To the chagrin of Aston Villa supporters, Villa seem to be nearing a move for Ahmed Elmohamady. The 29-year old winger/wing back/fullback is available from Hull City for a few million pounds.
The Birmingham Mail reports Aston Villa is close to signing Hull City’s Ahmed Elmohamady permanently in a £2-3 million switch.
As we wrote about here, a move for Elmohamady all but confirms a preferred formation switch for Steve Bruce’s squad. A lineup consisting of a back three to accommodate the newly-acquired John Terry, as well as captain James Chester and Nathan Baker.
Next: A formation switch may be coming to Aston Villa
In this scenario, Neil Taylor occupies his left-wingback spot that he plays for Wales. The right-wingback spot? Well, it was going to be a fight between James Bree, Alan Hutton, and Ritchie De Laet. Though, each is a better right back than wing back.
I guess it is the latter concern that has Steve Bruce evaluating his options.
Elmohamady brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned Premier League and Championship veteran. He has well over 120 Premier League appearances in his career, and 82 Championship appearances in just two seasons (2012/2013 & 2015/2016). Moreover, he’s extremely fit and durable with over 70 caps for the Egyptian National Team despite playing a grueling outside back position.
This won’t be a popular signing, not because Elmohamady is a bad player, but because supporters will feel the summer budget is being spent on a redundant player (never mind the fact he’s very different from the three right backs above).
But in some respect, those concerns are well founded. Some, including myself, would like to see James Bree in an extended role at right-wingback, the position he made his Villa debut in.
Verdict:
Steve Bruce seems set on acquiring Elmohamady’s services for a third time in his career. Firstly, as Sunderland manager in 2010/2011, then again at Hull City in 2012/2013.
I don’t think Elmohamady will feature at right back at all when the system reverts a back four. This should mitigate risk supporters have in the signing. Elmohamady should play as both a right-wingback and a deputy on the right wing for Albert Adomah.
Elmohamady turns 30 in September. Therefore, a two or three-year deal is advisable.