While Aston Villa will possibly be active in the January transfer window with incomings, there is also an expectation of balance with exits likely too.
The emphasis in the transfer market over the past two windows since Unai Emery was appointed has been on signing players who significantly improve us and only if the deals are right.
READ MORE: Villa prospects set to be recalled from loans ahead of fresh exits
It’s part of a process to build an increasingly competitive squad capable of challenging for major honours and achievements in the long run, and we’ve seen the benefits of that strategy over the 14 months that Emery has been at the helm.
Alex Moreno has proven to be a hit after his arrival last January, while Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Moussa Diaby have established themselves as pivotal figures in the current squad.
We’ve continued to see players move on in that same period though, both to balance the squad and our accounts, and according to The Telegraph, we could see that again this month with Calum Chambers, Bertrand Traore, Tim Iroegunam and Jhon Duran linked with exits.
As per Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra, AC Milan are keen on Duran in a loan deal, but there is said to be interest from Germany, Spain and England too.
Calum Chambers
The 28-year-old has been a valuable squad player at times, capable of filling in at the back in various roles with his versatility.
That said, he’s made just three appearances so far this season, none of which came in the Premier League, and with flexibility in our options at the back, namely with Ezri Konsa able to play centrally or at right-back instead of Matty Cash, it further limits the opportunities on offer for Chambers.
With his contract set to expire in June 2025, the next two transfer windows could be the last chances to get something for him. So while an exit makes sense as it could make room for an upgrade too, if Emery doesn’t feel as though he has a role to play for us moving forward, time will tell if there is interest so he can start afresh elsewhere.
Tim Iroegbunam
Having made a brief return to the first-team late on against Man Utd, it had been hoped that could be the first opening for the talented youngster to get more opportunities to impress.
While that could still prove to be the case, the 20-year-old continues to be paired with another loan exit, and is that perhaps the sensible option for him at this stage of his career?
Iroegbunam will have benefited greatly from his stint with QPR last season, and if his minutes are going to be limited at Villa in the second half of the campaign, a loan, as opposed to a permanent deal, would be an understandable option to explore.
Leander Dendoncker
As per The Athletic, Dendoncker is another player that Villa are willing to move on in January, but would that be in addition to an Iroegbunam loan departure or one or the other as we can’t afford to leave ourselves short or with too much to do in this window?
The Belgian international boasts experience and quality, and he can provide cover for Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara in central midfield when our influential duo are in need of a rest.
That said, he’s certainly one of the players in the Villa squad that you feel can be upgraded, and so if there is interest and a suitable offer arrives, it could be one that the club listen to and look to fill the void with a more effective, long-term option.
Bertrand Traore
There are two glaring issues with a potential exit for Traore this month, one being that he’s now reported for international duty with Burkina Faso for AFCON, while his current contract expires in the summer.
The 28-year-old has games on January 16, 20 and 23 at least depending on how far they progress, and so that could complicate the process of completing the formalities of a move elsewhere.
With just six months remaining on his deal though, we have to ask the question as to whether any clubs would be interested in paying a fee to get him now? An exit would be the best outcome for all concerned given his limited impact, but it remains to be seen if that’s this month or in the summer on a free.
Jhon Duran
This will perhaps be the one that splits opinion the most, as many will argue that the 20-year-old is not only a top talent and that in itself is enough of a reason as to why he should be kept, but he’s also shown he’s capable of playing the role he’s been given effectively.
Duran has four goals and one assist in 21 appearances so far this season and his impact late in games has been crucial at times.
That said, would a loan move be best for his development now so he gets regular minutes and improves his game, and would Villa be in a better position with a preferred Emery target to continue to compete and achieve our objectives?
This will likely be the big decision of the transfer window, as we must ensure we have enough firepower up front to maintain our push for success this year. The Telegraph report above hints at possible friction between Duran and the Villa boss, and if that is accurate, that will strengthen the case in favour of a temporary move away.