Aston Villa have been touted as a possible loan destination for Southampton and Poland centre-back Jan Bednarek this summer.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about Villa’s potential transfer business during the final weeks of the window.
Polish journalist Tomasz Wlodarczyk (via Sport Witness) has reported that Bednarek is ‘getting closer’ to a move to Villa this summer, in what would be a season-long loan deal.
The journalist says that the 26-year-old, who has been previously dubbed as a “monster” by journalist Sam Tighe, has other options should he leave Southampton this summer, but he is banking on the player plying his trade at Villa Park come the end of the transfer window.
The journalist doesn’t mention if Villa have an option or obligation to buy the centre-back at the end of the loan deal.
And O’Rourke believes that the move depends on whether Southampton are willing to let the 6 foot 2 defender leave this summer, as they would probably have to sign a replacement.
“Villa have been mentioned with Bednarek as a possible loan deal.
“It all depends on what Southampton want to do.
“If they do lose Bednarek I think they would need to bring in replacements to fill the void at the back as well.
“But I think Bednarek has been a good performer for Southampton over the years.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments
We believe that Villa fans will be satisfied that the club is looking at more centre-back options this summer after Diego Carlos suffered an Achilles injury, potentially ruling him out of action for about six months.
Bednarek has been an impressive performer at the back over the years for Southampton and ranks in the top 4% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for interceptions per 90 minutes (3.18) over the last 365 days, whilst he also ranks in the top 11% for both blocks (2.23) and clearances (5.61), and the top 13% for aerial duels won (3.81), according to FBref.
We therefore believe that following the injury to Carlos earlier this month, Steven Gerrard’s side could do a lot worse than bring the 42-time Poland international to the club on a season-long loan this summer.