Why Aston Villa should sign Karlan Grant for the future
According to Sky Sports, Aston Villa have targeted Huddersfield forward Karlan Grant ahead of the summer transfer window.
Grant, 22, came through the ranks of Charlton Athletic’s youth system and was sent on loan to Cambridge United and Crawley Town. After making 98 appearances for the Addicks, he moved to West Yorkshire with Huddersfield Town in January 2019.
The youngster scored 14 goals last season in League One for Charlton and went on to find the back of the net 4 times for the Terriers in the Premier League before they got relegated to the second-tier. However, he has been in excellent form for the Championship side this season and has already racked up 16 goals and 4 assists in 35 games across all competitions.
He is one of the best forwards in the second tier and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed as promotion-chasers West Brom and Brentford are also keen on Grant, as per the report.
Meanwhile, Dean Smith’s men have struggled to keep up their good form in the Premier League and are currently 19th in the league. The Villans have been inconsistent despite reaching the finals of the EFL Cup.
The attacking unit has managed to score 34 goals so far but that has not been enough to lift them from the relegation zone. Except for Jack Grealish, none of them has put in a consistent performance.
Summer signing Wesley scored just 5 goals before he got injured. The manager then signed Mbwana Samatta and Borja Baston in January to bolster his attack but they have managed to score just 8 goals in as many league games since the start of the new year. And Keinan Davis has been used rarely.
Therefore, Smith should look to add firepower to the attack and add depth to the squad with some important signings. And Karlan Grant would be a viable option for the Villans, whose forwards have not put in a fight.
The 22-year-old scored 13 goals in the 2017/18 season and followed it up with 18 goals throughout the previous campaign. He has already managed 16 goals this term and it is evident that he has been improving each day. He could be a useful addition to Smith’s squad if he is able to provide them with the much-needed extra goals.
Predominantly a centre-forward, Grant can play anywhere across the frontline and has been impressing in various positions for the Terriers. He has the ability to take his game to the next level and already showed glimpses in the top-flight with Huddersfield Town last season.
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Verdict
At 22, this would be the right time for him to take a huge stride and the English youth international still has room for improvement. Villa have struggled to score and therefore, signing a young striker would give them a player for the future.
Hence, Smith should make no mistake in his pursuit of Grant and should be able to sign him in the summer.
