Whilst it has been a frustrating summer for all involved at Aston Villa, those in the Midlands have now reportedly been handed a golden opportunity to sign an impressive Leon Bailey upgrade.
Morgan Rogers wins Young Player of the Year
Although many at Villa Park will be frustrated by their inability to welcome a number of new additions as well as Jacob Ramsey's sale coming as a consequence of their PSR shortcomings, Morgan Rogers represents a reminder of just how talented Unai Emery's squad still is. The former Middlesbrough midfielder officially picked up the PFA Young Player of the Year award in deserved fashion earlier this week.
After winning the award, Rogers told reporters: "Later down the line, I want to be one of those incredible players people speak about, so to do that I have to do what they did and what they followed after. It's a nice recognition, but there's more to win and I can't wait."
It's hard to argue that it wasn't deserved. The 23-year-old enjoyed an excellent season and, like the rest of his Aston Villa teammates, only missed out on a place in the Champions League on the final day after a controversial refereeing decision against Manchester United.
PL 24/25 Morgan Rogers
Appearances 37
Goals 8
Assists 11
Having returned to full fitness just in time to face Newcastle United in an opening day draw last time out, Rogers will now be hoping to leave his mark for the first time this season against Brentford.
Meanwhile, away from the pitch, Aston Villa could yet take hold of a golden opportunity to secure their signing of the summer. The sale of Ramsey has given them some breathing room on the PSR front and that could yet see one star man arrive.
Aston Villa handed chance to sign Lookman
According to The Boot Room's Graeme Bailey, Aston Villa have been handed a golden opportunity to sign Ademola Lookman after receiving contact from his representatives. The Atalanta winger has been desperate to leave the club all summer long and after seeing a move to Inter Milan break down, has now set his sights on a Premier League return.
Atalanta's Ademola Lookman in action
Atalanta's Ademola Lookman in action
Aston Villa, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have all reportedly held conversations with Lookman in recent days to potentially ignite a late race to secure an excellent coup.
“Lookman became a fantastic player when he improved his perception of the team. He used to have a more individual approach. He wasn’t a bad guy, but he mostly focused on the individual.
He made Atalanta great, and Atalanta made him great. I am convinced he can be the captain before the end of the season.” (Gian Piero Gasperini on Lookman)
With 20 goals and seven assists to his name last season, Lookman would be a major upgrade on the departing Bailey at Villa Park and could even be enough to take Emery's side back into the Champions League places. Simply put, Villa should be going all out for his signature this month.