Aston Villa Opinion: Why Dean Smith should sign Leroy Fer in the summer?

According to Wales Online, Aston Villa were close to signing Swansea City midfielder Leroy Fer before a move collapsed in the January transfer window.

The Dutchman, 29, has endured an injury-hit campaign at the Liberty Stadium, managing just 24 games. He is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem but could be back before the end of the season, thus providing a boost to Graham Potter’s Swansea City.

But Leroy Fer is out of contract in the summer and as of now there has been no breakthrough in regards of a new deal. That being said, Aston Villa should reignite their interest and snap up the midfielder on a potential free transfer this summer.

After a tough start to life at Villa Park, Smith is finally getting grips over his team. The Villans are playing some really exciting football, with skipper Jack Grealish being the catalyst for the promotion push.

All said and done, it’s terrific how things change in Championship football in a matter of few games. Villa need new recruits in the team, especially in the midfield.

It’s time to part ways with Mile Jedinak, with the Australian international’s contract expiring at the end of the season. Glenn Whelan should have also been on Smith’s chopping list before the veteran midfielder has enjoyed his resurgence of late at Villa Park.

But as Whelan is 35, Villa will need to replace him sooner rather than later. Jack Grealish has been linked with a move to Tottenham for a while now and Villa could lose their skipper if they fail to earn promotion.

That’s when signing Leroy Fer would make sense for Villa as Smith could use the Dutchman as Grealish’s replacement if his skipper decides to move on at the end of this season.

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Fer’s technical ability is not in question but his fitness is a major issue. But the 29-year-old is an experienced player and can be a real leader for Villa, someone who can pick up the team when the chips are down and is influential.

The former QPR and Norwich City man will add some much-needed physicality and power to Villa’s engine room and combined with his technical qualities, he’ll be a smashing addition for Smith’s side.

Verdict

Due to his availibility on a free transfer in the summer, Villa signing Fer is an absolute no-brainer.