Steven Gerrard has asked Johan Lange to draw up a shortlist of possible targets after Aston Villa gave the go-ahead to replace Marvelous Nakamba in the January transfer window.
That’s according to the Mirror, who report Gerrard had requested permission to sign a new midfielder following Nakamba’s knee injury. The Zimbabwe international is likely to miss three to four-months with the issue sustained during the Villans’ 1-0 defeat at Liverpool.
Nakamba required surgery to mend the affected area and will need at least 12-weeks for his rehabilitation. The 27-year-old’s injury came as a big blow for Gerrard, as he become an essential part of the Villa Park engine room following the former Rangers manager’s arrival.
Gerrard started Nakamba in his first five games with Aston Villa, before facing Norwich City without Dean Smith’s £11m signing. The 2019 arrival from Club Brugge only held a backup role under Smith, having made three starts over seven Premier League outings this season.
Aston Villa acknowledge the loss Nakamba’s injury has on Gerrard’s plans, so will allow him to sign a replacement during the January transfer window. Sporting Director Lange is now establishing a shortlist of players who are available and who match with the club’s remit.
Lange has tough transfer task to deliver Nakamba 2.0 to Gerrard and Aston Villa
Gerrard will hope Lange discovers possible January transfer targets who can replace what Nakamba gave as Aston Villa’s holding midfielder. The £32.5k-a-week anchor had shielded the Villans’ backline impressively since the Liverpool legend took charge at Villa Park.
Nakamba worked his socks off and continually timed his tackles well to show Gerrard what Smith rarely let him display. Douglas Luiz also briefly frustrated Gerrard when he opted to play a safe pass against Norwich than be risky, per Birmingham Live, at Carrow Road.
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