Aston Villa have confirmed their first big signing of the winter transfer window after securing the services of Henri Lansbury. The midfielder joins the club in a four and half year deal and is expected to straight away make the playing XI after his impressive performances this season.
After joining the club, Lansbury said, “I am delighted to be here at Aston Villa.
“As soon as I knew Aston Villa were interested, I wanted to come here.
Villa have struggled to bring any sort of consistency to their game this season and are 10 points off the final play-off spot which is currently occupied by Sheffield Wednesday. Promotion is still possible, but Steve Bruce’s side need to be more consistent if they are to turn around their season in the second half.
After a woeful start under Roberto Di Matteo, Villa turned to Bruce who had a proven track record of taking teams to the top flight. It started off brightly under him as Villa were unbeaten in his first seven games in charge. However, four defeats in the subsequent eight games have pushed them back to the bottom half of the table after once occupying the 10th spot in the league.
Lansbury will add good depth to the squad which was needed. His expertise of providing good defensive and offensive spark could help the team have an upward trajectory in the league.
The 26-year old started his career at Arsenal and even though many touted him to have a break-through at North London, the presence of a plethora of stars meant he had to move elsewhere to get first team football.
Lansbury has been a key contributor of goals in the Championship as he managed six strikes and four assists for Forest. His best return came in the 14-15 season when he managed 10 goals from the midfield. Despite his goals, Forest struggled to bid for the playoffs, something that Villa could potentially manage under Bruce.
He’s a pretty versatile player and can be played as a deeper midfielder or an out and out number 10. The central midfield is, however, his strongest position judging by the stats. With someone like Mile Jedinak alongside him, he could have the freedom to make the forward forays that he’s known for and be a key outlet for goals from the midfield. Here’s how the Villa fans reacted after the new signing was confirmed.
Lansbury should increase the female visits to the Villa
— Gareth Starkey (@garethstarkey_) January 20, 2017
What’s The Odds Henri Lansbury Will Be Injured When Aston Villa Play Newcastle United? ???? #NUFC
— #FordeHaveMercy (@FordeHaveMercy) January 20, 2017
£2.75m for Lansbury is a bit of a steal. Hopefully he performs. #avfc
— Rob Jones (P?) (@UpTheAstonVilla) January 20, 2017
Think the most important thing about Lansbury is that he’s an absolute bastard. Villa’s team has been too nice for years.
— Stevie Green (@StevieGreenXI) January 20, 2017
@JGilholm @NUFCThreatLevel ????????????more Newcastle fans commenting on Villas lansbury post than villa that’s why ???? obsessed Geordies bless them
— Jordan Spencer (@JordAvfc) January 20, 2017
Lansbury al Villa 3 millones… Jack Livermore al WBA 10 millones ????. #goodbussines ???? #AVFC
— Beñat (@BenatOrtega) January 20, 2017
