Update On The Future Of This Aston Villa Midfielder: Should Emery Cash In On Him? | OneFootball

In a recent interview with Villa News, pundit Alan Hutton offered an update on the future of Aston Villa midfielder Leander Dendoncker. Hutton said,

“When you’re a young boy and you go out on loan, that’s for experience.

“When you’re 27 or 28 having been there myself, when you go out on loan it’s because you’re not playing at your club and the future isn’t necessarily there for you.

“The biggest problem for someone of that age is if you go out and you don’t impress on loan, you have to return somewhere where you know your future doesn’t lie.

“It’s very difficult, your stock can be quite low which makes it difficult for you to move. I think that’s the way the club will go.

“Unless he comes back and has a really good pre-season, it’s down to the player but I’m pretty sure he’ll probably look to move on.”

Dendoncker’s Unimpressive Loan Spell At Napoli

Dendoncker is currently out on loan at Napoli where he has struggled to catch the eye so far. The Belgian talent has made only three appearances for the Naples-based club this season, failing to score or assist a goal for them across all fronts.

Dendoncker has seen all of his game time in Italy come off the bench. Hence, it makes sense for the player to opt for a change of scenery this summer in search of more first-team starts in the coming years.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 15: Leander Dendoncker of Aston Villa during the friendly match between Aston Villa and Villarreal at Villa Park on December 15, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

His current contract at his parent club Aston Villa will expire in the summer of 2026, so Unai Emery would be under no pressure to cash in on him at the end of this season.

Should Aston Villa Cash In On Dendoncker This Summer?

Dendoncker can do a little bit of everything at the centre of the park. He usually works hard for his team defensively and is a good passer of the ball. However, the Belgian sensation has to figure out a way to be more consistent with his contributions in the middle of the park.

Dendoncker is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also operate as a holding midfielder or play as a centre-back if needed. At the moment, he needs to leave his parent club Aston Villa unless Unai Emery is willing to use him as a first-team starter at Villa Park next season.

If not, the Villans should consider cashing in on Dendoncker as he is in dire need of more game time in the coming seasons. The West Midlands club can also benefit by letting him go and using the money generated from his potential sale to bring in a capable replacement this summer.