Unai Emery is supposedly keen to bring Eden Hazard to Aston Villa, as he aims to put his stamp on things in the Midlands and outdo Black Country rivals Wolves.
There hasn’t been much to split the Midlands-based pair so far this season, with Wolves languishing 19th in the Premier League on ten points, while the Villans sit just ahead in 16th on 12 points.
Aston Villa already copied Wolves in sacking their manager, but Diego Costa’s struggles at Molineux show why the Villans should avoid mimicking their rivals for a second time.
Aston Villa must look at Wolves
It can always be a risky move to sign ageing superstars of the past, and Emery only needs to look at how Costa – now aged 34 – to see why a deal for Hazard would be a bad idea.
Wolves signed the declining Spain international on a deal until the end of the season to bolster their attacking options, only for him to arguably make the situation worse.
Costa received a straight red card in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Brentford, meaning Wolves are now striker-less for the next three games, while he is also yet to score in his six Premier League appearances so far.
Amazingly, the man who once scored 52 Premier League goals for Chelsea only completed nine passes in 96 minutes against the Bees – he is a shadow of his old self.
Hazard also likely to struggle in the Midlands
Of course, Hazard and Costa are different players, although they both peaked during their time at Chelsea roughly six years ago now, so it would seem safe to suggest the Belgian will also struggle back in English football.
In truth, there are already signs of decline for the 31-year-old.
Hazard – who Defensa Central claim is a target for Emery – has only scored seven goals in 72 appearances for Real Madrid, so there is little to suggest that he will go back to his old self at Villa Park.
In our view, moves for more up and coming talent would suit Emery better, and help him build an energetic, hungry side in claret and blue, rather than a retirement home for those who once bossed Europe.
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