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With a couple if days left of the January transfer window, Villa still could do some last minute business. However, with the Pride undefeated in the league in 2018 so far, it’s probably a case of who needs to leave rather than who needs to come in.
Therefore, here’s five players who I think should or should’ve left this January.
Micah Richards
Starting with the most obvious, Richards hasn’t played a competitive first team game for Villa since October 2016 and must be moved on, not just for just the clubs sake but for his own. The former England defender just can’t stay fit, is on reportedly huge wages and his positional sense makes him a liability when he does play. The only argument for Richards staying is that he’s a good influence in the dressing room, but that can only go so far. At 29, he might be able to do a job at full-back for another Championship team or League One side yet.
Gabriel Agbonlahor
Much has been written about the veteran Villa striker. The former club captain used to be a Holte End Hero. However, despite a goal against Hull on the opening day of the season, Gabby has really struggled to get into the starting eleven, and now with Scott Hogan on form in front of goal it looks even more improbable that he will. The striker will most probably see out his contract until the end of this season, and get the winner against Blues next month.
James Bree
Bree has struggled for first team action this season and has been somewhat frozen out. With Axel Tuanzebe arriving from Man United, it doesn’t look like young right-back will be back in the side anytime soon, and surely a loan move would aid his development. Bree definitely has a future at Villa, but if he doesn’t get a run in the team soon, Bruce should seriously consider loaning him out.
Aaron Tshibola
Tshibola was criticised for his attitude and work-rate at MK Dons, thus his loan deal with the League One side was terminated in November after the holding midfielder played just 16 games for the Buckinghamshire based club. Offers for the holding midfielder have reportedly been rejected, with Villa looking to sell rather than loan out the 23-year-old. It’s hard to see Tshibola playing much, if at all this season barring an injury crises.
Carles Gil
Believe it or not, Carles Gil is still a Villa player, the Spaniard is currently on a yearlong loan at Deportivo La Coruna and clearly isn’t in Bruce’s long term plans. At Villa, Gil was the epitome of a luxury player, one who can produce magic on occasions but at the same time can go missing when the going gets tough. The diminutive midfielder is a lot better suited to Spanish football, and has put in some good performances for the Deportivo, and I’m doubtful that Gil would want to play in the rough and tumble that is English football.
