Aston Villa have been extremely smart in the transfer market ever since Unai Emery took over as the manager. The Spanish tactician has turned around the fortunes of the club like no one would have imagined.
The important thing for the ex-Gunners boss is that he is completely backed in the transfer market. Emery is allowed to choose who he wants in the team and who he doesn’t and to his credit, the results are there for everyone to see.
Villa have lost the likes of Moussa Diaby and Douglas Luiz this summer but have also made signings like Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen, Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene, Samuel Iling-Junior and Ross Barkley. Effectively, they have already replaced Diaby.
We covered a story around two weeks ago that Joao Felix was on the club’s radar this summer but talks have died down in recent days. Now, as per reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Villa have set their sights on Lutsharel Geertruida from Feyenoord in the Netherlands.
The 24-year-old Dutch international is also on RB Leipzig’s radar this summer. Geertruida made a name for himself at the Eredivisie club under now-Liverpool manager Arne Slot and could be ready for the next step in his career.
Geertruida’s contract expires in 2025 and Feyenoord might be keen on selling him this summer. He is currently valued at around €32m by Transfermarkt. Villa will know that they can take advantage of his contract situation by signing him for a bargain fee.
The 11-cap Dutch international will be particularly useful for Villa due to his versatility. Geertruida is equally adept at playing as a right-back and a centre-back. Unai Emery has shown tactical versatility by often shifting to a back three last season which would give the 26-year-old the perfect conditions to thrive.
The coming days will give us a clearer picture of whether Villa can get a deal for the Dutchman. It’ll be a good signing for the club and let’s hope that is the case.
