Aston Villa ‘can sign perfect Jhon Duran replacement’ after £50m transfer news

Aston Villa are yet to find their direct replacement for Jhon Duran since his departure to Saudi Arabia.

As of now, Aston Villa will be fixated on their Champions League campaign and ensuring they can qualify for the competition again next season.

Once that fate is decided, attention can and will turn to the summer transfer window, which is likely to be as busy as ever.

Villa will have decisions to make on several players in terms of outgoings, though they will be keen to add some additional quality to their team at the same time.

With that in mind, Unai Emery’s side may have finally found their Duran successor, though he won’t come cheap.

Hugo Ekitike could be a perfect addition for Villa

Despite scoring goals, concerns have emerged over Ollie Watkins’ ability to be the main recognised number nine.

Quite frankly, that will need to be rectified in the summer if a Villa are to build on the progress from this season, with the latest report from TBR (27 March) suggesting that they are looking to do just that. 

The report states that Villa have been keeping an eye on Hugo Ekitike, who could be allowed to leave Frankfurt for a fee upwards of £50million.

Well, that would seem like a fairly expensive fee, it would be one that is worth it given his potential and performances this season.

His ability to get behind the defence and use his physicality is very similar to that of Duran, who thrived in the Premier League during his time at Aston Villa.

Villa need a successful summer window

Under the stewardship of Emery, matched with the level of quality in the squad currently, Aston Villa will again be competing at the top end of the Premier League next season.

However, in order to progress even further, recruitment needs to be right, and the key areas need to be improved.

For now, focus will be on the pitch, but it won't be long until that focus changes.