2024. It’s still uncertain whether the Colombian will be transferred before Friday, especially after nearly joining West Ham and scoring the winning goal against them at the London Stadium.
Brentford is actively seeking to sell Toney, whose contract expires next summer. He was not included in the matchday squad for Sunday’s game against Liverpool. He favors a move to another Premier League club over a transfer to Saudi Arabia.
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