In a recent report, The Daily Mail stated that Aston Villa are eyeing a move for Wayne Hennessey this summer. However, it is understood that the Villans will have to rival Chelsea and Burnley in pursuit of the Wales international, who is currently a free agent (via The Daily Mail).
Hennessey’s Difficult End To His Crystal Palace Career
Hennessey endured a frustrating season with Crystal Palace as he struggled to get any meaningful game time for them on the field. The Beaumaris-born talent participated in only one match for the Eagles in the previous campaign as he ended up keeping a clean sheet in that game but lost the penalty shootout by an 11-10 scoreline against Bournemouth in the second round of the EFL Cup.
Despite his recent struggles at Selhurst Park, the Welsh custodian has a wealth of experience in Premier League football, so he would believe that he can still play a useful role in top-flight football. Hennessey has made 181 appearances in the English first division thus far, conceding 300 goals while securing 37 clean sheets in the process.
Now that the 34-year-old is available as a free agent, he will a low-risk acquisition for the Villans as he could serve as a suitable deputy to Emiliano Martinez at Villa Park. Hennessey has what it takes to play as Aston Villa’s primary keeper in the domestic cup competitions next season that will keep Martinez fresh for the Premier League matches.
Will Hennessey Be A Decent Option For The Villans This Summer?
Hennessey can still be a safe pair of hands in between the sticks for most top-flight sides in England as long as he is getting enough minutes on the field. He possesses good reflexes that help him pull off a few important saves at the back. The 96-time Wales international is also a decent handler of the ball and can get a lot of distance with his clearances as well.
A keeper of Hennessey’s experience will be an excellent addition to Dean Smith’s squad as he will bolster Villa’s goalkeeping options considerably ahead of the new campaign. The ex-Crystal Palace shot-stopper is good enough to offer some healthy competition for Martinez and could step up to serve a decent back-up when the Argentine custodian is unavailable for selection or is getting a rest next season.
With all things considered, Hennessey will be a good option for the West Midlands outfit to pursue in this off-season as he will enhance the overall depth of their match-day squad. Hence, Smith would be wise to offer the Welsh keeper a short-term contract to prove his worth at Villa Park in the coming seasons.
