SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Marvelous Nakamba of Aston Villa in action during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Aston Villa at Bramall Lane on December 14, 2019 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
According to Birmingham Mail, Marvelous Nakamba has been linked with an exit from Aston Villa. Dirilis Postasi reports that the Villa man was targeted by Galatasaray but they were unable to sign him. However, they still have hopes of signing him on loan in January as the player wants regular game time.
The 26-year-old Nakamba just arrived from Belgian side Club Brugge last season and this is only his second season for Dean Smith’s side. He was one of the 12 new players brought in by Villa following their promotion to the top-flight.
Despite it being his first season with Villa, the defensive midfielder has nailed down his spot as a regular, making 26 appearances across all competitions. He was also a part of Villa’s last two games before the season got halted due to the coronavirus outbreak. He was a part of five of Villa’s overall seven league wins, making him one of the first names in the team sheet.
Before his arrival in England, Nakamba was an integral part of the Brugge side that won the Belgian top division in the 2017-18 season and second place in the following campaign. A consistent player, Nakamba played a total of 67 matches for the Belgian outfit over two seasons, earning himself a move to Villa Park following the latter’s promotion.
Despite his side’s poor display last season, Nakamba was a consistent performer and proved it last season and in the past that he is a definite first-team player, be it in any side. Moreover, he is the only defensive-minded midfielder in the Villa side other than Douglas Luiz, who has been linked with a move away from the club.
However, what makes him special is his ability to adapt to a more central role as per the team’s requirements. Thus, Villa should be very careful with Nakamba’s situation and make him stay at the club rather than let him go so soon.
There is no doubt Aston Villa lack an established defensive midfielder in their ranks apart from Luiz. Letting Nakamba leave when Luiz’s future is up in the air seems like a foolish thing to do. Moreover, he just arrived last season and could play a vital role in helping Dean Smith’s side build on a strong start to this season.
