Aston Villa misfit Morgan Sanson may be ‘prepared’ to take a pay cut in order to help seal a move to Ligue 1 outfit Nantes during the January transfer window, according to L’Equipe.
In an ideal world, Sanson would prefer to re-join one of his old employers; Montpellier or, failing that, a Champions League-chasing Marseille. The seldom-seen Frenchman knows only too well, however, that life is far from fair.
With neither Montpellier nor Marseille riding in to rescue him from his Aston Villa nightmare, Sanson appears to accept that financial sacrifice may be required if he is to break free of his Premier League prison.
Nantes, per Le Quotidien du Sport, are at the front of the queue for Sanson’s signature. Les Canaris coach Antoine Koumbouare wants a midfielder in January, and is a big admirer of the benchwarming 28-year-old.
Morgan Sanson wants to leave Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and return to France
Nantes would only be able to pay half of Sanson’s near-£50,000-a-week salary, however, while asking Aston Villa to stump up the remaining 50 per cent. Of course, Sanson can remove one of rather daunting obstacles standing in Nantes’ path by accepting a substantial pay cut.
L’Equipe believe Aston Villa’s £14 million forgotten man is ready to do just that.
Despite earning praise from Unai Emery back in November, when the former Arsenal coach replaced Steven Gerrard at Villa Park, Sanson continues to find first-team opportunities almost impossible to come by. He has just six Premier League starts under three different managers.
“Morgan’s been very professional,” Gerrard told the Express and Star in August, shortly before Sanson missed out on a move to La Liga outfit Espanyol.
“He’s been calm. He’s been training well. But, at the same time, he’s frustrated with his game time. I respect that. I understand (his frustration). If something lands for Morgan that he wants to pursue, we won’t stand in his way.”
A long-awaited departure
According to FootMercato, Sanson is prioritising a return to France despite interest from Spain and Turkey. He has little interest in joining either Strasbourg or Auxerre however. Both clubs are currently in the Ligue 1 relegation zone.
Compatriot Frederic Guilbert also has his heart set on a January departure from Villa Park. He too could end up back in France.
“I can’t stay in this situation forever,” Guilbert says. “We are studying the possibilities with my entourage; whether it is a loan with an option to buy or a straight transfer. The only certainty is that I have to have playing time at a club to revive myself. This is the most important thing for me.”
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