Aston Villa’s large squad could mean transfer business is nearing end

Aston Villa Football Club have perhaps the deepest squad in the EFL Championship. A small handful of additions mean a few outgoings will be necessary.

Aston Villa’s acquisition of John McGinn on a 4-year deal creates even fiercer competition in the midfield. After ownership’s refusal to sell Jack Grealish on Wednesday (a lot can happen on deadline day Thursday), the claret and blue now have about 6 central midfield players for 2-3 positions.

One of which clearly goes to Grealish if he stays.

So, while we’re here, let’s roam the Villa depth chart:

Goalkeepers: 1. Ørjan Nyland, 2. Jed Steer, 3. André Moreira, 4. Mark Bunn, 5. Matija Sarkic

Defenders: 6. James Chester, 7. Tommy Elphick, 8. Axel Tuanzebe, 9. Alan Hutton, 10. James Bree, 11. Ritchie De Laet, 12. Ahmed Elmohamady, 13. Neil Taylor, 14. (*NEW SIGNING/NOT JOE BRYAN*), 15. Mile Jedinak

Midfielders: 16. Glenn Whelan, 17. John McGinn, 18. Jack Grealish, 19. Henri Lansbury, 20. Conor Hourihane, 21. Birkir Bjarnason, 22. Gary Gardner, 23. Albert Adomah, 24. André Green

Forwards: 25. Jonathan Kodjia, 26. Scott Hogan, 27. Keinan Davis, 28. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy. 29. (*NEW SIGNING*)

27 players have received or will receive a number from Aston Villa. That number doesn’t include any further incoming transfers or youth team members who will dress in the eighteen this season. Obviously, there are simply not enough places for everyone, even for a team as perennially injured as Villa.

Who could go? The goalkeeper situation will sort itself out before September. Someone between Nyland, Steer, and Moreira will claim the No. 1 position and back-up position. I would think Mark Bunn stays, but Matija Sarkic is a near-lock to leave on loan.

The defense is fairly settled, but after losing out on Joe Bryan, another left back would be a very keen addition to the squad. The four right backs probably stay, but Ahmed Elmohamady will rotate in and out of right wing. James Bree is an option to go out on loan, too.

Albert Adomah and Henri Lansbury have seen their names floated around the transfer mill. So too, has Jonathan Kodjia. Gary Gardner is a good bet to depart before August ends.

With Villa’s outrageously large squad at the moment, coupled with emerging young talent, the club should be approaching the end of its transfer dealings. The new ownership group at NSWE have given Steve Bruce plenty to work with before the crux of the season begins.

Almost too much to work with.