OPINION
While Aston Villa fans will be rubbing their hands together at the prospect of promotion back to the Premier League – Dean Smith’s side having reignited their play off hopes quite spectacularly – there must also be a focus on what comes next.
We are of course talking about the summer transfer window, which will play a big part in Villa’s future regardless of which league they are playing in.
Unfortunately for the Villans it seems Tammy Abraham’s stay in the Midlands will be short lived, the striker confirming he is wanting a chance to prove his worth at parent side Chelsea after his loan spell.
With a lack of other striker options behind the England international – Jonathan Kodjia hardly the man the fans want leading the line and Scott Hogan doing little to convince anyone he should be given a chance during his loan spell at Sheffild United – a new centre forward is an absolute must.
One man who could do a job for Villa, regardless of what league they are in, is Newcastle United’s giant hitman Joselu, who Chronicle journalist Chris Waugh reports is set for the St James’ Park exit door this summer.
Standing at 6’3″ (source: Transfermarkt) the Spaniard has fallen out of favour under Rafael Benitez and while by no means a prolific hitman, is a hard worker who never gives up.
What he lacks in pace he makes up for in physicality and an exceptional work ethic, while a run of games could give him the confidence needed to start banging goals in on a regular basis.
With 68 Premier League games under his belt, he would be a worthy option both in the top flight or in the Championship for Villa and while he might not get pulses racing like Abraham, he can offer Smith plenty up top.
Up for sale, he could prove to be a real bargain.