Micah Richards in shock at latest Aston Villa transfer activity, but there may be a solution
Aston Villa’s latest move in the January transfer market has left Micah Richards very surprised.
Unai Emery’s side are flying in the Premier League this season, sitting third in the table and level on points with Manchester City in second.
Villa have lost just one of their last 15 games in all competitions, and look certain to finish in the Champions League places come May.
The January window should provide the Villans with a chance to kick on for the second half of the season, but Richards is confused at the thinking behind one of their latest deals.
Micah Richards says why he ‘can’t believe’ Donyell Malen exit
On Friday morning, it was confirmed that Donyell Malen has left Aston Villa to join Roma in the Serie A.
While Villa’s official announcement stated that the 26-year-old has joined the Italian outfit for an undisclosed fee, other reports say he has joined on an initial loan deal with a £21.7million obligation to buy.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards revealed that he couldn’t believe the Midlands outfit had sanctioned Malen’s exit.
He said: “I can’t believe they’re getting rid of Malen. I think he is excellent, I really do. He might not have the hold-up ability of Watkins, but I just love his intelligent runs in behind.
“He didn’t moan when he wasn’t playing, so I am surprised at that one.”
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Aston Villa have solution after Malen error
Richards is right to be shocked at Malen’s departure, given how important the Dutch international has been for Aston Villa this season.
The forward scored seven goals and picked up two assists across all competitions, despite many of his appearances coming from the bench.
In fact, Malen came up with a goal contribution for Villa every 123 minutes, compared to Ollie Watkins, who has only recorded one every 233 minutes.
Luckily for Emery, he already looks to have a replacement lined up, with Tammy Abraham close to a move from Besiktas to Villa Park.
Richards feels that Abraham is a good fit for the Midlands outfit and would provide strong backup to Watkins.
He said: “They’ve been linked with Tammy Abraham, that would be a good fit for them, as a backup for Watkins.”
Richards has every right to be confused by this latest confirmed Aston Villa transfer activity, then, but there is still time to rectify it before the window closes.
Stay up to date this winter with our Aston Villa transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Villa Park, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.