Aston Villa defender Victor Lindelof put in a Man of the Match performance in our win over Newcastle United on Saturday, and it’s reported that talks are progressing over a new contract for the Swedish stalwart.
The 32-year-old joined us on a free transfer just over a year ago and he has gone on to make 38 appearances thus far, and he has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in our progress and success during his time at the club.
While it was as a defensive midfielder in the back-end of last season on our way to Europa League glory, it’s now stepping in to fill the void left behind by Ezri Konsa in our backline to start this campaign, the experienced Swede has done a fantastic job for Unai Emery whenever called upon.
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While his current contract is set to expire at the end of this season, it’s suggested by Transfermarkt that both sides have the option to extend for a further 12 months, and so with the Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell reporting that contract talks are indeed progressing between Lindelof and Villa, perhaps it is specifically over exercising that option.
Villa did sign Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Southampton this past summer and the 24-year-old is naturally seen as the long-term successor for Konsa, but there is no doubt that not only does Lindelof deserve to keep his place in the starting line-up given his form to start the season, but there are few better professionals and stalwarts of his quality to learn from, and so Harwood-Bellis will hopefully be picking up a lot of knowledge in training and watching his teammate in games.
For now though, he will continue to feature heavily, and it’s hoped that if he is able to maintain this level of performance, he is subsequently rewarded with that contract extension to keep him at Villa for longer as although we’ve moved to assemble a younger squad full of talent and potential, we must maintain that balance and keep experienced players in the squad to lead the way.