Aston Villa’s priority in the closing stages of the window is wrapping up a deal for Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida but that is easier said than done.
Aston Villa have stepped up their interest in Lutsharel Geertruida since discovering right-back Matty Cash would be sidelined for at least a month.
Geertruida’s versatility would be a handy weapon for Unai Emery, as the Dutchman can play as both a centre-back and right-back.
The most important position Emery can add to on the final day is right back as currently, only Kosta Nedeljkovic is the natural successor to Cash in that role, and he’s just 18-years-old.
On Wednesday, a key problem emerged in the deal to land the 24-year-old, though, as Villa must sell three of their players to stump up the £30 million asking price.
One of those is midfielder Leander Dendoncker, with one recent development impacting the Spaniard’s pursuit of Geertruida.
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Las Palmas want Leander Dendoncker but wages are a stumbling block
Villa are looking to shift Dendoncker from their wage bill this summer as the Belgian, who was signed by Steven Gerrard, will play no further part in Emery’s plans.
Spanish side Las Palmas were made aware that the ‘superb’ 29-year-old was surplus to requirements and contacted the Villans over a potential move.
As reported by The Athletic, a deal for Dendoncker hinges on whether the two clubs can agree on the structure of his wages.
Las Palmas are unable to cover his full wage as his salary, which is a reported £90k-a-week, is beyond their realms financially and this is a ‘stumbling block’ in agreeing to a deal.
Frustratingly, it appears Villa need to offload Enzo Barrenechea (loan), Dendoncker and Diego Carlos to afford the Geertruida transfer, and time is running out.
Not signing Lutsharel Geertruida would be a disaster
Villa are already weak defensively in terms of numbers, as in central defence, only Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Carlos are available senior options.
That isn’t an ideal scenario for Emery, who expects his squad to juggle the demands of multiple competitions this season.
Without capturing Geertruida, or someone of a similar ilk, Villa will leave themselves short at the back and that would be detrimental to their chances of success.
Supporters will be frustrated that Monchi and Emery have left arguably their biggest problem till the very last and it’s now a race against time for Villa to sign Geertruida before the deadline.
