Aston Villa president of football operations Monchi

Aston Villa 'Panic Signing' mooted amid new transfer development

Dan is a Villa-mad presenter, podcaster and panellist. He’s presented for AVFC Official Facebook Live and The Villa View YouTube channel. Dan’s also featured for The Athletic and Sky Sports News. He’s now sharing his opinions on the first team, the academy and the women’s team with Villa News.

Published on:

27 Oct 2024, 2:40 am

Dan Bardell believes it makes sense to sell Leander Denoncker to Anderlecht after suggesting he was a "panic signing" in 2022.

The Belgium international departed Villa Park on loan in the summer for his former club who are now interested in making the deal permanent for £5million [Voetbalkrant].

This could end the 29-year-old's two-year spell with the Villans after signing from Wolves for £12.9m [The Athletic], representing a near £8m loss.

Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell thinks a sale suits all parties after being labelled as a "panic signing" under a previous manager.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: "I think it has reached the point of Dendoncker's career where he just has to leave.

"He was a panic signing at the time from Steven Gerrard, they were worried about losing Douglas Luiz.

"In fairness, I don't think he's ever let Villa down, he's even been useful at times. It was made clear that he doesn't fit in with Emery's vision for a central midfielder so it's best for both parties that he's off the wage bill.

"Any sort of transfer fee at this point, for a player who clearly isn't wanted, I think the club will be happy with that."

Leander Dendoncker could leave Aston Villa permanently

The defensive midfielder provided cover at times last campaign when injuries took their toll during the heavy winter period, but Emery ultimately had little faith in him.

This meant that a January move suited all parties which saw Dendoncker join Napoli in what was a failed loan.

In the most recent window, a temporary return to his boyhood club made sense and it is clear that he has made a positive impression given they are willing to spend millions on him.