Aston Villa: Rudy Gestede sale imminent

Aston Villa Football Club accepted a £6 million pound bid from Middlesbrough for the services of striker Rudy Gestede. The 28-year old Benin international is going back to the Premier League.

This is an ode to Rudy Gestede.

The 6’4″ lumbering striker just never quite realized consistent success in the claret and blue. Gestede departs with ten Villa goals to his name over a season and a half.

Rudy came to us in the summer of 2015 after 20 Championship goals with Blackburn Rovers. Manager Tim Sherwood promised to get the most out of Rudy as he moved up to the Premier League. Sadly, it never happened.

Here: You can watch all ten of Gestede’s goals. He had some notable ones, including the winner at Bournemouth on the PL season opener. Moreover, Rudy scored the winner in a Second City Derby match.

So, what does this mean for Steve Bruce’s squad? When fully fit, Rudy just did not have a consistent starting place at Aston Villa. Jonathan Kodjia and Ross McCormack were both firmly entrenched ahead as center-forwards.

Other attackers, including: Adomah, Grealish, Agbonlahor, and Ayew meant Rudy had to settle for bench appearances nearly every match.

Gestede brings such a one-dimensional element to the attack. Aston Villa simply were not talented enough to play to Gestede’s strengths. Perhaps, though, Middlesbrough will be. He will be relying on players like George Friend and Adama Traore for wing service.

£6 million is an equitable settlement for both sides. Aston Villa recoup the entire £6 million when they bought him two summer ago. In return, Villa open a spot in the squad where a couple of academy players bring redundant, cheaper talent (André Green, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy).

£6 million brings Steve Bruce additional capital to work around the transfer window. I expect a goalkeeper, central midfielder, and some sort of attacker to come in (maybe a CAM or pure winger).

All the best, Rudy!