Former Aston Villa scout Bryan King has told the club that they can solve their defensive issues with one signing in the summer.
Villa have witnessed plenty of success this season. The Birmingham outfit have all but confirmed a place in the Champions League next season thanks to a sensational run of form.
On Thursday night, they look to add to this success as they take on Lille in the Europa Conference League aiming to end their trophy drought.
However, one thing that could hinder them for this achievement is their defence. At the back, Villa Park has seen the Birmingham outfit ship plenty of goals which has cost their team.
This was at its worst on the weekend. Despite cruising to a 2-0 lead, in just 10 minutes, Brentford managed to turn the game on its head to put the Bees 3-2 up. Ollie Watkins managed to rescue a draw for the Villians late on, but it was another two points dropped for Unai Emery’s side.
Now, former scout Bryan King has urged the club to sign Aletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso to end their defensive inability.
Aston Villa urged to sign Mario Hermoso
So far this campaign, Villa have conceded 49 Premier League goals, as many as Wolves and Brighton.
Many of these have come in the last month with Emery’s side conceding 14 in their last six league games.
As a result, fixing this defensive issue has become a top priority. While a short-term solution is certainly needed before the end of the season, a long-term fix has now been suggested.
Speaking to Villa News, scout King has told the club to sign Hermoso. He stated: “Emery is going to know the player [Hermoso] and he’s playing for a big club, so it can only be a positive signing, especially if it’s on a free.
“Villa got caught out badly at the back against Tottenham, balls played in behind full-backs, balls into the channel.
“They were all over the place. Giving the ball away, losing possession of the ball in their own half. At the end of the day, they were lucky they didn’t get beat 6-0.”
The 28-year-old is set to become a free agent in the summer when his contract expires and could be a very good buy for Villa.
The Atletico Madrid defender has been a monster at the back and has helped them reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
So far this campaign, he has averaged a 6.82 in La Liga according to WhoScored. Hermoso is also averaging 1.9 aerial duels won per game. This is way above the highest Villa player, Watkins with 1.3, and could help end their issues with set-piece defending.
Aston Villa need a defender in the summer
No matter what route Villa go down this season, it is clear that they need a defender in the summer. The club has consistently been let down by their backline in 2024 with Watkins and Douglas Luiz having to bail them out multiple times.
While Pau Torres shines each time he steps out on the pitch, the Spaniard has struggled for fitness. Clement Lenglet is also set to return to Barcelona after his loan while there is also no guarantee that Tyrone Mings can return to form after a year out.
A cheap but experienced option like Hermoso would be a great buy for Villa. The defender has international and Champions League experience which could be vital next season.
Other options may also be appealing for Emery but their issues at the back need to be solved sooner rather than later.
