Tim Sherwood told talkSPORT (09/08/21 at 9:15 am) that Aston Villa can look ‘towards Europe’ following the business they have conducted this summer in the transfer market.
From losing Jack Grealish to securing the surprise capture of Danny Ings, it has been some window for those at Villa Park and it’s still not over.
Many teams would perhaps struggle having to part ways with their best player, but at this moment in time, Villa have done a pretty strong job of filling the void left by Grealish.
Sherwood hailed Dean Smith as someone who is ‘too good’ to be in a relegation battle next season despite losing Grealish and he thinks they can look towards the Europa League.
On their transfer business and losing Grealish: “Obviously got a lot of money there now,” said Sherwood. “They are looking to strengthen losing Jack Grealish, it might weaken them.
“But I don’t think it’s going to be that bad. It’s not a case of them getting relegated now. I think they are secure in the Premier League and they need to build without him.
“I think they are (looking good for the future). I think the players that they have are going to hit the ground running, aren’t they? You know what to expect.
“The next step for Villa is trying to edge their way towards Europe. I don’t think they are going to challenge for the Champions League but try to get to the Europa League. Relegation is out of the question for them. They are too strong for that. I think the manager is too good for that and the fans are magnificent.”
Every season Smith has been in charge of Villa they have progressed and another critical season awaits the former Brentford boss.
Last season, Villa secured 15 clean sheets and those very same defensive players are still at the club so there’s no reason why they can’t build on that.
Plus, their attack still has some serious quality to it, from Ollie Watkins to their new big-money playmaker in Emiliano Buendia.
If the new players can settle in quickly ahead of the new Premier League season then there’s no reason why they can’t target those top seven spots.
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