Felipe Anderson ‘low risk’ signing for Aston Villa as wage verdict shared amid Sky Sports transfer news
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Felipe Anderson would be no more than a squad player if Aston Villa sign the Lazio star in the summer, according to Alan Hutton.
Sky Sports News reported on 5 January that Villa are showing an interest in signing the 30-year-old Brazilian, whose contract at Stadio Olimpico is set to expire at the end of June.
It is understood that cubs outside of Italy are now free to speak to the former West Ham star about a pre-contract agreement.
Hutton has seen Anderson play for Lazio and he doesn’t believe he’d be a signing that’ll help elevate the West Midlands club to the next level.
However, if the money is right and Anderson can add some more quality to the bench, the former right-back is all for the move.
“I’m not sure if I’m honest,” Hutton told Villa News.
“I can understand why they’re looking at him because he’s got something; he’s got that spark. I don’t think you see it enough though.
“I’ve watched him a few times for Lazio and he’s done well but his final ball isn’t great. But he’s 30 now and will be available for free in the summer.
“I understand why you’d take the risk because it’s low risk for Aston Villa if they’re happy with the wage demands. I do get it so he can bring something but I think he’d be more of a squad player than a regular starter.
“We’ll see how it develops but I don’t think he’s a player who’s going to push them into that top-four bracket.”
Anderson has scored once and supplied seven assists in 26 appearances across all competitions for Lazio this season.
The two-times Brazil international has Premier League experience, having made 63 league appearances for West Ham between 2018 and 2021.
In other Aston Villa news, a broadcaster wants Emery to sign up the friend of a Villa star for £10.7million this month.