Aston Villa are prepared to accept a cut-price fee to sell Anwar El Ghazi after the winger’s horror spell on loan with Everton, having failed to make any impact under Frank Lampard.
That’s according to Birmingham Live, who note Steven Gerrard is striving to cut the Villans’ losses with him out of contract next year. But as of yet, interest in the Dutchman has been limited as clubs shy away from chasing a forward who has only played 22 minutes in 2022.
- Crystal Palace’s 22/23 XI with £20M West Ham target leading 4 new signings
- Jude Bellingham and Celtic ace lead Birmingham XI if they ket their top stars
No side has yet presented a concrete approach for the 27-year-old who Dean Smith signed for £8m in 2019. The former Villa Park gaffer sanctioned a permanent move after El Ghazi impressed on loan from LOSC Lille, but has not always managed to repeat his flash points.
Aston Villa ready to sell Anwar El Ghazi in cut-price deal after Everton horrors
Aston Villa will not demand a large sum to sell El Ghazi, with a future in claret-and-blue far from likely. The two-cap international played just four times for 44 minutes under Gerrard before joining Everton on loan, despite only missing one of a possible nine matchday sides.
Gerrard only viewed El Ghazi as an occasional impact player with cameos against Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Chelsea in the Premier League. The forward also made his only Aston Villa appearance in 2022 during their FA Cup defeat at Manchester United.
A loan move to Everton then followed in January while Rafa Benitez still stood at the helm. Yet the Spaniard’s exit only a matter of days later and Lampard’s appointment saw El Ghazi slip to the fringes. He featured just twice for 11 minutes during his time at Goodison Park.
The loan move was one of the worst temporary deals agreed in the Premier League during the 2021/22 campaign. So, Aston Villa accept they cannot now demand a large fee for the £31k-a-week forward Smith felt could be ‘one hell of a player’ when confident and in form.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
