According to the latest reports from the Sun, Aston Villa are keen to sign Said Benrahma from Brentford, but the Bees have slapped a £20m price tag on the Algerian to scare off the newly promoted Premier League side. Villa reportedly are only willing to meet them only halfway on that price tag, and they are set to face a long spell of haggling to seal a deal for the winger.
Dean Smith is said to be a big admirer of the 23-year-old winger who scored 11 goals and provided 15 assists last season in all competitions. The Algerian international has worked with Smith at Brentford, and it is no surprise that he wants to bring the Brentford star to Villa Park.
Benrahma is predominantly a left winger, but he can play in a central role as well as a secondary striker. Smith signed him at Brentford just last season, and the Bees should be in a strong position to negotiate for the winger.
What will the Algerian bring at Villa Park?
The winger is known for his explosiveness and agility. His quick body movements, when faced in one on situations, can be tough to defend against. Blessed with good pace and acceleration, Benrahma has been a standout player for Brentford in the attacking third.
What makes him special is his ability to finish off moves and provide assists. Often young wingers are guilty of making a wrong decision in the final third. But Benrahma is a smart operator, and he knows how to find the right pass in the attacking third.
Benrahma is also known for his impressive work rate, and he should fit in well in Dean Smith’s plans. Aston Villa only have two plausible options for the wings department in the form of Anwar El Ghazi and Albert Adomah. Therefore it is vital for the club to sign a new winger.
Should Smith look to pay £20m?
The Algerian international is a very talented player, but he surely isn’t someone who looks like who is worth £20m just yet. However, Brentford are in a strong position to negotiate, so one cannot blame them. His record in his first season in the Championship was impressive, and he has the ability to turn up in the Premier League and follow in the footsteps of his countryman Riyad Mahrez. If Smith can sign him for £12-15m, then he should go for this signing.
