With the January transfer window well underway, Aston Villa are reportedly in danger of losing one of the Unai EmeryThe star men amid Barcelona’s recent contact.
Aston Villa transfer news
This is a big month for the Villans and their Champions League ambitions. On the field, they struggled to reach their top form under Emery, but nevertheless managed to secure very important results. Having lost once in their last four games in a run that includes a 2-1 defeat at Manchester City, it was Leon Bailey’s first goal of the season who was in good spirits again at Villa Park against Leicester City last time out.
The winger also scores at a good time, given how much his place is in danger amid such reports Aston Villa are chasing the signature of Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund this month. A sudden return to form could immediately save Villa a lot of money and put Emery’s side back on track to qualify for European football for the second consecutive season.
However, the Midlands club don’t just have to worry about arrivals. According to Sport in Spain, Barcelona have now made contact with Jhon DuranHis representatives are set to secure his signature as early as this month as their failure to sign Dani Olmo threatens to spoil an otherwise solid first season under Hansi Flick.
Often forced to settle for a place on Emery’s bench, it will be interesting to see if he does Duran will be able to resist Barcelona’s potential pursuit and if the La Liga giants even have the means to welcome such a player from the other side of the Champions League this month.
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The £75,000 a week the forward is certainly one to watch, with his performances pushing him beyond the substitute role during the current campaign.
“Special” Duran has to make a big decision
There has been no bigger headache for Emery this season than the decision to start either Ollie Watkins or Duran. The former has enjoyed a solid campaign and it could be argued that his ball handling is better than the competition, but there’s also no denying the sheer goalscoring ability of the latter, who won’t want to settle for a place on the bench forever. .
What is currently a luxury for those at Villa Park could quickly become a problem and there is no doubt that Duran has to make the right decision, especially if Barcelona come this month.
|
Statistics of the Premier League 24/25 (via FBref) |
John Duran |
Ollie Watkins |
|---|---|---|
|
It starts |
4 |
16 |
|
Objectives |
7 |
8 |
|
Assists |
0 |
4 |
|
Expected goals |
4.8 |
10.3 |
The numbers further boost Duran’s case for a starting spot, with seven goals to his name despite scoring just four Premier League starts the whole season. Emery is certainly aware of that quality, having heaped praise on his striker since his arrival.
Speaking after Duran’s game against Liverpool last season, Emery he told reporters as reported by beIN Sports: “Jhon Duran is a special player. We have to try to help him. He is a good guy and he needs a team behind him. He meets our requirements better. He was very clinical and today was important for him.”
