How £10m January transfer bargain could propel Aston Villa to the Champions League

How £10m January transfer bargain could propel Aston Villa to the Champions League

Aston Villa have recently been linked to signing Kelechi Iheanacho from Leicester City in January. If he was to sign, what sort of impact could he have?

It has been a great campaign for Aston Villa so far and they will see the January transfer window as an opportunity. Despite their great start, the addition of some quality in the transfer window could make an impact.

A draw last time out against Sheffield United put a slight dampener on things, especially given Villa could have gone top. However, a quick return to the pitch against Manchester United on Boxing Day could dispel any ill feeling.

The Villans currently sit in third place and are just one point off the top of the table as they approach the halfway stage. There are calls to make additions to the squad with midfielders like Matt O’Riley and forwards like Ben Brereton Diaz being linked.

Now rumours have begun circulating suggesting that Unai Emery and Co want to add Kelechi Iheanacho to their ranks.

Should Aston Villa sign Kelechi Iheanacho?

In his career, Iheanacho has scored the most goals against Aston Villa. According to Transfermarkt, the Nigerian has scored seven and assisted four in just 10 matches against the Villans. This has seen him win five games against them and draw just two.

It must be said then that signing their tormenter-in-chief might be a stroke of genius, especially given his pedigree. At 27-years old he has won his fair share of silverware. With one FA Cup, a League Cup and a Community Sheild, he knows how to win.

In his 196 Premier League appearances, he has scored 42 goals and assisted 25 goals. Now he has six goal involvements in 10 Championship stars. With a fee of £10m said to be enough to secure his signature, he could pose a perfect option for Aston Villa.

Given that Ollie Watkins is the only senior striker at the club, a new striker addition could be necessary in January. It must be said that a senior head as a squad rotation option could prove useful for the Villans heading into the run-in.

Taking a look at his Fbref, it is clear to see that he would be a useful striker to sign. Compared to other forwards in Europe’s top five leagues he registers highly when it comes to expected assists and many other passing metrics. With stars like Moussa Diaby and Leon Bailey around him, his ability to create chances for his teammates could be very useful.

The addition of squad depth but also experience and quality in that depth could prove invaluable later in the season. This would be a shrewd and clever signing for the Villans should they opt to make a move for Iheanacho in January.