Aston Villa completed deadline-day signings of midfielder Leander Dendoncker and defender Jan Bednarek before the summer transfer window closed on Thursday evening.
Dendoncker, signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers, brings 124 matches of Premier League experience and 29 Belgian caps to Birmingham. At 6-foot-2 he’ll offer manager Steven Gerrard a physical presence in the middle of the park.
Bednarek’s season-long loan deal from Southampton comes on the heels of Diego Carlos’ long-term injury suffered against Everton on August 13. The Poland international will provide much-needed cover at centre back in a team that’s struggled defensively this season.
Gerrard said of the signings: “Both players bring vital Premier League experience and international experience. They bring profile into the team and stature, which I think we need.
“I’m hoping they bring a real positive energy that is needed at the moment. Hopefully they’ll give the current group some help and support that is very much needed in view of our recent results.
As for the duo’s availability ahead of Saturday’s clash with champions Manchester City, Gerrard said on Friday:“ got a bit of a throat issue so we’ll have to analyse that as the day goes along.
“I hope both players can be part of the squad, we’ve obviously got a training session now and we’ll make a late decision on both.”
Aston Villa deadline-day tidbits
Douglas Luiz was the big story of the day. Villa made clear their intention to keep the Brazilian and promptly turned town three bids from Arsenal on Thursday.
Cameron Archer stays with Villa despite a host of loan offers from the Championship. As it stands, he’s the third-choice forward.
Caleb Chukwuemeka joined League Two Crawley Town on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
Tim Iroegbunam heads to QPR on a season-long loan where he’ll be reunited with former Villa assistant coach Michael Beale.
Tyreik Wright (Bradford City), Brad Young (Ayr United), and Hayden Lindley (Newport County) all left on season-long loan on Thursday.
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