Frederic Guilbert is in talks to leave Premier League outfit Aston Villa and return to France’s Ligue 1 with L’Equipe claiming that former employers Strasbourg are holding discussions with the seldom-seen defender.
A lot has changed at Villa Park since Guilbert last featured in a Premier League game; a dramatic 1-1 draw with West Ham in July 2020, Jack Grealish’s 84th minute screamer saving the Midland giants from relegation on a tense final day.
In addition to Grealish, now of Manchester City, Pepe Reina, Mbwana Samatta and Conor Hourihane started alongside Guilbert that day, with Neil Taylor, Henri Lansbury, Jota and Orjan Nyland sitting on Dean Smith’s bench.
Aston Villa’s Frederic Guilbert could return to France with Ligue 1 strugglers Strasbourg
“When Steven Gerrard (to replace Smith) arrived, he told me I had two weeks to prove myself. (Then) I played barely 45 minutes in six or seven matches,” Guilbert said before Christmas.
“With Unai Emery, I have never had a discussion.
“I can’t stay in this situation forever. 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.
“It’s no secret (that I’m available for transfer). For the moment, there is nothing, but I’m open to suggestions. I’m on the market. What matters to me is to play and find pleasure quickly.”
Talks underway
Guilbert admitted in that very same interview that he would relish the chance to return to the Stade de la Meinau, having impressed on loan as Strasbourg finished an impressive sixth in Ligue 1 in 2021/22. He could be in luck, too.
L’Equipe say that Guilbert is now in talks to re-join Strasbourg this month, though another European charge is now well beyond a side who have gone from top-six contenders to relegation battlers in the blinking of an eye.
According to AlsaSports, Aston Villa may even terminate the final few months of Guilbert’s £40,000-a-week contract. Therefore, allowing the former Caen defender to leave Villa Park for free. He has spent most of 2022/23 training with the reserves at Bodymoor Heath (Birmingham Mail).
Clubs in England’s second tier are also reportedly keen on Guilbert. The 28-year-old turned down Fulham when they were a second-tier side, however, and remains intent on playing top-flight football.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
