Maximilian Beier named as Ollie Watkins alternative with Aston Villa transfer lined up
Dan Bardell has backed Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier to be a useful alternative to Ollie Watkins for Aston Villa if he signs this summer.
Florian Plettenberg (24 June) has reported that the Villans have a “concrete interest” in the German in the transfer window.
He has also reported that Beier has a £25.4m release clause with Chelsea set to battle to sign the 21-year-old this summer.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell believes that he would be a signing who could play alongside and as a replacement option for Watkins.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “He would be an interesting one because there’s a player there who can play multiple positions across the front line.
“He’s over six foot which fits in with the physicality that Emery seems to be after. He’s got a release clause and he’s coming off the back of a good season with Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.
“Villa needs an alternative to Ollie Watkins who can also play alongside him and considering Emery only ever plays with one striker, an alternative needs to be able to play in other positions.
“It’s what Villa need and he works really hard as well which mirrors Watkins so he could be one to keep an eye on.“
Aston Villa interested in Maximilian Beier
With Jhon Duran seemingly staring at the exit door this summer, a new striker option is going to be needed at Villa Park.
The Colombian has been linked with a move to Chelsea for many months and it may be possible for a deal to go through this summer.
This would leave a hole in the Villans’ squad ahead of a campaign where they embark on Champions League football.
Beier could prove to be a useful option considering the versatility that he could add to the forward line if needed.
Across 33 Bundesliga appearances last year, the 21-year-old scored 16 goals and provided one assist [FotMob] which is a positive record at that age.
His passing is a facet of his game which would certainly make him well-suited to an Emery system which is hugely positive.
With a £25m release clause in his contract, if Villa have the funds available after the 30 June PSR deadline, a bargain could be found by Monchi and Co.
In other Aston Villa news, a comparison has been made as one star is once again linked with a Saudi Arabia transfer this summer.
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