Aston Villa: Lino Sousa contract ‘anomalies’ at Arsenal allowed Villa Park move
We’re delighted to welcome Aston Villa podcaster Ty Bracey as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
There were “anomalies” in the contract of Lino Sousa at Arsenal that allowed him to make the move to Aston Villa, according to Ty Bracey.
Villa announced on their website on 1 February that the 19-year-old left-back has joined the club for an undisclosed fee from the Gunners.
They confirmed that the England U-19 international has immediately linked up with Championship side Plymouth Argyle on loan until the end of the season.
Bracey believes sending Sousa out on loan will be “massively important” for his development as it will allow him to gain some first-team experience.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bracey said: “I think he’s a future development one. He obviously wasn’t getting game time at Arsenal.
“I’ve seen something to do with anomalies in his contract of why he left Arsenal. But he’s another player for the future, we’ve signed him and sent him straight out on loan.
“I think it’s important that these types of players are getting minutes and he wasn’t getting that at Arsenal.
“To go and get that first-team experience is massively important for his development and, obviously, it’s good for us too, so it’s a win-win situation.”
Lino Sousa can gain vital experience before Aston Villa return
It’s an excellent opportunity for Sousa to go out on loan as he continues the trend of Villa youngsters heading to Plymouth after defender Kaine Kesler-Hayden and midfielder Finn Azaz, who recently joined Middlesbrough on a permanent deal, both spent time there this season.
The former West Brom academy product made his debut for the Pilgrims off the bench in their 1-0 victory over Swansea City on Saturday (3 February).
The Lisbon-born defender will be hoping the temporary move can put him in a position to link up with the Villans’ first-team squad on his return to Villa Park in the summer.
In other Aston Villa news, Unai Emery may have contacted his former club after a Villa player exit has been confirmed.
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