The end of the 2021-22 Premier League season is upon us, and it has been an indifferent campaign for Aston Villa. The team from the West Midlands would have been hoping to target a European position this term, but they had to settle for a finish in the bottom half of the table. However, hopes will be high ahead of Steven Gerrard’s first full season in control of the team from Villa Park.
Just like making NFL picks against the spread, Villa will be looking to strengthen their team to ensure they are prominent selections among bettors next year. Unlike other seasons, Villa won’t need to oversee a massive overhaul of players, and instead, Gerrard will be looking to improve particular areas.
But, which stars could the club make a move for over the summer months?
Boubacar Kamara
A defender is likely to rank high on Gerrard’s wish list this summer, as he has already spoken about the need to strengthen the spine of the squad.
An affordable option for the club may come in the form of Boubacar Kamara, who the Villa has been monitoring for a while now. However, there is expected to be fierce competition for the French central defender, with Atletico Madrid among the other clubs interested in the 22-year-old.
Kamara enjoyed another excellent season in Ligue 1 with Marseille last term, as he averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game across 30 appearances for the French giants.
At just 22, Kamara not only immediately improves the defence in the short term, but he also presents excellent sell-on potential in the future.
James Tarkowski
It has been far from a vintage season for Burnley in the Premier League this campaign, but one of their stars that looks set to stay in the English top-flight even though the Clarets have been relegated is James Tarkowski. The England international has struggled with injury issues throughout this campaign, but he has still played a remarkable 33 times.
The 29-year-old will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season and presents an affordable option to a number of clubs when it comes to improving their defence this summer.
Tarkowski has won an average of 4.4 aerial duels per game and could be a ready-made replacement for Tyrone Mings, who has struggled for consistency throughout the 2021-22 season. The Burnley defender has also averaged 1.8 tackles per game and 5.3 clearances.
Yves Bissouma
It’s extremely likely that Aston Villa will once again test the resolve of Brighton & Hove Albion over the summer, as they look set to return with a bid for defensive midfielder Yves Bissouma. Villa doesn’t really have a natural player in that position, with both John McGinn and Douglas Luiz playing in the role throughout the season.
Defensive midfielders are likely to form a popular narrative throughout the summer, as a number of clubs will be looking for a player to fill the role.
Bissouma is likely to be Villa’s top summer target, and the 25-year-old has enjoyed another excellent campaign with the Seagulls. The midfielder is efficient when it comes to winning the ball back, as he has averaged three tackles and two interceptions per game throughout the Premier League season.
Villa will likely face competition for his signature, which means an early move is needed to enhance their chances.
Luis Suarez
With Gerrard at the helm, it is no surprise to see the club linked with a potential move for Atletico Madrid striker Luis Suarez. The pair played together during their time at Liverpool before the striker went on to form a dynamic partnership alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar at Barcelona.
Suarez isn’t getting any younger, which may be a potential issue, but he certainly could play a role in the development of some of the younger forwards at the club.
The 35-year-old quietly enjoyed a fine season in La Liga last term, as he scored eleven goals in just 20 starts for Atletico. His playing style certainly fits with what Gerrard is trying to do at the club, as he will chase and hassle opposing defenders from the top end of the field.
It will be fascinating to see whether the Villa can get a deal over the line for the Uruguayan. Suarez’s odds to bet on joining Aston Villa currently at the writing of the piece