Why Aston Villa should go back in the market for Harold Moukoudi
Back in May 2018, a report from the Birmingham Live had mentioned Aston Villa among the potential suitors for centre-back Harold Moukoudi, who was plying his trade with Le Havre in the French second-tier back then.
The 23-year-old was also on the radar of EFL Championship side Middlesbrough and Scottish champions Celtic but he ended up joining Ligue 1 outfit Saint-Etienne on a free transfer in the summer of 2019. (h/t Birmingham Live)
Moukoudi, who rose through the youth ranks of Le Havre, made his debut for the club’s reserve side during the 2014-15 season. He enjoyed his first-team breakthrough in Ligue 2 in 2016-17 and eventually went on to establish himself as one of the most promising young defenders in the French second-tier.
The centre-back’s growing reputation prompted Saint-Etienne to offer him a route to the top-flight in 2019. Moukoudi made an instant impression, starting 11 league fixtures for the club during the first half of last season before moving out on loan to Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship in January. The former French U-20 international made 8 appearances as the Teessiders somehow staved off relegation.
Moukoudi has played a key role since his return to St.Etienne this past summer, starting 11 out of the club’s 17 Ligue 1 fixtures so far. Despite his club enduring an inconsistent start to the campaign, the 4-cap Cameroonian international has earned positive reviews for his performances at the heart of the defence.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are currently flying high in the Premier League after somehow steering themselves to safety last season. The Villans have won 8 out of their 14 league games so far, accumulating 26 points in the process.
Villa have scored 28 goals so far while conceding just 14 in the process. Those numbers represent a massive improvement for a club that finished 17th in the PL last season with a dismal goal difference of -26. Smith doesn’t seem to have too many pressing concerns heading into the winter window, with the Lions pretty much well-stocked in all departments.
However, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Aston Villa to add more quality to their ranks during the mid-season trading period. While roping in a new centre-back need not be a priority, they shouldn’t hesitate to look for options with an eye on the future. Putting things into perspective, Harold Moukoudi ticks plenty of boxes to come through the door as a useful addition to the squad at Villa Park.
Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa have been the first-choice central defenders for Smith this season. Kortney Hause has often been called into action as a back-up in that position but Bjorn Engels has been completely frozen out of the mix by the manager. The Belgian is yet to make a single appearance this season and had been touted for a departure in the summer. (h/t Daily Mail)
With Engels’ lack of involvement casting doubts over his future, Villa should look at Moukoudi as a potential alternative in the market. The Cameroonian international has been a revelation in Ligue 1 after rising to prominence with Le Havre in the second-tier.
The centre-back has established himself as a regular starter at St. Etienne and looks more than ready to test his credentials in the Premier League. His brief loan stint at Middlesbrough last season should also help him settle down quickly if Villa were to consider him in January or next summer.
Read More
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Verdict
Harold Moukoudi has made significant improvements to his game over the past 12 months. He still has plenty of room for growth and development at 23, thus potentially making him a good long-term signing for Aston Villa.
