Steve Bruce can’t stay away from his ex-Hull City stars. According to Uruguayan journalists, Abel Hernandez is signing a three-year deal at Aston Villa. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Tony Xia confirmed on Twitter it’s not happening.
Well this is a bit of a shocker, at least somewhat. A signing of Abel Hernandez isn’t exactly a shocker given the forward’s past history and success under Steve Bruce. However, a deal of this magnitude, just days before the opening match, is strange.
Hernandez, 26, has 11 goals in 27 caps for Uruguay. He struggled in the Premier League last term, scoring just four times in 24 league matches. This, after netting 20 the year prior. Abel Hernandez turns 27 later this month, likely entering the peak of his football career.
Aston Villa was linked to the Uruguay international the last two windows, but no deal was made.
That seemingly had an ill after taste in club owner Dr. Tony Xia’s mouth:
Never will happen after last summer. Good for us.
— Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) August 2, 2017
So much for that, and probably rightfully so. Hernandez had a price tag north of £13 million last year. That is very similar in ilk to Jonathan Kodjia, Ross McCormack, and Scott Hogan. Another “big-money” striker would be a waste – even one as talented as Hull’s Abel Hernandez. When Kodjia, Hogan, Agbonlahor, and Hernandez are all fit, at most, only two can play at any given time.
Bruce’s penchant for one target forward further clouds the move. Furthermore, Keinan Davis and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy are hoping to land appearances as well.
The following South American outlets reported on the potential link/move to Aston Villa:
#Uruguayos | Abel Hernandez va firmar con el #AstonVilla será compañero de Terry. Llega procedente del #Hull pic.twitter.com/HZzJbgDq7h
— Nico Pirri 🇺🇾🇮🇹 (@nicopirri) August 1, 2017
¿Sabes el nuevo destino de Abel #Hernández? Enterate con nosotros de los detalles https://t.co/CiPaythV1Y pic.twitter.com/jGpd6Z5ZoB
— Embajadores del Gol (@Embajadores_gol) August 1, 2017
Verdict:
It’s uncertain how Hernandez would fit into Bruce’s plans. Might I mind you, Scott Hogan was a Steve Bruce signing in January. So, it’s not as if he is stuck with forwards he adopted after taking over the club back in 2016.
Next: Aston Villa announce NEW squad numbers
Jonathan Kodjia returns in one month’s time. In the mean time, a loan signing or two coupled with: Hogan, Agbonlahor, the kids, and the attacking midfielders will need to provide the goals.