Conor Hourihane has an uncertain future at Aston Villa. He joined Swansea City on loan last month to get more playing time and might be surplus to requirements upon his return.
The 30-year-old fell down the pecking order in 2020/21 and is out of contract in less than 18 months’ time, so he might be considering his options when the summer transfer window opens.
When asked if he could leave Villa when his contract expires in 2022, Hourihane told the Irish Examiner’s A Footballer’s Life podcast: “Time will tell, I’m not sure. I’m not really thinking too far ahead. I know this is the right thing for me – playing, playing well.”
The midfielder has made five appearances for Villa this season, scoring one goal and supplying one assist. The Republic of Ireland international’s last outing for the Claret and Blues was all the way back in November as he has struggled with competition from John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Marvelous Nakamba and Jacob Ramsey, so he could not be blamed for wanting a temporary move away.
Morgan Sanson’s arrival from Marseille could further diminish his hopes of playing for Villa again and Hourihane conceded that the club might be outgrowing him. He added: “Let’s see what happens over the coming months.
“Villa is a fantastic club. I’ve been there four years – it’s such a fantastic club, great setup, huge football club – but they are moving on as well a little bit and going to a level where, maybe, the club feels is past my level. That’s their opinion so we’ll just see what happens come the summer.”
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Hourihane has made 150 appearances in all competitions since joining Villa from Barnsley in 2017, but he may have played his final game for the club.
The 30-year-old has so many players ahead of him in midfield that he might need to seek a permanent move to a club who can provide him with regular opportunities, and he certainly seems open to leaving Villa behind for good.
