Despite spending over £130m in a hectic transfer window, with 12 coming in to replace a similar number heading out of the door marked ‘Do One’, and the tying down of ‘Super’ John McGinn to a new long-term deal, Villa were notably quiet on Deadline Day yesterday.
Many fans had been holding out hope for another striker to complement Wesley Moræs, with Villa looking light in the striker department, on paper at least. Only Jonathan Kodjia and Keinan Davis remain at the club alongside Wesley, with Scott Hogan and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy having been sent out on season-long loans.
"We're pretty much done"
Dean Smith confirms that there will be no further additions to his squad in this window.
More ???? https://t.co/mn8M8dZDLK#DeadlineDay #AVFC pic.twitter.com/DSQLeZroEz
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 8, 2019
But Dean Smith confirmed at his Spurs presser yesterday that there would be no new faces, and that he was happy with his options ahead of an important first Premier League season in three years.
Reaction on social media was mixed, to say the least, with many fans feeling we have left ourselves light up front and expressing disappointment that some of the names linked failed to materialise.
We desperately need another striker, going into the season with 3 forwards when Kodjia and Davis are 2 of them isn't good enough… #AVFC
— Dan Smith⚡ (@DanSmith_98) August 8, 2019
Really hope Wes hits the ground running, we’re in trouble if not, two attackers short. #avfc
— Jack (@JackWillis54) August 8, 2019
Are you happy with the 3 though? If Wesley gets injured we’d be in trouble I think. Still Jan too come but you don’t wanna be chasing the game until then. I don’t really rate Kodjia or Davies as a solid second choice in the Prem.
— Sir Bob (@SirBob1892) August 8, 2019
Good window to be honest but just needed a back up for the wings and a back up for Wesley
— ???????? Andrew ???????? (@AVFC__Andrew) August 8, 2019
Smith says we are done. Very pleased with window. Had lots to do, seem to do it smartly
The worry is up top. No room for injury.
Wesley looks the part but unproven.
I really like Davis potential, but too soon?
I do not trust Kodja at this level. #avfc https://t.co/B67ZPIox1o— Scott Cole CFP® AIF® (@ScottDCole) August 8, 2019
We have had a great window, but leaving us with Wesley as our only top level striker and the two other either not good enough or too young is frankly a bit reckless. Making getting rid of Hogan a bit strange. Dissapointed by this. #avfc
— Chrsmo (@Chrsmo) August 8, 2019
There are those who are happy with the transfer window and the options we’ve been left with for the season ahead:
I think Kodjia and Davis are more than decent back ups. Both have never played Premier League football so will have real ‘unknown quantity’ quality up against opposition defenders. Would have loved Maupay but there’s loads of goals across team in theory.
— Cian Carroll (@CianByNature) August 8, 2019
If Kodjia can find the form of the 17/18 season, there’s no doubt he will be dangerous in the Premier League. I think we often forget how good he can be. #AVFC
— Ed (@EddieAVFC96) August 8, 2019
Dean Smith a brave man? I wouldn't say so. He didn't press #DeadlineDay panic button but, instead, backed his players who have shown pre-season promise. Main man Wesley backed up by handful Kodjia and bully Davis, the latter really impressing boss https://t.co/ED04WxlYEe #AVFC
— Ashley Preece (@PreeceObserver) August 8, 2019
Unreal window by villa. Anyone moaning is a top clown. Squad looks hungry settled and ready to go. #avfc
— Peter Vahey (@VAHEY) August 8, 2019
This window has signaled a revolutionary new approach for Villa.
We’ve never given into other clubs demands, we’ve signed young hungry players who fit into an exciting brand of football and all for relatively low sums of money.
We’re lightyears ahead from a year ago #avfc
— Lance Clinton (@AVFCLancelot) August 8, 2019
So there you have it. Social media has spoken and do I detect one or two signs of mass hysteria before a ball has been kicked? It is a worry in some ways that we only have three out-and-out strikers to call on, none of whom have Premier League experience as Cian rightly points out in his tweet above.
But we have goals in all areas of the side and the club have done nothing so far to suggest we should question their judgement. I think we are overdue some sustained success in the transfer market, so let’s hope Wesley, Trezeguet and Jota can shine, and Jimmy Danger can recapture the form he had when he first arrived, prior to his torrid time with injuries.
Crash hats on, I have a feeling that we’re in for a rollercoaster.
Previous article by JPA: The transfer window has slammed shut, but have Villa missed a trick?