PSV interested in Aston Villa outcast Anwar El Ghazi – report
By Jonty Banks
PSV are interested in a move for Aston Villa outcast Anwar El Ghazi, according to Dutch newspaper Eindhovens Dagblad.
A potential move for El Ghazi is said to depend on the future of Cody Gakpo amid interest from Manchester United [De Telegraaf] – which would in turn leave the Dutch club short-changed in the attacking department.
El Ghazi has found himself surplus to requirements at Villa and hasn’t started a Premier League game this calendar year.
Best for all parties
Although El Ghazi remains a popular player within the Aston Villa fanbase, he simply does not possess the quality which Steven Gerrard requires in his hunt for European football.
El Ghazi, who has netted 15 times in his 71 appearances for the club, is best known for his match-winning goal in the 2019 playoff final, but since the club’s promotion to the Premier League has struggled to nail down a spot in the team.
With Gerrard possibly wanting to free up some funds for a potential centre-back in the closing days of the window and PSV lacking attacking options due to the injury of forward Noni Madueke, the deal makes complete sense.
The club have attempted to offer El Ghazi to numerous Premier League clubs to no avail, so a move back home would be a sensible way of getting his career back on track.
If Villa are to continue their progression into Europe, as Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens have made loud and clear, deadwood such as El Ghazi must be shipped off and better quality acquired in his place.
It’s in his best interest and Villa’s best interest while PSV would be bolstering their waning attack with a player who’s experienced in the Eredivisie.
In other Aston Villa news, Alan Hutton is delighted to see his former side take the Carabao Cup seriously after a big 4-1 win away at Bolton Wanderers in midweek.