Aston Villa are eyeing another summer arrival with a defender now linked with a move to Villa Park.
Unai Emery will be scanning the market for a new right-back this summer, having limited options in the position at present.
Aston Villa’s depth on the right side is comprised of Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash and Kosta Nedeljkovic, telling of the club’s requirement to strengthen before deadline day.
Now, the Villans have finally been linked to a target capable of being deployed on the right side of defence, which will have many feeling relieved.
Aston Villa add Lutsharel Geertruida to list of transfer targets
Out of the seven new faces Emery has welcomed to Villa Park this summer, only Ian Maatsen represents a defensive capture.
Fortunately, the manager shares the concerns of fans at Villa’s lack of options at right-back, with Feyenoord ace Lutsharel Geertruida now identified as a target.
Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano took to X to break the news this week, stating that Villa have ‘added Geertruida to their shortlist’ this summer.
Romano noted that RB Leipzig also have the 24-year-old on their radar, with Villa said to be ‘monitoring him’ as an option to sign at right-back.
Earlier this summer, a report from CaughtOffside referenced Tottenham’s interest in the Dutchman, quoting him to be valued around the €25m (£21m) mark by Feyenoord.
What is Geertruida’s playing style?
The versatility of the Netherlands international is impressive, which reinforces why he has captured Emery’s attention.
Deployable as a right-back, right-sided centre-back and a defensive midfielder, the Dutchman’s expertise in the art of defending could come of great use to Villa.
Scouting site Breaking The Lines describes the Villa target as having ‘elite-level composure’, being a profile perfect for a possession-based team, something that could see him fit in under Emery.
In terms of players similar to the fullback, FBref notes Geertruida as being statistically comparable to Real Madrid legend Marcelo.
Being comparable to a five-time Champions League-winning left-back is a statement, with the 24-year-old having the potential to be a blockbuster capture for Emery and Monchi this summer based on Villa’s current needs.
Having another player in the squad with defensive versatility would only strengthen Villa’s options, as well as the fact that Geertruida could provide an upgrade to the manager’s current right-sided defenders.
It would be interesting to see Villa explore the Dutchman’s availability further this summer as there is certainly a place in the squad for the full-back.
