The Athletic’s Aston Villa correspondent Gregg Evans is ‘sure’ the club will consider signing another centre-back this summer.
The Lowdown: Engels departure
Villa have just three senior centre-backs on the books going into the new season at this moment in time.
They did have four, however, Bjorn Engels returned to Belgium last month, joining Royal Antwerp on a permanent deal.
Engels made just 19 appearances for the club in his two-year Midlands stay, so Dean Smith now has Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Kortney Hause as central defensive options.
The Latest: Evans’ claim
Villa have already spent big this summer on Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City, and attacking reinforcements are still wanted ahead of the new campaign.
Evans posted on Twitter on Friday lunchtime, updating supporters in regards to the club’s summer business, with a number 10 still a priority.
He tweeted a link to an in-depth story, however, in his social media post, Evans ended it by informing supporters that he is sure a new centre-back will be considered soon.
“Had a closer look at AVFC plans in attack. This includes why No.10 is still a priority position; why a striker is not on the radar (yet); Villa’s attempt to keep Grealish. (For those asking, I’m sure another CB will also be considered soon)”
The Verdict: Positive news
Should Evans’ claim prove accurate and the club do indeed add to their defensive ranks, it’ll certainly be a wise decision.
Mings may well end up remaining on international duty with England until the middle of July, should England reach the final of the Euros, so he may return to Bodymoor Heath with just a few weeks to go before the new season.
Should one of the three get injured, Smith would be down to the bare bones at the back, so bringing in a fourth senior centre-back would be a shrewd decision.
It appears as if attacking additions are still the club’s priority, but at least Evans has reassured supporters in regards to looking at signings at the back.
In other news: ‘Absolute madness’ – Many AVFC fans erupt at ‘garbage’ transfer news, find out more here.
