Until recently it may have sounded a little ridiculous linking “Aston Villa” and “promotion” in the same sentence, following their incredibly poor start to the season. But now, a month into the reign of Dean Smith, we can quite comfortably say that a finish in the playoff spots is entirely possible for the Midlands side.
Despite having one of the strongest teams on paper, with a number of ex-Premier League talents playing for the club, Smith will be keen on bringing in new faces in this January to address some of the glaring weaknesses in the squad.
Indeed, this is Smith’s first transfer window at Villa and the first opportunity to turn the side into his own. With that in mind, here are two players he should look into signing this winter…
Kadeem Harris
According to The Sun, Aston Villa are considering the opportunity to bring Cardiff City forward Kadeem Harris to the club this January.
He’d be a perfect replacement for Villa’s current faltering forwards – speed on and off the ball, exceptional dribbling, creative ability, and an eye for goal. Harris is everything Anwar el Ghazi should have been, really.
Harris, whose contract runs out next summer, is also on the radar of Leeds United so Villa may need to act quick if they want to secure his signature.
Gary Cahill
Things have improved for Aston Villa in defence recently with Axel Tuanzebe and James Chester putting in some particularly pleasing performances for the team. But that doesn’t mean Gary Cahill wouldn’t be a class signing.
The veteran defender has found it hard to secure minutes under Sarri this season with only a few appearances in the Europa League and EFL Cup to his name.
At 32, Cahill isn’t getting any younger. He’ll be desperate to make the most from his last few years in football, and may turn to his old teammate John Terry, who also made the move to Villa from Chelsea, for inspiration.
There’s no doubting that his experience at the back would be hugely beneficial for Dean Smith.
