Since joining Villa Park from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, the midfielder has failed to make an impact.
According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa would “listen to offers” for Leander Dendoncker this summer.
The Premier League defensive midfielder only moved across the Midlands from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, but despite making 21 appearances in his debut season, he has not made the positive immediate impact he would have hoped for as a bit-part player.
After being signed by former manager Steven Gerrard, the Belgian international was only given seven starts in the previous season and plainly does not factor in Unai Emery’s long-term plans. There was even some skepticism when he first signed because the term of his deal had not been disclosed, which is rare when a team announces a new signing.
Furthermore, Youri Tielemans has already been confirmed as one of the new summer arrivals at Villa Park, with Villarreal’s Pau Torres not far behind, both of whom can play in the 28-year-old’s positions, so with the manager bringing in fresh faces, the future of the former Molineux star does not look promising.
Romano disclosed on Twitter that Aston Villa are willing to authorize the transfer of Dendoncker this summer, with the player himself on board for an exit, and he will not be short of possible bidders from the Premier League and beyond. He stated:
“Aston Villa are open to hearing offers for Leander Dendoncker, despite his longer-term contract.” Emery rates him, but there’s a lot of competition. French and Italian clubs have already requested information; the player is open to any type of proposition. Premier League clubs are also interested.”
Aston Villa will have expected Dendoncker to be a marquee signing, and Emery will have expected much more from him, but that hasn’t happened, so NSWE and Monchi would be making the correct decision by letting him go this summer, albeit with regret that it didn’t work out as planned when pursuing him.
According to WhoScored, the Wasserman client, who is sponsored by Nike, ranked 18th overall worst-performing player out of 21 squad members last season and 11th defensively, averaging just one tackle per top-flight game, which is insufficient for a player who is naturally stronger in that aspect of his game.
The Passendale native has not only failed to register a single goal or assist, but he was also sent off in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to League One side Stevenage back in January for a “rash” challenge, as described by Nedum Onouha, so he hasn’t even taken his chances when given the chance.
Finally, Dendoncker earns £90,000 per week, which is more than Ollie Watkins, who deserves far more, and it’s a large figure to pay a periphery player, so cashing in would allow the hierarchy to put this money towards bringing in new players.
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