Aston Villa

Hatfield: If Villa get Europa League they become even more attractive

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Image for Hatfield: If Villa get Europa League they become even more attractive

Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes that Aston Villa are an attractive side currently, but if they can qualify for the Europa League, they become even more attractive for players. 

Dean Smith has added Emiliano Buendia to his side already this summer. The former Norwich player made the move to Villa Park in a deal which saw Aston Villa break their club record transfer fee for a player.

Aston Villa were also linked with Arsenal youngster Emile Smith-Rowe and had a bid of £30m rejected by the London outfit. Smith-Rowe then went on to sign a new contract, which saw him commit his long-term future to Arsenal.

Despite missing out on Smith-Rowe, Hatfield believes that Villa are an attractive side, telling This is Futbol: “Villa are a side coming off a really good season themselves, I think a lot of players look at Villa as an up-and-coming Premier League side, so I think they’ve got that on their side now as well. 

“For Villa the next step really is challenging for those Europa League sports on a consistent basis. If they can do then obviously, they become even more attractive to players, particularly the ones on the continent who do want to play in European competition.”

Villa finished the Premier League season in 11th place on 55 points, ten points behind West Ham who were sixth and occupied the last Europa League spot.

After adding Buendia to the team, Dean Smith is looking to complete more signings with Aston Villa’s official website confirming on Saturday that they have an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen over the addition of Leon Bailey.

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