Frederic Guilbert could be on his way out of Aston Villa – report
Aston Villa could finally be about to move Frederic Guilbert on after a difficult pre-season, according to the Birmingham Mail.
The French right-back arrived from Caen in January 2019, though he remained in France on loan until the end of the 2018/19 season, but never truly nailed down a starting berth.
He has spent the last 18 months on loan at Strasbourg, but the Birmingham Mail suggested in a Q&A on Tuesday morning (26 July) that he may be moved on again this summer.
Ashley Preece revealed that Guilbert was on a later flight back from Australia alongside Jaden Philogene-Bidace and Filip Marschall, both of whom are also set for loan exits.
He also reiterated that rising star Kaine Kesler Hayden is set to remain at Villa Park as things stand, though that could change later in the window.
Stick or twist?
Villa’s right-back situation is a tricky one, considering the strength of Matty Cash and how he is effectively un-droppable.
The Polish international won Villa’s Supporters Player of the Season for 2021/22 and established himself as a top Premier League right-back, so there is a battle to become his understudy.
Kesler Hayden is a fast, skilful right-back who fits the system much better than the more defence-minded Guilbert.
However, that, in turn, provides its own problems, as someone at Kesler Hayden’s stage of development needs to be playing regular football.
Guilbert also gives Villa a greater level of versatility, with his defensive ability allowing Villa to sit back more to protect a lead if needed.
It is a difficult situation but letting Guilbert go is probably the better option.
While he has never let Villa down, the Frenchman turns 28 in December and after excelling during his time back in his homeland, he deserves to be a regular starter.
If he does end up leaving, he will go as a very popular player and with well wishes.
In other Aston Villa news, Morgan Sanson is set to be given a second chance.