Jan Bednarek close to joining Aston Villa on season-long loan from Southampton – Polish journalist
By Liam Thomas
Steven Gerrard is sitting on thin ice at Aston Villa, with a string of disappointing results casting doubts over his team’s defensive capabilities.
Polish journalist Tomas Wlodarczyk has claimed via Meczyki’s YouTube channel that Southampton defender Jan Bednarek is nearing a move to Aston Villa.
Bednarek is under contract at Southampton until 2025, although, it’s thought the player has his heart set on leaving St Mary’s this summer.
As quoted by Meczyki’s Twitter account on Wednesday (24 August), Wlodarczyk said: “Jan Bednarek is getting closer to Aston Villa. A club run by Steven Gerrard would see him on a yearly loan.
“The Pole also has other options, but I bet it will be [Villa].
“His adventure with Southampton is slowly coming to an end.”
Aston Villa’s defence was heavily exposed this past weekend against Crystal Palace with the menacing Wilfred Zaha feasting on Gerrard’s weak backline; a new signing is necessary.
Essential signing
With Villa’s summer signing Diego Carlos ruled out for the next six months (at least), signing a defender with a proven track record is essential for Gerrard.
Bednarek would need little time to adapt to playing in Gerrard’s starting XI and his Premier League experience is crucial after the Villans rocky start.
Gerrard’s Villa side seems to be lacking a real defensive leader; Tyrone Mings isn’t fully trusted by the manager and captain John McGinn’s countless yellow cards are becoming a reason to worry.
The Pole provides a wealth of experience that can bring clarity to Villa’s current messy setup.
He’s played in 152 games for the Saints and features heavily on the international stage for Poland.
And it’s his performances for his country that have likely intrigued Gerrard even more; the 26-year-old has been a monster at the back for Poland in international fixtures.
Bednarek screams untapped potential and given the opportunity to dictate a defence to his own accord is an exciting prospect for Villa.
The reports from Poland claim Bednarek would cost Steven Gerrard’s team around €15m (£12.6m). [Meczyki]
A fair price to pay and a no-brainer considering the player’s desire to join the ranks at Villa; this one needs to be sorted out soon rather than later.
In other Aston Villa news, Matty Cash versus Said Benrahma will be crucial when Villa play against West Ham.