The latest name to be added to Steven Gerrard’s ambition of reshaping the Aston Villa squad is Inter Milan star, Stefan de Vrij, FootballInsider can confirm. With the end of the season nearing and a busy summer ahead, an A-list centre-back is among the Villa manager’s top targets in the next transfer window.
What makes Stefan de Vrij a strong prospect?
The Serie A winner’s current deal expires in the summer of 2023 and his market value was quoted at £40million mark in January. That is likely to reduce ahead of the summer window for a centre-back regarded as being in the top echelons of world football. The Holland international has thus been on Villa’s radar as they plot more top-class signings to follow the January capture of Philippe Coutinho.
De Vrij, who has been with Inter since signing from Serie A peers Lazio in May 2018, eventually went on to win the Scudetto last season after 10 years in the wilderness. With 55 international caps, the 30-year-old has been ever-present again this term.
The ace Dutch defender with his experience and expertise can contribute to the backline and help the Lions push for a European place in the coming seasons.
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What will the Dutch international add to the Villans?
It can be expected from the Inter Milan star to add some quality to Gerrard’s defence and he will certainly be a good fit for Aston Villa‘s playing style. De Vrij could grow into a regular starter if he manages to impress Steven Gerrard and can increase competition for places within the match-day squad.
Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa have been the first-choice centre-back pairing this season under both Dean Smith and Gerrard. Callum Chambers too has played regularly at centre-half since arriving from North London in January. However, with de Vrij’s skillset, it makes a lot of sense for the West Midlands outfit to follow up on their interest by orchestrating a move to Villa Park when the transfer window commences next.
