Aston Villa: Dan Bardell reacts as ‘unhappy’ Leander Dendoncker closes on Villa Park loan exit amid Napoli medical update
We’re delighted to welcome Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
Dan Bardell believes Leander Dendoncker has been agitating for a move away from Aston Villa behind the scenes as he closes in on a switch to Napoli.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Wednesday (24 January) that the Belgian international is in Italy completing medical tests before finalising his move to the Serie A champions in an initial loan deal until the end of the season.
The deal will ensure that all of the 28-year-old’s salary will be covered in full by the Italian club, with a €9million (£7.7million) buy-out clause included.
Bardell believes Dendoncker has been “relatively solid” for Villa, but he added that the deal shows how much of an “absolute catastrophe” Steven Gerrard’s reign was after the midfielder struggled to nail down a regular first-team place following his £13million move from Wolves in 2022.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “I think it makes sense for the player because he’s fourth, fifth-choice midfielder. I think he’s been agitating for a move behind the scenes, he’s been unhappy that he hasn’t really been playing much football.
“As a player, I don’t mind him as a fourth or fifth central midfielder. I don’t think he’s ever let Villa down, I think he’s quite useful to come on and close out games as well with his physicality and reading of the game, but he’ll want to go and play.
“Napoli won the league last season, but they’ve had a really difficult season this time around. It hasn’t been a stable place Napoli, but I’m not convinced he’ll be first choice there either. But it’s maybe that’s a bit slower and it might suit him a bit more.
“There’s an option to buy for €9million if he does join on loan, so Emery’s obviously thinking that Villa can afford to lose him, and the younger players can step up.
“I think he’s been relatively solid, but it just shows the absolute catastrophe that was Steven Gerrard’s reign, that £13million was dropped on a player that the manager didn’t really have a place for, never had an intention of using him, but he signed it off anyway.
“Villa spent £13million and Gerrard gets the sack for being terrible, and Unai Emery has not managed to provide a place for him in his plans either because he doesn’t do the things Douglas Luiz and Kamara can do.
“I think he’ll go with most Villa fans’ good wishes, but with an admission that it was a panic signing for the club.”
In other Aston Villa news, a broadcaster has suggested a potential loophole Villa could be exploiting in the transfer market.
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