---
title: "Why Gerrard pulled Villa out of transfer race for Bissouma"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2022/06/08/why-steven-gerrard-pulled-aston-villa-out-of-transfer-race-for-yves-bissouma/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Crippy Cooke"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2022-06-08T07:00:00Z"
modified: "2022-06-08T07:00:00Z"
---

# Why Gerrard pulled Villa out of transfer race for Bissouma

Steven Gerrard was keen to sign a defensive midfielder this summer to replace Morgan Sanson and add competition for Marvelous Nakamba, but it doesn’t appear Aston Villa are going to pursue Kalvin Phillips or Yves Bissouma now.

[Gregg Evans](https://twitter.com/greggevans40/status/1534214689911189508?s=20&t=mkEsDetQAnnu6POj3OGv9A) of *The Athletic* believes Villa have been priced out of agreeing a deal, so Gerrard will stick with Boubacar Kamara and Nakamba fighting for a starting place in front of the back four.

Leeds United were [requesting £50m for Phillips](https://readastonvilla.com/2022/05/31/dean-jones-says-aston-villa-are-unlikely-to-sign-kalvin-phillips/) while Brighton & Hove Albion [wanted £50m for Bissouma](https://readastonvilla.com/2022/05/31/dean-jones-says-aston-villa-are-unlikely-to-sign-yves-bissouma/), so the Midlands outfit will now turn their attentions elsewhere.

Villa still need a left-back if Matt Targett leaves and a striker if Danny Ings leaves, but Gerrard may not strengthen his midfield anymore. Supporters may be disappointed that a big-name midfielder won’t be coming to Villa Park, but it’s easy to forget how quickly the club have [moved](https://readastonvilla.com/2022/05/25/aston-villas-shift-in-transfer-policy-is-short-termist/) in the transfer market this summer.

Phillipe Coutinho, Kamara, Diego Carlos and Robin Olsen were all signed permanently by Villa and will hope for a better season than the last.

***[In other news, Paul Robinson gives Aston Villa hope in their pursuit of Calvin Bassey](https://readastonvilla.com/2022/06/8/paul-robinson-gives-aston-villa-hope-in-their-pursuit-of-calvin-bassey/)***