Why Aston Villa signing this £20m Liverpool ace would be a boost to Dean Smith’s attack

published

Why Aston Villa should make an approach for Harry Wilson

According to The Sun (h/t Daily Express), Aston Villa are plotting a £20million bid for Liverpool winger Harry Wilson.

A Liverpool academy graduate, the 23-year-old has spent the majority of his time on loan with other clubs including Bournemouth last season. Despite the Cherries’ relegation last term, Wilson impressed with seven goals and two assists from 34 appearances, giving a clear idea of his potential.

Liverpool winger Harry Wilson celebrates after scoring for on-loan side Bournemouth last season.
Liverpool winger Harry Wilson celebrates after scoring for on-loan side Bournemouth last season. (Getty Images)

However, Wilson has never managed to break into the Liverpool side, having played just once for them in his career so far. His last appearance for the Reds came way back in January 2017 as a substitute against Plymouth in the FA Cup.

With attacking forwards Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in sensational form, Wilson’s chances of a first-team appearance seem increasingly limited in the near future.

Meanwhile, the report also claimed that Wilson is no longer keen on moving to another club on loan. A recent report suggested that Wilson would only leave Liverpool on a permanent deal this summer or else be a part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad for the 2020/21 campaign.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reacts on the touchline.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reacts on the touchline. (Getty Images)

Wilson a solution to the attacking woes at Aston Villa

The Villans under manager Dean Smith narrowly escaped relegation last season following their dismal show in their first season back in the Premier League. One of the major reasons for Villa’s poor displays was the lack of sharpness in their attack, which saw them manage a mere 41 goals from their 38 league games.

None of their attackers scored double-digit figures, with captain Grealish being their top-scorer in the league with eight goals to his name. Hence, it is clear that the side are in real need of new faces in front of goal and the club’s decision to make a move for Wilson makes complete sense.

Predominantly a right-winger, Wilson is also comfortable playing on both flanks and can at times feature as an attacking midfielder. A versatile attacker, Wilson could thus be a valuable addition for any side, let alone Villa.

Hence, Villa need not think twice but continue with their efforts to land Wilson as he could ease their attacking woes next season.

Manager Dean Smith's Aston Villa narrowly escaped Premier League relegation last season.
Manager Dean Smith’s Aston Villa narrowly escaped Premier League relegation last season. (Getty Images)

Read more

Verdict

It is clear that Aston Villa need more quality in their attack. Wilson is just 23 and can offer manager Smith an extra option next season. Also, he will be eager to get more regular time, having spent most of his time at Liverpool on loan with other clubs.