Aston Villa had one aim when they achieved promotion to the Premier League – to stay up. Dean Smith’s men left it late but accomplished what they wanted, but their real test starts now.
The Villans are likely to face another relegation battle if they start the new season like they did last term. The Premier League looks extremely competitive from top to bottom this season, which puts added pressure on the club in terms of recruitment.
Villa have done well so far. Ollie Watkins is a fantastic addition to their squad. The former Brentford man scored 26 times in the Championship last term and if he can get at least half as many goals in the Premier League, his new side’s chances of survival will go up.
Aston Villa can’t just stop there. Smith is reportedly on the market for another attacker, preferably a winger. If he gets his wish, Villa could reportedly let one of their promotion heroes leave this summer.
The Daily Mail claim that Villa will allow Anwar El Ghazi to leave if they sign a new wide player. The Dutchman’s goal in the play-off final helped Smith and co make it to the Premier League, but his stay at Villa Park could come to an end just a year after signing for them permanently.
El Ghazi had a decent campaign in his debut Premier League season. The 25-year-old managed six goals and seven assists last term, which isn’t a bad return for a player whose side struggled throughout the campaign.
Villa have been heavily linked with a move for Werder Bremen’s Milot Rashica. Deich Stube claimed this week that the Villans are even prepared to pay the £22.7 million that the Bundesliga side are demanding for the winger who scored 11 times last season.
Rashica would be a very impressive signing for the Villans. The Kosovo international played extremely well to help Bremen avoid relegation last season, and he would fit well at Villa Park alongside the likes of Jack Grealish and Watkins.
If Smith can somehow convince Rashica to join him, El Ghazi’s time at Aston Villa could come to an end, which really is a shame considering that they could still have been in the Championship if it wasn’t for his promotion-winning goal.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
