With the loss of Diego Carlos, there has been much discussion about Villa needing to return to the transfer market for another central defender. This simply is not going to happen and here’s why:
Writer: Frossum
Since cementing our status as a Premier League team, our transfer policy is focused on signing European quality starters or top-quality youth players for the future. Making that type of signing this late in the window would force us to massively overpay. If we did sign another marque CD, it would probably be a right footed one to pair with Carlos for the future to continue our policy of building the team for Europe. That would not be the ideal signing decision to help us with extra coverage in the short-term. You might see a season loan move or even a 1-year deal for a free agent, but it would be unlikely to materially improve our starting 11. With Tyrone Mings, Calum Chambers, and Ezri Konsa, we are a little light however, God forbid we needed a 4th CD, let’s be honest our hopes of a top 10 or even a top 7 finish would become unlikely. Wouldn’t it be preferable to throw Josh Feeney in to gain valuable experience if this were the case? I believe we will more likely stick with what we have in the CD department and if necessary, look at options in the January window if needed.
So, what might we do before the window slams shut? The prudent decision would still be look for a midfielder that fits our goal of breaking into the top 7. One that will come in with the expectation of replacing Jacob Ramsey or John McGinn in the starting lineup. If that option is not available, then the search continues in January or more likely next summer. I believe our next three windows will have the following policies:
Current Window: Look for European competition quality midfielder that is a 6/8 hybrid or a dynamic 8
January Window: Find coverage for CD if necessary and/ or continue the search for the Midfielder
Summer 23 Window: Marquee striker, if necessary, continue the midfielder search, find a starting right sided CD, and potentially a starting left sided CD if Carlos has any setbacks with his recovery.
For the ambitions of the club, this is the transfer roadmap I think we will see from the club. I would love to hear your thoughts.
