The upcoming January transfer window would hold paramount importance in deciding the fate of Aston Villa this season in the Championship. Under the tutelage of Steve Bruce, the Villans have collected 37 points from 22 games so far and are currently placed at the 5th spot in the league table. However, they haven’t been convincing in their last three games in the league, having drawn two of them and losing to Derby County last weekend at the Pride Park Stadium.
One of the major headaches to have emerged of late for Bruce has been the lack of firepower to cater to his side’s striking needs. As suggested by him to the Mail Online last month, Jonathan Kodjia is expected to be sidelined for a number of months owing to the need of an operation on his injured ankle. Besides, Gabriel Agbonlahor is no longer a threat which he once used to be and Scott Hogan is also out with an injury.
Thus, the Lions are expected to beef up their attack in January and one of the players who is perceived to be on their radar is Leicester City’s striker, Leonardo Ulloa. Ulloa has been overlooked by the Foxes this season, having handed him merely 3 substitute appearances in the Premier League and no starts at all. He has played merely 13 minutes in the English top division so far this season and it goes without saying that the forward would be keen to venture into a new endeavour with better possibilities.
Besides, the Mirror reported last month that Claude Puel is looking to ditch Ulloa in January, and it could be an excellent opportunity for Aston Villa to try to lure him to the Villa Park. The 31-year-old is a decent striker to have in the ranks of any Championship side and with Villa keen to mount a serious challenge for promotion, he could be a welcome addition. He is someone who showcases notable predatory instincts and is quite experienced as well.
Bruce already has a veteran winner in the shape of John Terry and with another Premier League winner in Ulloa, he would be inject winning mentality into his squad. The Argentine links up well with his teammates in the final third, is pleasantly clinical and has a decent pace as well. However, his price tag is expected to be high and thus, it would be interesting to see how the scenario forks out from hereon.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
