Aston Villa have reportedly opened talks with Las Palmas over a possible loan deal for midfielder Leander Dendoncker.
The 29-year-old joined us in September 2022, but has since gone on to make just 36 appearances for the club.
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After a failed loan stint with Napoli in the second half of last season, the Belgian international returned to Villa this summer, but speculation is now suggesting that he could be on the move again before Friday’s transfer deadline.
According to The Athletic, Las Palmas have made contact over a possible loan move for Dendoncker, but it’s noted that his wages could be a problematic issue. The La Liga side are unlikely to be able to cover his entire salary, thus leaving Villa with an important decision to make on whether or not they’re willing to pick up the rest.
An exit does seem like the best solution for all concerned though, as Villa would be able shift a bit-part player off the wage bill and free up space in the squad, while Dendoncker is likely to play a more prominent role elsewhere having dropped down the pecking order under Unai Emery, given our depth in midfield.
Nevertheless, the financial aspect of any potential deal must make sense for us, and so it remains to be seen if talks between Villa and Las Palmas, and perhaps any other interested clubs, result in a loan switch with as much, if not the entirety, of Dendoncker’s wages covered.
Given his situation is unlikely to change at Villa any time soon, it could be argued that the ideal scenario would be to see him move on permanently this summer. However, his lack of football both with us and at Napoli last season have likely complicated that scenario, and so time will tell if we’re still able to get an acceptable offer before the deadline.
The Athletic report above goes on to add that Enzo Barrenechea’s potential loan move to Valencia could now be off as a result of developments with Dendoncker, and that can certainly be seen as a win for Villa, with the Argentine ace arguably having more to offer, particularly in the long term and within a more acceptable wage bracket compared to his teammate.
