Why Aston Villa should make a move for Domagoj Vida this summer

Back in December 2019, Turkish-Football (h/t Birmingham Mail) had claimed that Aston Villa were interested in signing Besiktas defender Domagoj Vida. However, a move didn’t happen during the January transfer window.

Domagoj Vida, 30, joined Besiktas in January 2018 after spending six seasons with Dynamo Kyiv. He has made 87 appearances for Besiktas till date, scoring 8 goals. The centre-back also played a crucial role in Croatia’s run to the 2018 World Cup final.

This season, Vida has made 32 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals. With the 30-year-old defender having performed very well in Besiktas colours since joining from Dynamo Kyiv, Aston Villa must rekindle their interest during the summer transfer window.

The Villans have not enjoyed their return to the top-flight this season, despite bringing in 12 players last summer. They are battling relegation and have been defensively all over the place, conceding 56 goals in 28 games. In fact, Dean Smith’s side have the worst defensive record in the division. There seem to be no established centre-backs in their ranks, except for Tyrone Mings.

Regardless of Villa having defensive problems, Smith surprisingly didn’t bring in a single defender during the January transfer window.

He reinforced his attack by signing Mbwana Samatta and Borja Baston but failed to bring in a defender to solve his team’s woes. Come what may at the end of the season, the Villans boss must bring in defensive reinforcements.

To that end, Vida would be a good fit at Villa Park. He has played at the highest level for his nation and his performances for Besiktas over the last two campaigns have also been impressive. At Villa, he would be effective alongside Tyrone Mings in central defence.

The Croatian international is a versatile defender who is competent and he has been utilised at both right-back and centre-back during his career, so that would make him a valuable addition to Smith’s side.

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Additionally, Vida has been a major asset in both the boxes, with four goals to his name this term alone, 35 in his entire club career. He would undoubtedly strengthen Villa’s defensive ranks, whilst bringing experience and competition within the squad. The Croat would be a top acquisition if he is able to replicate the same form he has displayed in the Turkish Super Lig.

Verdict

Thus, without any second thoughts, Villa must sign Vida in the summer and bolster their defensive unit ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.