A new manager and potentially new owners create the perfect recipe for an extensive summer clear out. It was bound to happen, Paul Lambert had signed a lot of players and Tim Sherwood will be looking in the summer to revamp the squad and create a Villa that is more representative of what Sherwood wants to do at the club. As a result, I expect that Aston Villa will look to sell, a lot of players! Here is a small list of who I think will be shown the door come the Summer transfer window:
1. Andreas Weimann
I think it’s time to let Weimann go. Weimann has made very few appearances under Sherwood and looks to be below the pecking order of both Agbonlahor and Benteke, maybe even Bent should Sherwood offer the forward a new contract. Weimann has scored only 4 goals and his development has halted, especially after his break through season in 2012 where he ended up scoring 12 goals. He is still young, and can improve but hard work and running can only get you so far. I think it would be best for Villa and Weimann to part company this summer.
2. Carles Gil
The mystery that keeps Villa fans questioning Sherwood’s selection, why isn’t Gil given a chance? At the age of 21, he has a lot of room for improvement and looks like a very talented player. Under Lambert he managed to score Villa’s goal of the season against Bournemouth and assist Okore’s goal in Villa’s 2-1 defeat against Chelsea. Yet, he has only started once under Sherwood. Now I don’t think that Gil will be sold, but rather allowed to go out on loan. Selling Gil would prove to be a mistake since he is a very talented player.
3. Matthew Lowton
When Sherwood arrived at the club I thought that Lowton would be given a chance. He did start a few games at left-back and I though he played rather well. Unfortunately that was short lived, because Lowton hasn’t made many appearances as of late, and Sherwood clearly prefers either Bacuna and Hutton and right-back. I still think he is a decent player and will certainly find a club in the Premier League.
4. Antonio Luna
He started his Premier League career in a blast, scoring the last goal in Villa’s 3-1 win over Arsenal last season. But it has gone badly down hill for Luna since, lost his place to Bennett towards mid-season and later forgotten with the arrival of Bertrand. But it has gotten worse, Luna went out on loan to Serie A club Verona but barely made any appearances, now he is playing for Serie B club Spezia. Sherwood will have to decide what to do with the left-backs, because currently he has 4 under contract. Luna will certainly be leaving.
5. Yacuba Sylla
Promising player, but like most of Lambert’s experiments, I don’t think he will pass the test of time. Aston Villa have a solid number of midfielders now and I highly doubt that Sylla can impress Sherwood. Plus Sherwood will give the likes of Gary Gardner a chance next season.
6. Alexander Tonev
I thought that Tonev might be a success at Villa, nope! In his first season at the club, Tonev had good runs and challenged defenders but his shooting was unbelievably poor. This season he’s had to face a racial accusation whilst on loan at Celtic. I think it’s best if Tonev left the UK and tried to revive his football career elsewhere.
7. Nicklas Helenius:
I still think he could make an impact in the club but I don’t think he will stay after a disastrous first season. His addiction to pain killers following an injury in 2013-14 did affect his career, and he hasn’t really set the Danish league on fire like he did in 2011-12. He would be competing with Callum Robinson if he did stay, and I think we know who would win that battle!
8. Philippe Senderos
This is a tricky one, I do think there is a place in the team for the experienced Swiss defenders. But the development of Okore, Baker and Clark has certainly made that extremely difficult. If Vlaar did move on then there is a chance that Senderos could stay on. But as things stand, Senderos’s Villa career will be short lived. He did have an excellent first few games in the Premier League campaign. But I’d rather watch the development of Clark, Baker and Okore because those 3 defenders are something special.
Hope Gil gets a chance, he could be great, especially for cup and the possibility of Europa games. I expect Weimann, Luna, Sylla, Tonev, Helenius to all be gone. I think Lowton will stay.
Just sign Cleverly! And I hope Sherwood can secure Massimo Luongo, so much potential he will be class, the premier leagues next Tim Cahill.
There will no doubt be exit of players as you state, but Lowton I do think Middleborough will be interested as he is highly thought of by them, that was past on to me only last week by fans of his at Middleborough, why no idea.Weimann he can go for me as not creative enough to get goals, most of Villa’s team might well be players from 2011 youth team that won pretty most things under Villa’s academy Baker, Clarke, Gordon Cowens being the mentor of them players.
Hear that, mon penciled our Jack for Ireland’s game but Jack told him hasn’t made his mind up yet , England or Ireland. You know who Jack its that daft Southgate not looking forwards.
We don’t want that twat mon and Keane anywhere near him thanks
Being Brummie Irish I’d half hoped that Jack might pick Ireland but then again I suppose I also half hoped he’d pick England. Dare say he’s in the same quandary.
However fully understand that now is not the time as he has his mind on other things. Plenty of time to decide over the summer.
Weird that under Lambert he couldn’t even get into the Villa team, isn’t it? Shows how absolutely appalling he was as a manager.
Hope we can hang onto Jack for quite a few years yet but IMHO if he carries on as he is he’ll be playing for Barca or Real before he’s 23 and good luck to him.
UTV
Gil should be kept no question! He should be in the team now instead of nzogbia who even with his recent improvement is still rubbish, he never looks up, always makes the wrong decision and doesn’t create or score! Gil is far far better but maybe not as athletic but a front 3 of benteke, gil and grealish…that is a front 3 with loads of creativity, movement and most importantly goals! And if we make Europe league then we might hav to keep all these players and still add a couple.
If Gil had been starting ahead of N’Zogbia, I would’ve definitely put N’Zogbia onto this list, unfortunately this has not been the case.
I just don’t get N’Zogbia, I thought that with more game time he could recapture his Wigan form, guess it was not meant to be. He has lost pace and is yet to score this season. Gil can actually challenge players and has better dribbling and skills.
Gil is also younger and has more potential over N’Zogbia. I still think that N’Zogbia could leave, but it’s not as clear as the names I’ve added to this list.
I can’t argue with any of your player analysis. I would add that Wiemann is one of those unfortunate guys who has to try too hard in EPL company, his first touch is below average and his coolness when given a goal-scoring chances deserts him. A pity because I think he really give it his all.
I think TS owes it to Gil to let him start a couple of games, maybe next season. He has demonstrated he can score goals and deliver crosses from the right wing – and we are otherwise lacking in that department. Yes he is lightweight but he hasn’t shirked tackles in matches.
My main additions to the EXIT camp are Guzan and Steer. I usually get some stick for my views on keepers until I ask people to list the EPL keepers, then rank them in order of merit. Then when you look at their list, it is a fair reflection of the league table. So where to Villa want to finish realistically? Somewhere above Stoke and Swansea? OK – then we need a better keeper than Begovic and Fabianski. Guzan isn’t one and neither from what I have seen is Steer.
OLL – very much agree about Weimann; he’s a tryer, no doubt, but I just don’t see him as a ‘natural’ at the sort of level we need.
I won’t criticise your opinion of the keepers either!
If football had room for sentiment then I’d say we owe Guzan a lot; over the last few seasons he’s probably done as much as anyone else to keep us in this division, so at least he might deserve a chance to stay as reserve for a year longer.
However, I don’t think that he’s capable of much more, and haven’t seen any real further development from him over the years: he does pretty-much what he’s always done.
But as for someone to play in goal at a ‘top 6’ level? I haven’t got a clue who’d be available/affordable/want to come!
Ruffier would be my choice. Incredible keeper, surprised no one at a “top club” has snapped him up yet. Would say someone like Leno but we couldn’t afford/attract him. Maybe Cillesen if he wanted to leave Ajax, Begovic, Sommer (although at a CL side), maybe Navas as he’s not playing at Madrid.
Totally agree that we need a top class keeper. Guzan not good enough, in my opinion, and Given past his best. But who can we bring in? Vorm at Spurs isn’t getting any games and is better than Guzan, in my opinion. I also rate Wayne Hennessey, the Welsh keeper, who is still relatively young for keeper at 28. Boaz Myhill has impressed recently. Adrian has had a good season. Not sure who else we could attract. I’d take Cech on loan for a season! lol
Must admit that I’ve not noticed Ruffier before – according to Wiki he’s actually played 2 games for the full French international side?
I do recall Henessey being at Wolves until he suffered a bad injury, then he sort of vanished, and I thought he’d had to retire.
Myhill – yep, remember when he was considered very promising in the Villa youth teams a decade ago, and he always seemed ‘OK’ at Hull, but whether he’s really a step-up from Guzan, not so sure!
Ruffier’s absolute class as a keeper, whether he’ll leave France is a big question.
I wouldn’t take any Premier League keeper bar the top like 6 over Guzan. Even Begovic who is typically better than Guzan’s had a poor season.
Vorm’s awful, Spurs want him gone because he’s a terrible 2nd choice. Hennessey’s mediocre, as is Myhill. Adrian’s decent, but none of them are a step up from Guzan.
TBH I’ve never quite understood the fuss about Begovic; yes, he’s good, but some of the clubs that were rumoured to be interested in him seemed to be coming out of his agent’s dreams…
Then again, remember the fuss over Mignolet before Liverpool bought him – now he just seems over-hyped and over-priced.
Mignolet’s gotten a lot better, confidence and all. And yeah, moves to Chelsea, United, hell I think he’s even linked to Madrid to replace Casillas if they don’t get De Gea.
I personally think they’re all better than Guzan. But you’re probably right that none of them are really what we need. Just want us to get someone who commands his box and organises his back four.
In the long-term it would benefit Weimann if he dropped down to the Championship and played for a team that could challenge for promotion. Regular game time and building confidence will benefit Weimann a lot. He has done well at Villa but has not reached the level of either Benteke, Agbonlahor and Kozak.
I think it’s time to add a new keeper into the side. I’d keep Given simply because I don’t think he’ll leave and he is a good mentor. Our keepers are aging and bringing in someone younger would be great. Alex McCarthy is a good goal keeper and under the right guidance could make a good impact.
Sad about Weimann, but when he’s played out of position it is what happens. It’s probably best for him to move on, he’ll have a lot of interest and Telegraph claims we’re open to listening to offers. With him having 24 goals and 14 assists in 129 games which is give or take a goal or assist in 3.3 games which is still commendable for the time he plays, as he’s rarely been a starter. Does have to work on his first touch and passing, but his movement, work rate and positioning are quite good and with proper management watching over him specifically i think he’ll do quite well. Hope he moves away from England if he does leave, maybe Germany he’d be better suited.
This Gil-Sherwood issue reminds me a lot of the Lamela-Sherwood problems at Spurs. Lamela was supposedly “injured” though most Spurs fans don’t believe that, they believe Sherwood just didn’t like Lamela, and I’d have to say I can see that being the case for Gil, which is sad. Get a talented Right Winger and a Grealish-Gil-New winger behind Benteke next season would be class.
Lowton’s one I’d rather keep over Hutton. I know I’m still in the minority (seems to be a common theme) but Hutton just doesn’t impress me at all. Reminds of me a crap version of Maicon. Big brute, who tends to cross from 20 yards to far out, over hits them on a constant basis and when defending is in his own box, allowing the winger so much bloody space to cross a ball. Lowton has the potential to be better than Hutton, probably is already.
Luna, Tonev, Sylla and Helenius are definitely going to get sold. Helenius’s agent confirmed he’s not wanted at Villa park.
Senderos can go, rather see Donacien on the bench than him. But we do need a replacement if Vlaar goes.
I’d currently show our entire goal keeping position the door. Guzan’s been awful, Steer’s not Premier League material and while Given’s been pretty good, still don’t rate him. Would look at getting 2 new keepers. I’d go for Fabianski. Obviously we should aim higher than Swansea and Stoke like OLL said but Fabianski is a better keeper than Swansea are club. He’s class. Supposedly have scouted Fabricio of Deportivo as well. Conceded 39 goals in 29 games, keeping 10 clean sheets. Much better than Lux who he replaced as Lux conceded 19 in 7 with 1 clean sheet. But I don’t think we’ll see Given leave, he’ll fight whoever we bring in.
I can also see Bennett shown the door, or Richardson, but he seems to like Richardson, who is just awful 99% of the time, but he tries so I guess you can’t completely fault him.
Changed my mind on the thought of Sherwood wanting Westy gone, clearly seems to like him. Do wonder how the treatment of Gil is going down with Sanchez though. He’s gotta be pissed, although he probably knows the reasons why it’s happening, that his little buddy is getting screwed like this.
Not sure about Fabianski – several Arsenal fans I know used to say that he was just a disaster-waiting-to-happen when he was there and Wenger was right to let him go…
I know he’s done OK for Swansea, but can he really cope when the spotlight is on him?
That is the big question, but then again he played 32 league games in 7 seasons, 14 being the most in one season. He never got his chance and when you play 1-2 games every so often especially as a keeper, you’re not going to prove yourself. He’s proven himself at Swansea and that’s basically all we can go on. Played more in 1 season there than 7 at Arsenal.
Disagree somewhat about goalkeepers. I’d still want to keep Given as Number 2 and possibly develop him as a future goalkeeping coach. Agree that we need a new number 1 and Fabianski gave a terrific performance against the Arse yesterday. I’ll trust Tim to sort it out during the close season
My wife keeps telling me I’ll be shown the exit soon LOL
Eh, not fussed if Given goes or not, just thinking wages more or less. Fabianski would be a great number 1. As would Fabri of Deportivo. Few more out there that are of some quality.
I think the Telegraph are getting bored. Pritchard and David Button are now being linked. I get Pritchard, but come on… Button? Really?
When I first red it thought it said buffon.
Lol…I thought it was Jensen Button….He’s faster than Gabby! 🙂
I’d like to see us sign Ben Davies from Tottenham. Underated and underused player. Still only 22 and can play left back or centre half. Better than all our other options, in my opinion.
Good shout, was better than Shaw last season, hasn’t developed at all this season, playing 2nd fiddle to Rose.
Hmm, I’m not sure the criticism of Guzan is fair.
I think we forget he’s been our MOTM loads of times over the last season or two.
But agreed, he has been poor at times, more so lately, which makes me think we’re just not allowing him a poor run of form.
I’d assume that’s why Parkes was bought in and I think Guzan will be given a chance and won’t be going anywhere in the summer.
As for the article, can’t see much wrong with your assessment Adam, although I’d be a bit sad for Weimann. Play him in the middle and he’d get goals.
But I don’t see that happening.
Fair argument, just seems odd since Howard retired from International football, Guzan’s gone down hill. Like he doesn’t need to try anymore.
Weimann will get goals, averages a goal or assist every 3.3 games. He’s creative, has quality and can play off the striker really well. Unfortunately he won’t get that. Needs a move for his career.
I don’t think that Guzan’s getting a lot of stick; and as mentioned earlier, agree that he’s one of the main reasons why we’re still in the division.
I just believe that he’s already as good as he’s likely to be, and possibly that’s not a level which the team would need if they were to be competitive higher up the table.
Mind you, I suppose that along with Weimann and a few others, he’s suffered from the one glaring problem at Villa [IMO] since Houllier left – abysmal coaching, if any real coaching at all – possibly why several players just don’t appear to have developed as they were expected to do?
Agree that Weiman has been ruined by Lambert and crew. A lot of players seemed to go backwards over the last couple of seasons.
McLeish, Lambert – neither seem to have paid much attention to hands-on coaching themselves, nor had the sort of assistants who might have done some serious work with the players. ‘Training’ isn’t the same thing as ‘coaching’.
It seemed to me that once a player ‘made it’ as a first-team squad regular, and so passed out of the hands of Kevin McDonald and Sid Cowans, their progress stopped. Then when you add what looks to have been a completely ‘dead’ backroom atmosphere under Lambert, it’s hardly surprising that some regressed.
Three reported parties have bid for Villa according to the Telegraph. That Smith guy and now two unnamed for obvious reasons reportedly.
Always thought Benny Siegrist would go on and be our No.1 keeper one day, heard such good things about him but he never seems to be able to make the breakthrough. Just hope we don’t get rid and he goes on to be world class at another club!
Broke his leg in training and is out of contract. Hope we sign him up for another year or two still.
Andrew are you an insomniac????
Unless he isn’t from the UK? I post at seemingly ridiculous times sometimes cause im Aussie.
Good thinking that never crossed my mind.
Well I am from the U.S., but yes I also am actually an insomniac so it’s a yes.
ESPN reports Villa to be in advanced talks with Luongo
http://www.espnfc.com/story/2445841/aston-villa-confident-over-massimo-luongo-deal-sources
I would be gutted if he doesnt give Gil a chance. Would love to see him playing where Nzogbia is right now, see how he did with Grealish and Benteke around him.
The others probably all need to move on. Helenius is a weird one, but the others never really cut it at the top level. I’m disappointed with Weimann as when he first came onto the scene, he looked like he would develop into a top striker, but he seems to have gotten worse over the last 2 years! Having said that he has been played out of position a lot.
Lowton is too slow, Luna cant defend, Sylla and Tonev are championship players at best. More money wasted by Lamberk.
£200,000 fine for so called pitch invasion. The FA is a fucking disgrace. We should appeal this outrageous fine IMO
Don’t think you’ll get any change out of the FA on this one.
They’re taking pitch-incursions very seriously: since the incident at VP there’s been the abandonment at Blackpool, and another incident where an opposition player was allegedly assaulted by home fans at the end of a game, just a week or two back.
I think the view is that especially in the Prem, clubs are getting a fortune in income; police attendance at games is being cut back due to government spending cuts, so clubs will have no choice but to spend much more on stewarding to keep fans away from the pitch at all times. Wouldn’t be very surprised if in the summer there wasn’t some announcement of points-deductions for any incidents next season.
Fair points, but it was hardly a ‘serious invasion’ where people were under any threat. I dont think the punishment fits the crime on this occasion…there have been far worse ones since the VP one!…..the reason why the fine is so big is because it was hyped up so much by the BBC! Thats my opinion anyway!
I don’t disagree with you overall.
However, ‘hyped-up’ is one way of looking at it – the other is that this was a high-profile game shown live on national TV, and as far as I’m aware it was the first large-scale pitch incident at a Premier League ground in a long time [I don’t include the two idiots doing their ‘publicity stunt’ at White Heart Lane in the EUFA game!]. Personally I’m just glad that the ref didn’t abandon our game even at that late stage…
In general I just feel that ‘football crowd’ issues are too much in the news again for the FA to ignore: we’re just about coming up to the 30th anniversary of the Heysel disaster; Bradford fire back in the news, Hillsborough enquiries rumble-on. All different, but all just remind the FA, and probably the regulators, that football crowds can cause/suffer massive injuries.
Up until a few months ago there seemed to be some progress towards bringing-back standing areas at games in the UK, even if on a trial basis somewhere, and Villa were one of the bigger clubs backing those proposals. Haven’t heard any mention of that in recent months, and I suspect that it’s probably been dropped again – for a long time. The incident at VP didn’t exactly help that cause…