Aston Villa are aiming to make further improvements to Unai Emery’s squad before deadline day this summer.
Monchi has already welcomed seven new faces to Villa Park in preparation for the eagerly anticipated 2024/25 campaign.
Aston Villa are preparing to take part in the Champions League for the first time since the 1982/83 season, reinforcing the importance of bolstering the quality available to Unai Emery.
Out of the players that Villa have already signed, only one represents a defensive acquisition, telling of where Emery and Monchi need to search before deadline day.
- READ MORE: Unai Emery dream transfer target now in talks with Premier League club, but it’s not Aston Villa
Dirk Kuyt told Liverpool to sign Aston Villa target Lutsharel Geertruida
One figure said to be eyed by Villa is Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who is valued at £26m to the understanding of Dutch outlet AD.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Villa have made contact for Geertruida as Emery searches for further options at right-back.
The 24-year-old is capable of playing at right-back, centre-back and in defensive midfield, having versatility that sees him as a highly-rated figure in the Netherlands.
Such narrative is evident in Dirk Kuyt’s assessment of the defender, as the former Liverpool star once called on his former club to sign Geertruida.
Speaking to the Liverpool ECHO last summer, Kuyt backed the Villa target to soon receive the ‘interest of top European teams’.
“They [Feyenoord] have a very good manager in Arne Slot and some of the younger guys like Orkun Kokcu and Lutsharel Geertruida are knocking on the door and playing very well.
“It won’t take long for the interest of top European teams to be there for them. I hope Liverpool is interested in Feyenoord players, and I am an example it can work!”
Geertruida should be a no-brainer for Unai Emery
If there is one area that Emery must look to bolster this summer, it’s Villa’s options on the right side of defence.
Last term, Ezri Konsa was relied on as a better defensive option on the right than Matty Cash, with only the Poland international and 18-year-old Kosta Nedeljkovic identifiable as natural full-backs.
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The beauty of signing a player of Geertruida’s versatility is that Emery could not only strengthen the right side, but also hand himself more quality in a range of defensive areas.
Geertruida started the Eredivisie season in style for Feyenoord, proving why Villa must take the plunge and make him a priority signing this summer.
Kuyt’s evaluation of the Dutchman in 2023 only reinforces that the Villa target possesses a profile suited to the Premier League, giving Monchi a decision to make as deadline day draws closer.
