View: Aston Villa should sell Douglas Luiz and replace him with Yves Bissouma
Aston Villa are likely to make big moves during the summer transfer window, but they also have some big decisions to make on potential outgoings too.
Steven Gerrard has made it clear that he wants to make several additions to his squad during the summer, but to make room for those arrivals some players will need to leave.
One of those potential exchanges within the squad sits in the holding midfield position, with Yves Bissouma and Douglas Luiz the names particularly in the mix.
During the January transfer window Villa were linked with a move for Bissouma [The Athletic], but Brighton held firm on their £50m valuation and a deal never materialised.
But with just one year remaining on his contract there is far more scope for a deal to be done during the summer window, and that could open the exit door for Luiz to move elsewhere.
The former Manchester City midfielder is also entering the final 12 months of his deal, but his performances over the last season have been rather disappointing.
Before his injury Marvellous Nakamba had usurped him as the first-choice defensive midfielder, and he seems almost certain to look to leave the club for a new environment.
But that could be ideal for Villa. Luiz and Bissouma aren’t too indifferent in their abilities, but the Mali international is a bit more dynamic and that tends to suit a Gerrard team more.
He is more of a dribbler than Luiz, which is something the boss likes in his midfielders, while he keeps the defensive awareness and would compliment John McGinn with his athleticism.
If Villa are able to negotiate a sale for Luiz that seems them earn a good amount of cash, they can put that towards signing Bissouma and it’s a direct replacement.
He suits the Villa squad better, they bring in someone who wants to be there and Gerrard trims his squad in the process of bolstering it.
It works for all parties and fans will likely be happy at the trade too, but most importantly it will get Gerrard closer to the squad he wants.
In other Aston Villa news, Steven Gerrard ‘recruiting for XI’ at Aston Villa, expects busy summer