The Ludwig Augustinsson affair is approaching when the conditions for an elegant Sweden star emerge
Aston Villa hope to complete the signing of Ludwig Augustinsson from Sevilla this week after Steven Gerrard’s team reached an agreement with the LaLiga team.
It has been a hectic summer so far for Villans as Gerrard prepares for his first full season as manager. And he has shown his and the club’s intention by turning Philippe Coutinho’s loan into a permanent signing. The Brazilian has since been followed by Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos and Robin Olsen.
However, it seems that Gerrard is not yet finished with a deal for an experienced left-back Augustinsson approaching.
The 46-time Sweden star has been in Sevilla for just one season and comes from Werder Bremen in 2021. However, he has only had time for 19 matches in LaLiga, where 10 of them have come from the bench.
As such, they seem willing to move him after just one year. And it seems like they already have a replacement in mind with talks initiated for Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon.
Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, Villa are closing on the signing of Augustinsson. He will sign a first season-long loan, while Villa will be given an option to make it permanent in the summer of 2023.
Talks will now be held with the player’s representatives about the potential move. And if all parties agree, he will probably travel over to undergo a medical examination in the coming days.
We understand that Villa will not pay a fee for the 28-year-old, but will cover his entire salary until June 30, 2023.
Gerrard moves for Augustinsson who he is looking for cover and competition for Lucas Digne. Villa allowed Matt Targett to complete a permanent move to Newcastle this summer, leaving Villa with some light in the area.
Augustinsson is about a smart signing of Gerrard
Augustinsson operates primarily as a left-back, but is also comfortable on the left in midfield.
The Sweden star may not be the big signing Aston Villa fans have become accustomed to under Gerrard. However, Ludwig Augustinsson is an elegant operator and will provide the club with important coverage and competition for two positions.
As such, the deal to take him to the club on loan is smart. And more so when you consider that Premier League clubs will be allowed five substitutes per game from the 2022/23 season onwards.
As such, it is increasingly important to have solid bench options in the future.
With almost 50 international matches for his country, Augustinsson brings a lot of experience as well. After playing in Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Spain, he also comes with plenty of knowledge.
As a cover for Digne, his signing gives Gerrard two quality options to use to play left-back.
Aston Villa have shown their ambition so far
After concluding a deal for Diego Carlos, Aston Villa show no signs of slowing down in the transfer market.
Writing a loan with a call option also gives Gerrard the chance to assess what the player is about. If he impresses, a permanent deal will be easily secured. And if not, Villa can send him back to where he came with not much of a financial hit.
Meanwhile, the conversation grows that Villa can still secure one last big transfer splash in the form of Chelsea star Conor Gallagher.