Unai Emery ‘doesn’t like’ Leander Dendoncker as Aston Villa sanction high-earner exit
Villa News is delighted to welcome aboard our brilliant new columnist Bryan King, the former goalkeeper who spent over 10 years as a scout at Aston Villa and 28 years in total in first-team scouting roles. Bryan also spent six years on Tottenham’s recruitment team and eight years scouting at Everton…
Bryan King believes Aston Villa manager Unai Emery hasn’t been pleased with the performances of Leander Dendoncker this season.
The verdict comes after the defensive midfielder moved on loan to Serie A club Napoli for the remainder of the season.
The 28-year-old Belgian made 15 appearances in all competitions this season under Emery, scoring on one occasion.
Speaking to Villa News, King said: “I think it will be a straightforward deal with Dendoncker. He’s on big money, and obviously Emery doesn’t like him, or he’s not happy with him.
“He’s got the chance to get him up to Napoli, a good club, a big club. And it opens the door for Tim Iroegbunam. He’s 20, coming up through the academy.
“Apparently he is going to fill the hole Dendoncker has left for the European matches, that is a thought for Aston Villa.”
As Emery has shown during his tenure at Villa Park, there is always a plan in place, with the man in the dugout clearly believing in Iroegbunam’s ability.
The youngster looks set to come in for Dendoncker, having already appeared for the first team this season against Manchester United.
The 20-year-old has five senior Aston Villa appearances to his name overall, and has been named by Emery on the bench on several occasions this season.
In other Aston Villa news, one exit-linked Villa man recently shone with an 86% display, Emery will surely be delighted.
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