Martin O’Neill has backed Aston Villa to attract ‘very big players’ to the club in the summer after the arrival of Philippe Coutinho, as he told talkSPORT (02/02/22 at 8:50 am).
The former Villa boss also added that Steven Gerrard has a ‘really decent’ squad at his disposal and he backed them to do ‘very well’ in the future.
The January transfer window was very productive for those in the Midlands, with several players joining the club.
Coutinho was the standout arrival after he joined on-loan from Barcelona, whilst Villa did pretty well to secure the signature of Lucas Digne from Everton.
Calum Chambers proved to be Danny Ings x 2, after his surprise announcement, as Robin Olsen joined as a back-up to Emiliano Martinez.
But, come the summer, O’Neill is backing Villa to go again and attract the big stars to B6.
“I think Villa are a really decent team,” said O’Neill. “Coutinho has arrived there, so his relationship with him (Gerrard) suggests that he will be able to attract very big players.
“Therefore, over time, I expect them to do very well.”
The last time Villa were in Europe, O’Neill was in the dugout and that’s what fans are craving the most.
It’s unlikely Villa will get into Europe this season, but given the positive impact Gerrard has had and the squad he is building.
Then, there is a great chance that they can secure those European finishes for the next campaign.
But a lot will depend on the players Villa can lure, as Coutinho’s signings is a hint that they can and will go big.
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