Report: Villa’s January Puzzle Piece to Depart? | OneFootball

Aston Villa’s Transfer Window Buzz: Traore on the Move?

Aston Villa, the Midlands’ footballing gem, are seemingly preparing to part ways with one of its notable talents: Bertrand Traore. This decision, as reported by Football Insider, comes amid a backdrop of managerial decisions and changing squad dynamics.

Emery’s Strategy at Villa Park

Unai Emery, the Spaniard steering the ship at Villa Park, seems to have decided that Traore doesn’t quite fit into the puzzle he’s building for the future. It’s been a rollercoaster for Traore, who’s been in and out of Emery’s plans. With his contract set to expire at the end of the 2023-24 season and no extension on the horizon, it seems the forward’s time in claret and blue is drawing to a close.

A Season of Sidelines for Traore

The numbers, frankly, paint a clear picture. The 28-year-old Burkina Faso international has clocked a mere 41 minutes this season. Despite this, he managed to break a streak of six Premier League absences with a fleeting 60-second appearance in the 3-1 triumph against Luton. But it hasn’t always been this way. Since Emery’s November 2022 arrival, Traore has graced the pitch 13 times, contributing two goals and an assist. It’s a modest return, but a return nonetheless.

A journey that began with Villa recalling Traore from a loan spell at Istanbul Basaksehir has seen the forward struggle for consistent game time. It’s a curious twist for a player Villa acquired from Lyon in 2020 for a whopping £17 million.

Competing with Villa’s Stars

Traore’s versatility allows him to dazzle on the right flank or step into the striker’s shoes. But competition is fierce. Players such as Leon Bailey, Moussa Diaby, and Jacob Ramsey have been Emery’s go-to choices in wide positions. Earning nearly £78,000 a week, Traore’s tally of 10 goals and eight assists since joining Villa may seem underwhelming in comparison.

Villa’s Current Form: Rising in the Premier League

Despite individual stories like Traore’s, Villa as a team is flourishing. Sitting comfortably in fifth place after 10 Premier League matches, they’ve showcased their prowess most recently with a win against Luton. The next challenge? A showdown with Nottingham Forest on 5 November.

In Conclusion: An Uncertain Future for Traore

Aston Villa’s trajectory seems upward, but for players like Traore, the future seems a tad uncertain. As January’s transfer window looms, Villa fans will be keenly watching to see how the Traore saga unfolds. Whatever the outcome, the beautiful game ensures that every end is a new beginning.