29-year old attacking midfielder Robert Snodgrass is the latest name linked with a move to Aston Villa. West Ham United is said to be listening to offers for the Scotland international.
From The Daily Mail, Aston Villa is eyeing a move for Scotland international Robert Snodgrass. Snodgrass only just joined West Ham United in January after a mid-season move from Hull City.
Eight months ago, the player made a big money move by leaving Premier League strugglers Hull for a top-half team in West Ham. That move, a £10 million fee, was a result of Snodgrass scoring nine goals in the club’s first 24 matches across all competitions.
After that, he fell back to Earth, failing to score in 15 Premier League matches for The Hammers.
West Ham acquired Stoke City star attacking midfielder Marko Arnautovic this summer. Because of this, and other talented midfielders (Feghouli, Lanzini, Ayew, Antontio) in the squad, Snodgrass’ services is available for the right price.
The same link claims Aston Villa needs an initial loan move with an obligation to buy for £8 million next summer. That valuation seems about correct, however, Snodgrass would turn 31 next summer. He will turn 30 this September.
From WhoScored, Snodgrass is a highly-accurate passer from the final third. In his previous three seasons, Snodgrass has never recorded a passing rate lower than 79.9%. That’s average for a central midfielder, but a winger capable of playing anywhere on the front line, that’s impressive. Furthermore, the player has 12 assists in the last two Premier League seasons.
Of course we would not have an Aston Villa transfer rumor unless it’s a former Steve Bruce player. Snodgrass spent a few years with Bruce at Hull City.
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Verdict:
Meh. Again, Snodgrass is a fine player. His versatility, in particular, would greatly aid Aston Villa. He could be a fill-in for Jack Grealish in the number ten hole. He could compete on either wing position.
However, he turns 30 in less than a month’s time. Adding more age to the squad on a multi-year deal seems unwise. £8 million could be spent on a far more prudent, younger investment. Now, if West Ham is interested on a loan deal with no option or obligation to buy, then possibly.