As per Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Bristol Live), Aston Villa are in talks to sign Bristol City star Niclas Eliasson ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that the Swede has just one more year left on his contract with the Championship side and there has been no progress of a new contract. And given the situation, Eliasson could be sold this month.
However, Villa would face competition to secure his services as Fenerbahce, Villarreal, Burnley and Lazio are also interested in securing his services.
Born in Sweden, Eliasson flourished through the ranks of Falkenberg’s youth system in his homeland. He then played for clubs like AIK and Norrkoping and excelled in the Swedish League before moving to Bristol City in August 2017.
The 24-year-old struggled in his first season in England’s second-tier but went on to establish himself as an integral member of the squad in the last two campaigns. He finished the 2019/20 season with 3 goals and 12 assists and ended as the club’s highest and Championship’s the third-highest assist-maker.
Eliasson has been in sensational form in the last couple of years and has been consistent for the Robins, helping them finish in the 12th position in the league standings.
Despite having a plethora of attacking talents, the Villans endured a poor 2019/20 campaign. They managed to secure their top-flight status on the final day of the league and escaped relegation by a point. And one of the reasons for their poor performance was the lack of consistency in front of goal. They managed to score just 41 goals in 38 league games.
Jack Grealish contributed with 8 goals and 6 assists and apart from him, no one was consistent. And the strikers lacked enough opportunities to score. Thus, Villa need to bring in someone who can support Grealish in terms of creating opportunities as it is impossible for just one player to play well throughout the campaign.
In that regard, signing Eliasson would be a smart move by the club. The Swede is one of the most versatile players in the Championship. He has played in several positions and could be a massive boost to Dean Smith’s squad. Moreover, he is in the form of his life and should only get better with experience.
His inclusion would definitely add quality and depth to Villa’s attack, whilst also bring in healthy competition within the squad. He is just 24 and still has a huge future ahead of him and Villa should be able to enjoy his best.
With limited quality in their attack, it is clear that Villa are in dire need of in-form players in their attacking unit. And Eliasson could prove to be a difference in the squad next season if he is able to continue with the fine form. Thus, the Midlands club should manage to lure him to Villa Park before the transfer window closes.
