According to Voetbal Belgie, Björn Engels will not be playing for Aston Villa this season, and an exit from the Midlands ‘beckons’ this summer.
The Belgian news outlet claim that a return to the Jupiler Pro League – Belgium’s top-flight – is likely for the 26-year-old.
Engels only arrived at Villa Park in July 2019, in a deal worth €8 million (£6.8 million).
However, he has fallen well out of favour under Dean Smith following his debut campaign in the Premier League.
Engels hasn’t made a single appearance for the Villans this term, and seems to be surplus to requirements.
Voetbal Belgie add that the Kaprijke-born defender’s market value has dropped to just €4 million (£3.4 million) – it looks like Villa will be making a loss on their investment.
In our view, Engels hasn’t had much of a chance at Villa Park.
He made 19 appearances in all competitions last season.
However, he missed the last ten Premier League games of the campaign with a shin injury.
After he regained full fitness, Smith had no place for him in his XI.
It can take time for foreign players to settle in to a new division, and Engels has seen his game time evaporate just as he’s got his feet under the table.
Hopefully, he can resurrect his career in Belgian, should the move materialise as Voetbal Belgie expect it to.
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