The transfer window may be closed, but for several clubs, the work is far from over. It was one of the most chaotic summers in the Premier League for a long time, as clubs scrambled to get their targets right up until the deadline – completing major overhauls in the process.
Among the busiest clubs were Aston Villa. Those in the Midlands were forced into the market several times as an unexpected exodus of talent hit Unai Emery where it hurts.
|
Nationality |
New Club |
Fee |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Morgan Rogers |
England |
Chelsea |
£117m |
|
Ezri Konsa |
England |
Arsenal |
£55m |
|
Ollie Watkins |
England |
Al Hilal |
£51m |
|
Youri Tielemans |
Belgium |
Man Utd |
£35m |
|
Donyell Malen |
Netherlands |
Roma |
£21.6m |
|
Enzo Barrenechea |
Argentina |
Benfica |
£13m |
|
Lewis Dobbin |
England |
Southampton |
£9m |
|
Lucas Digne |
France |
PSG |
£8.5m |
|
Emiliano Martinez |
Argentina |
Chelsea |
£7.5m |
|
Andres Garcia |
Spain |
Getafe |
Loan |
|
Oliwier Zych |
Poland |
Vit. Guimaraes |
Loan |
|
Kosta Nedeljković |
Serbia |
Rangers |
Loan |
|
Samuel Iling-Junior |
England |
Bolton |
Loan |
|
Joe Gauci |
Australia |
Lincoln City |
Loan |
Ollie Watkins’ departure is the one that hurt the most. Even his apology may not have been enough to earn the forgiveness of those at Villa Park, despite what he’s given to the club.
The one positive for Villa was that those sales helped them spend big for the first time in what would have felt like an eternity. They splashed out on Nicolas Jackson, Johan Manzambi, Ibrahim Mbaye and others as they particularly revamped their midfield and frontline.
The spending, however, is still not done. They’ve already got their sights set on the January transfer window and Bayer Leverkusen’s Christian Kofane.
The 20-year-old is considered one of the most talented young players in the Bundesliga and interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United is expected to arrive in the January transfer window.
Aston Villa already plotting Christian Kofane move
As reported by Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Aston Villa are plotting a move to sign Kofane from Leverkusen this winter. They see the forward as a player with several upsides and are expected to continue chasing his signature.
It’s easy to see why the 20-year-old has attracted such interest, too. Valued at a whopping £87m, in 46 senior appearances for Levekusen, he’s been involved in 18 goals – scoring nine and assisting nine. The only way from here is up and perhaps even the Premier League.
Kofane has earned plenty of deserved praise during his Bundesliga rise, including from former French player Samuel Lobe, who compared him to African legend Samuel Eto’o.
“He (Kofane) reminds me of Eto’o in his playing style. He is a talented young player. He will go far if he keeps up this momentum.”
It’s high praise indeed for Kofane and it’s exactly why Villa should swoop in as early as possible. The last thing they need is to be priced out of a move for a player who could lead their line for years to come.
Dubbed “fantastic” by scout Jacek Kulig, the 20-year-old is undoubtedly one to watch when the January transfer window arrives.