Steven Gerrard makes Aston Villa promise ahead of the summer transfer window
Steven Gerrard has reassured the Aston Villa supporters that his side will be “competitive” next season ahead of what is set to be a busy summer.
The Villans added Barcelona loanee Philippe Coutinho – who is now at the club permanently – and former Everton ace Lucas Digne to their ranks in the January transfer window and this boss is looking to build further.
Despite wanting to get the ball rolling as soon as possible in the transfer window, the former Rangers boss put the onus on being “patient”.
“Of course, we want them in as early as possible,” he told Birmingham Live. “But the transfer window isn’t open yet so my hands are tied.
“I want them in yesterday. The quicker you get them in, the quicker you can get them settled. In an ideal world, you want all your business done for when you come back for the first day of pre-season but that is unrealistic because people go away and do different things.”
“A transfer is a process,” Gerrard added. “It is not just the case of making a bid and them saying yes or no.
“In my shoes, you have to be patient but yeah, I’d love them in yesterday and in for a full pre-season. There is obviously a free market as well which can be a bit different. You can bring them in a bit quicker. We are working as hard as we can and I can assure our supporters next season we will be more competitive, for sure.”
Major pull.
It is going to be a really exciting summer, one hopefully fully of transfers for Aston Villa.
Gerrard has already had the opportunity to bring in players in January but he was only with the squad for a short period of time ahead of the window.
The Liverpool legend has now benefitted from several months working with these players and will have a far better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and what this team will need next season.
This summer is when the big decisions need to be made. The Lions boss will know by now the players who have a future with him and the ones who need to be moved on and that is very important.
We have already seen the former England international’s ability to sign players – he has great pull with his legendary status meaning that players are desperate to work with him.
It will be vital to get the house in order ahead of any summer signings.
In other Aston Villa news, Gerrard has slammed his “extremely naive” Villans players after the Crystal Palace draw.