---
title: "Villa may not appeal to Assombalonga as Boro prepare to sell"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2020/03/26/villa-may-not-appeal-to-assombalonga-as-boro-prepare-to-sell/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Abdullah Mulla"
section: "Features & Analysis"
published: "2020-03-26T11:59:54Z"
modified: "2026-09-03T11:40:38Z"
---

# Villa may not appeal to Assombalonga as Boro prepare to sell

Middlesbrough are [reportedly](https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/championship-headlines-bristol-city-coach-3984494) prepared to offload Britt Assombalonga this summer but we feel he may be tempted to move to Leeds United instead of Aston Villa.

Dean Smith’s side [were interested](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/18142947.aston-villa-want-sign-britt-assombalonga-middlesbrough/) in signing the attacker during the January transfer window, [as were Championship leaders Leeds](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1231693/leeds-transfer-news-marcelo-bielsa-britt-assombalonga-che-adams), but both sides failed in their pursuits for his signature.

Now, according to a report on the [Bristol Post](https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/championship-headlines-bristol-city-coach-3984494), Boro are ready to sell the striker because they need the money as they try to balance the books.

The 27-year-old has scored six times and registered two assists in all competitions this season and is valued at £6.3m ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/britt-assombalonga/leistungsdaten/spieler/186172)).

### READ ASTON VILLA VERDICT

Given the position that the two clubs find themselves in, the DR Congo striker might prefer a move to Leeds instead of Villa. Marcelo Bielsa’s side seem to be on the up, as they [currently lead the way in the Championship](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/championship/table), while Smith’s team look like they’re going in the opposite direction.

Relegation is a [serious possibility](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) for Villa and the chance of playing top-flight football for Leeds could prove to be decisive in Assombalonga’s transfer decision.

Furthermore, Villa recently signed Tanzanian striker [Mbwana Samatta](https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2020/01/20/samatta-signs-for-villa), meaning that Assombalonga may not be the number one striker at Villa Park.

It seems like a major rebuild is needed at Villa, whereas Leeds look more like a complete package so it could be easier for the 27-year-old to settle in at the Yorkshire club.