Aston Villa have no-brainer Julian Brandt decision this summer – here’s why
Aston Villa always have an eye out for a transfer bargain.
The well-documented financial and PSR problems facing Aston Villa over recent years has put a focus on shrewd, pragmatic recruitment at Villa Park.
Villa’s most recent winter transfer window with arrivals in the form of Douglas Luiz, Tammy Abraham, Brian Madjo and Alysson respectively, point towards that.
However, Unai Emery has had to contend with a long and continued injury list this season, which has cast an unwanted spotlight on the lack of strength in depth in some key areas of his squad.
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Why Aston Villa have to pounce on Julian Brandt this summer
There are numerous areas of the pitch that Emery will want to strengthen his Villa squad in this summer, but one of the main priorities has to be bolstering their cutting edge out wide.
Jadon Sancho’s move to the West Midlands hasn’t worked out, Alysson is still only 19, Leon Bailey looks sure to be moved on from this summer, as does Evan Guessand respectively.
John McGinn is now 31 and has been out injured since mid-January, whilst Emi Buendia’s form has cooled in recent weeks after he’d been enjoying a real Villa Park revival this season.
So, Villa will surely cast their net into the winger market this summer, and emerging news from Germany should have them already preparing a sales pitch for one player in particular: Julian Brandt.
Brandt was linked with a move to Villa in the summer, but the 29-year-old opted to remain with Borussia Dortmund instead.
However, the German outfit confirmed on Saturday that he will be leaving them upon the expiration of his contract at the end of this season, meaning he will be able to be signed on a free transfer.
And, as showcased in the above graphic from Sofascore, the German international would be a superb value signing on a free for Aston Villa.
He’s registered an impressive 23 per cent goal conversion rate in the Bundesliga this season, made zero errors leading to goals and has completed 50 per cent of his dribble attempts successfully.
In just shy of 300 games for Dortmund, Brandt has scored 56 goals and provided 69 assists, and is capable of playing anywhere across the forward line and even in central midfield.
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What have Dortmund said about Brandt decision?
Given Brandt has played 40-plus games in all competitions every single season since he signed for Dortmund in the summer of 2019, his exit will be a significant blow for them this summer.
Not only has he proven he can stay fit throughout a campaign – something Villa will value massively – he’s also been a consistently excellent producer of goal contributions.
In an interview with Sky Germany via the official Bundesliga website, Dortmund’s director for sport Lars Ricken confirmed Brandt’s imminent exit, and also spoke highly of his time with the club.
“After open talks, we agreed that the contract that is set to expire would not be renewed,” he said.
“(He has) played a few hundred games for Borussia Dortmund. I think we can only feel gratitude towards him. He spent seven years with us and was sometimes viewed critically.
“Today he set up another goal. I always appreciated his numbers. He’ll turn 30 in a few weeks, and we can look to move in a slightly new direction — so it can also be an opportunity for both sides.”
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