Gary Gardner, who is widely expected to leave Aston Villa this summer, might have found a new home. Championship rivals Barnsley are reportedly close on acquiring the out-of-favor central midfielder.
Gary Gardner is leaving Aston Villa soon. To whom and by what mechanism remains to be seen. We’ve heard Birmingham City for awhile, but Harry Redknapp is busy with a flurry of other deadline deals.
Nottingham Forest were interested, too, bu their interest has since cooled. Instead, however, according to the Express & Star and The Birmingham Mail, Gary Gardner is closing in on a season-long loan to Barnsley.
The Lowdown:
Barnsley have seen their squad ripped apart over the last two transfer windows. Gone are Conor Hourihane and James Bree (thanks). Moreover, Marc Roberts, Josh Scowen, and Marley Watkins are gone too.
After five Championship matches, The Tykes sit in 15th-place on six points – one point greater than that of Aston Villa. Many had Barnsley pegged as a relegation candidate, and they may still be depending on the players they bring in before Thursday’s deadline.
Gary Gardner was not great last season, but he’s shown enough in the second-division to be a starter at this level. It won’t be at Aston Villa though. Gardner’s penchant for untimely injury and Villa’s plethora of midfield talent means he’s on the outs for the foreseeable future.
Villa Verdict:
A loan move for Gary Gardner seems perfectly sensible for all parties involved. Gardner is contracted to the club until the summer of 2020.
Unless Villa gets blown away by a transfer sum (not happening), there’s not haste in moving on. Barnsley offers the perfect opportunity for regular match time. In turn, Gardner becomes a better footballer and boost his market value. It’s worth noting that even though 25 years of age, Gardner does not have a lot of senior football under his belt.
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Keep following as Aston Villa closes up its deadline dealings!