It’s a funny thing, perception.
In 2016, when Aston Villa supporters were coming to terms with life in the Championship, you won’t have found many willing to forgive and forget what was, at the time, deemed one of the most disastrous transfer windows in the club’s top-flight history.
And, yes, history doesn’t look too fondly on the signings of Rudy Gestede, Micah Richards, Jose Angel Crespo and Jolean Lescott.
But there was also Idrissa Gana Gueye. A terrific defensive midfielder who, three years later, was on his way to Paris Saint-Germain for £40 million.
Adama Traore, meanwhile, has already started more league games in his second spell at Barcelona than he did in claret-and-blue.
Jordan Amavi has blossomed since returning to France.
And Jordan Veretout, fleet-of-foot but highly flawed during his short-lived spell at Villa Park, is now an established France international, one of the most effective all-round midfielders in Serie A to boot.
Why did Jordan Veretout not work out at Aston Villa?
Aston Villa made a loss on Veretout when he returned across the Channel after just 13 months (Express and Star).
St Etienne paid around £4 million for a man looking to rebuild his reputation and jump-start his career after stalling in England’s second city.
He’s worth a damn sight more than that these days.
Second time lucky?
According to Calciomercato, Roma value Veretout at £25 million.
And, sooner rather than later, a 28-year-old midfielder at the peak of his playmaking powers may be returning to England to show Aston Villa just how much he’s developed since that forgettable stint under Tim Sherwood.
Newcastle United are keen, per Calciomercato. As are Tottenham Hotspur.
What’s more, Veretout is tempted by the prospect of playing under a certain Mr Antonio Conte. Who wouldn’t be? Did we mention that contract talks have stalled, too, with Roma unwilling to hand him Veretout a raise on his current £50,000-a-week wages?
This is not the first time Tottenham have expressed an interest in Veretout. Spurs were keen in 2015 too, before Villa pipped them to the post.
Six years ago, this might have felt like a bullet dodged as Villa dropped out of the top-flight and their ill-fitting midfielder hightailed it back across the Channel.
Now, it makes for an intriguing subplot as Veretout looks to make up for lost time on English soil.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
