Pair of Premier League clubs fighting for Rudy Gestede
By Josh Tonti
Impact substitute striker Rudy Gestede could be on his way out at Aston Villa. A pair of Premier League clubs are interested in acquiring the forward’s services.
With a plethora of attacking options to choose from, manager Steve Bruce might be forced into moving one or two options away during the January transfer window.
Enter Rudy Gestede, whose six appearances from the bench account for nearly half of his total league appearances (thirteen). In that span, the 6′ 4″ striker has netted four goals and one assist in 631 minutes of football.
Premier League clubs, West Bromwich Albion and Hull City, are both known to be keeping tabs on Rudy. Reports indicate their current valuation stands around £6-£8 million pounds.
More interestingly for Aston Villa is Hull City’s continued interest. Hull striker Abel Hernandez was thought to be a summer target of ex-manager Roberto Di Matteo – though, a deal never materialized.
Could a player+cash for player swap be in the works? Possibly. Abel Hernandez is certainly a player of quality that should attract Aston Villa. Unfortunately, he again plays a position that is quite deep at the moment for the claret and blue.
Steve Bruce is already looking to offload a forward or two. An acquisition of another would likely require some other moving parts; time that the club simply does not have in the course of one month.
For what it is worth, I don’t believe moving Rudy Gestede is the correct call. Unless Villa are blown away by a transfer sum, or have another forward coming in, Gestede should stand pat.
While he may be frustrated with a lack of starts, no player can quite replicate his aerial ability or strength. Gestede’s ultimate ability is that of a weapon off the bench. Someone to see out a one goal lead by defending set pieces, or provide that vital goal from a corner kick.
Rudy Gestede is an extraordinary complementary piece to Kodjia, McCormack, Adomah, Grealish, Ayew etc.