Aston Villa: Is January transfer window make or break for Unai Emery’s side?
There are several factors that will affect Emery’s mood.
In an ideal world, he would have wanted to keep Malen, but given the striker’s limited playing time – he made just seven Premier League appearances after joining from Borussia Dortmund last year – Malen wanted to leave.
He scored on his debut for Roma on Sunday as Villa struggled against Everton, with only Evann Guessand remaining in the team to support Ollie Watkins up front.
Guessand has been linked with a move from Roma as a possible sweetener in the deal for Tammy Abraham to be relieved of his loan at Besiktas but is happy with Villa looking to develop him.
In another sore point for Emery, Tottenham’s failure to pursue Gallagher after missing out on the deal underlines Villa’s financial reality.
The England midfielder joined Spurs for £35 million. Villa wanted a loan-purchase deal but Spurs were able to offer the money up front.
It’s a balancing act that Emery has to do as Villa walk a financial tightrope, and it has hurt them in many ways.
Gallagher could at least ease the growing midfield injury crisis; Emery had lost John McGinn on Sunday while Boubacar was sweating the fitness of Kamara and Amadou Onana was already out of action.
Leon Bailey also has no plans to return from his loan deal at Rome, despite his difficulties.
This month, Villa signed Gremio winger Alysson and 17-year-old striker Brian Madjo from Metz for the future.
Villa sit third in the Premier League, are well placed in the Europa League before traveling to Fenerbahce on Thursday and are still in the FA Cup.
“Emery has a loan in the bank,” said Mo Razzaq, chairman of the Aston Villa Supporters’ Trust.
“There is no magic solution where we can go and buy whoever we want. We have to be very cautious and careful.
“Gallagher would be a valuable addition with his experience. John McGinn isn’t getting any younger but could he start every week? Probably not. So Spurs have arrived. We know the constraints we’re working within and we’re moving on.
“The club is not in a position to fight a bidding war. I don’t think we are overly concerned.”
