Aston Villa have stepped up their efforts in the transfer market and are now assembling a squad ready for the Champions League.
Much of the early weeks of the summer has been dominated by Aston Villa‘s concerns relating to a potential breach of Premier League spending rules.
However, with Tim Iroegbunam, Omari Kellyman and Douglas Luiz all sold prior to the 30th June PSR deadline, Villa appear to have successful complied.
Now, Unai Emery can turn his attention to improving his squad ahead of what will be another huge season.
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They have signed experience in 30-year-old Ross Barkley for £5 million, but the rest of their summer business – as well as latest reported interest – suggests that Emery is planning to be at the club long-term.
Dean Huijsen interest shows Unai Emery is thinking long-term at Aston Villa
Villa welcomed the arrivals of both Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus as part of the negotiations that saw Luiz head in the other direction.
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At 20 and 23, the duo represent real potential who should only get better under the management of Emery; a coach renowned for his ability to improve players.
Villa have also made the signing of 22-year-old Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, as well as 21-year-old Lewis Dobbin from Everton, both deals further evidence of the club looking to secure young, talented players with bags of potential.
Now, the club are reported to have asked to be kept informed regarding 19-year-old Juventus centre-back Dean Huijsen in a move that demonstrates Emery is planning for the future.
Aston Villa target Huijsen could become ‘one of the best players in the world’
Huijsen has made just one appearance at Juve, but spent last season on loan at Roma.
A two-footed centre-back who is incredibly comfortable on the ball despite his 6ft 5in frame sometimes making him look a little awkward, Huijsen is not so much a signing for the here and now but one who could become a stalwart in the Villa side for years to come.
The centre-back, who has represented both Netherlands and Spain at youth level, scored two goals in his 13 games on loan at Roma and manager Daniele De Rossi made a big claim on the youngster.
Former World Cup winner De Rossi told ESPN: “Huijsen is becoming more and more mature. He does a lot. He’s very smart.
“He doesn’t look 18-years-old on the field. He knows what he is doing. But sometimes a little too well. (Huijsen) is good with the ball at his feet, but sometimes a little too calm.
“I think he needs to learn some more ‘Italian tricks’ in his own box. If he does that, he will become one of the best players in the world.”
The suggestion that Huijsen should learn some of the dark arts of defending is not surprising given his youth but Emery’s interest in yet another talented youngster tells you he’s at Villa for the long haul.
