Aston Villa endured a disappointing season, finishing 14th in the Premier League table with fewer points, fewer wins, more defeats and more goals conceded, but Steven Gerrard has responded quickly in the transfer market to ensure his side start strongly in 2022/23.
He signed Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal from Barcelona, brought in Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer from Olympique Marseille, signed Diego Carlos from Sevilla and could be adding Burnley’s James Tarkowski to the squad if reports are to be believed.
Frank McAvennie was full of praise for the business they’ve pulled off so far, calling Carlos in particular a “big signing”. He told Football Insider: “It’s another big signing from Villa. It was needed because their season was a big disappointment. I think the spending is going to continue.”
“Villa are going for it next season, they have to with the money they have. That’s why they have signed this Carlos. He has that experience and he makes that defence a whole lot better. It was a poor season and I think the three signings they have made will push them on and higher up the league.”
Gerrard has made a clear choice with his transfer targets since being appointed Villa manager, mostly preferring tried and tested players over youthful and inexperienced – Coutinho (aged 29), Calum Chambers (27), Lucas Digne (), Kamara (22), Carlos (29). Time will tell if the gamble pays off.
Villa want a top-seven finish in the Premier League next season and owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris have backed Gerrard to build a squad capable of achieving it. Another midfielder and striker could be coming through the doors before Villa wrap up their business for the summer.
In other news, Peter O’Rourke tips Aston Villa to return for Bissouma
