Aston Villa have confirmed that Leander Dendoncker has rejoined the squad, after Unai Emery specifically named him as he spoke about his midfield options for this season.
As per Fabrizio Romano a month ago, it had been reported that Villa were open to listening to offers for the 28-year-old, and that interest was building in acquiring the Belgian international.
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Having been named in the squad for our USA pre-season tour, Dendoncker was absent for all three games during that trip, but he later announced the birth of his son on social media and Emery confirmed that as the reason behind his absence.
Dendoncker made 26 appearances for Villa last season as he played an important role in providing competition and reliable depth, and while there may have been lingering doubts over his future at the club given the speculation, it is arguably becoming increasingly likely that he’ll stay with us for the upcoming campaign.
Villa welcomed him back on Twitter on Thursday as he took part in our media day, while in an interview this week, Emery specifically named Dendoncker as one of his key options alongside Youri Tielemans, Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara in our midfield. In turn, it all starts to point towards the Belgian ace playing an important role for us again this year.
“In the middle for us, it’s very important to have one player to keep being consistent with Kamara, Dendoncker and Douglas, and with Youri Tielemans we have more capacity and versatility with the players, playing with two or three,” he told Sky Sports.
Speculation has linked us with a number of midfield targets this week, but it was felt that we would only add another player in that department if there were further exits to follow Marvelous Nakamba and Morgan Sanson moving on.
Time will tell if Emery wants to strengthen his Villa midfield with another signing without losing one of his current options, as it certainly sounds as though he’s planning to have Dendoncker and the others at his disposal this season, and coupled with Villa’s tweet to so publicly welcome him back, it gives the impression that he’s going nowhere.