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7 hours ago
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Aston Villa are in a tight spot in this summer transfer window as they aim to stay on the right side of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules. Therefore, Villa are looking to offload a few players to free up funds before wrapping up deals.
While Unai Emery's men missed out on the Champions League qualification in the last game of the season, they will still feature in the Europa League, and they need new players in a couple of positions to strengthen their case in the European competition for the upcoming season.
The Villans desperately need a right-back this summer, and as per reports via BirminghamLive, suggest that they are pushing for a move to sign RB Leipzig defender Luthsharel Geertruida.
Interestingly, Villa missed out on the 24-year-old defender last summer as he joined RB Leipzig for €20 million. He was also linked with Liverpool as they needed a versatile defender.
While Villa missed out on him last summer, they didn't stop monitoring the 24-year-old. His recent struggles with Leipzig in the Bundesliga have raised concerns over his future at the club. Therefore, Villa see this as an opportunity to bring him to Villa Park this summer.
Last month, even Sky Germany reported that Geertruida could leave Leipzig as both the club and the player are dissatisfied and are open to a change this summer. With Leipzig not featuring in European competitions next season, Geertruida could move to Villa and feature in the Europa League.
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What could Geertruida bring to Aston Villa?
Geertruida has struggled for form at Leipzig in his first season in the Bundesliga. He only featured in 24 league appearances but only started seven of Leipzig's last 19 matches of the last campaign.
At the end of the season, Geertruida lost his spot in the starting eleven to Aston Villa loanee Kosta Nedeljkovic at right-back. He still finished the season with 35 appearances across competitions for Leipzig.
But one bad season doesn't change the talent that the 24-year-old possesses with his solid defensive quality and versatility. Predominantly a right-back, Geertruida can also slot in as a centre-back and a defensive midfielder. So if the deal happens, then he would be a great utility player for the Emery.
Some reports have also linked Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto as an alternative for Emery's men, as they are desperately looking to sign a right-back this summer.
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