German news outlet Fehmarn24 have recently reported that Werder Bremen winger Milot Rashica does not fancy a switch to Aston Villa this summer. It has been claimed that the Kosovan attacker had decided to move to Red Bull Leipzig, but the German club did not match Bremen’s €25m price-tag. Fehmarn24 goes on to state that the Bundesliga playmaker will be interested in a move to the Premier League, but has no desire to join the Villans as he wants to shine and compete for major trophies at the highest level.
This latest development will feel like a gut-punch for Villa boss Dean Smith as he battles to bring in some quality reinforcements to strengthen his squad in this off-season. The West Midlands outfit struggled to score goals consistently in the recently concluded Premier League season, so they would be desperate to land a prolific attacking player this summer.
Rashica’s Sensational Season In German Football
Rashica was in a rich vein of form for Bremen in the previous campaign when he scored 11 and created eight goals in 34 appearances for them in multiple competitions which have enhanced his reputation in European football. The 24-year-old has made himself a real fan-favourite at the Weser-Stadion after producing a string of eye-catching performances on the left side of Florian Kohfeldt’s attack.
The 25-capped Kosovan international managed to help Bremen avoid relegation by the skin of their teeth as they beat Heidenheim over two legs (on away goals) last month. He has been an excellent contributor in the attacking third as evident from his average of 2.6 shots, 1.4 key passes, 2.0 dribbles and 1.0 crosses per game in the German top-flight. However, Rashica tends to be a bit sloppy when distributing possession in the opposition half as he has completed only 75.9% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
What Are The Kosovan Wing Wizard’s Greatest Strengths?
Rashica possesses electric pace that allows him to cause all sorts of problems for the opposition in the final third. He has the ability to complete some dangerous dribbles in the opponent’s half and can also find the back of the net if given time and space to shoot from in and around the penalty box. The Kosovan speedster is not afraid to test the opposition keeper from long range and has even got the vision to orchestrate some enticing goal-scoring chances during the 90 minutes.
Rashica Won’t Move To Villa Park: Huge Blow For The Villans?
A winger of Rashica’s skillset would have been a fantastic signing for Smith ahead of the new season. However, the player’s unwillingness to move to Villa Park will be a huge blow for the Midlands side ahead of their fight to stay in the Premier League begins once again in the upcoming campaign.
The Villans have currently got Jack Grealish, Trézéguet, Anwar El Ghazi and Jota fighting for a place on the flanks in Smith’s starting XI. The lack of depth and quality in their squad is quite apparent, which is why the Villa head coach should give up on Rashica and consider looking at some of his other targets this summer.
