Robert Snodgrass and Sam Johnstone have both played integral roles for us this campaign, but there are doubts over whether either player will stay at Villa Park beyond their loan spells.
Snoddy will return to West Ham after the playoff final, and it’s not known what future he will have under Manuel Pellegrini. Our current n0.1 meanwhile has been attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
One fan on Twitter believes it’s absolutely vital we snap up both players as soon as possible:
If we go up our first priorities should be to sign Snodgrass and Johnstone permanently #avfc
— Thetruevillain (@Truevillainavfc) 23 May 2018
Other supporters then weighed into the discussion:
Both are essential
— Kevin O'Sullivan (@Him_Over_There) 23 May 2018
Reckon it will be done by next week if we are promoted.
— James Evans (@jamese9930) 23 May 2018
And benteke with the delivery snodders puts in he’d be bk to he’s best
— Richard Cutler (@DickyCutler) 24 May 2018
We’re not up mate it’s a daft question before such a big game . Let’s hope the players are focused on winning this game and not on contracts or next season . Live in the present not the future UTV .
— masalamoon (@masalamoons) 23 May 2018
Let’s get there first ????
— Oliver Green (@olivergreencraz) 24 May 2018
Nope
— Craig Taylor (@CraigTa90961607) 23 May 2018
And grabban
— ????Pablo????????????⛹⚽☕ (@bananaman81) 23 May 2018
And give Grealish a massive pay rise
— Scott James Cooper (@ScottieCoops) 23 May 2018
And give Hutton a new contract Let's just do it. #utv. Wembley Wembley
— BobV3 (@BobVee3) 23 May 2018
Verdict:
There is little point speculating on either player’s future before the result of the playoff final is known. Steve Bruce has questioned whether we’ll be able to sign any of the players currently on loan if we remain in the Championship.
However, things will be rather different if top-flight status is secured. It’s probably best for fans not to get too far ahead of themselves.