For many Aston Villa supporters, the summer has been entirely too underwhelming in terms of transfers. Their disappointment was only made that much more so when news broke of the club loaning Yasin Özcan to RSC Anderlecht. According to the Belgium side's website, the loan deal also comes with an option to purchase the defender.
This may come as something of an odd move from Villa. After all, there have not been any major signings that would have made major headlines. Özcan, along with Zépiqueno Redmond, was viewed as the consolation in terms of incoming young prospects for supporters to look forward to.
Instead, the young Türkiye international is not even going to be a part of the Villa plans for the 2025-2026 campaign. While Villa have plenty of quality options at left-back and center-back, for some, the news of seeing Özcan immediately leave B6 so shortly after arriving can be seen as something of a slap in the face.
It has to be acknowledged, though, that Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa, and Tyrone Mings are the ones that will be competing for one of the center-back positions throughout the year. At left-back, Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen have the wide position firmly in control.
There is always the chance that injuries will require an extra body. In the event that the situation becomes that dire, then Özcan's loan spell will be called off short. There is precedent for that throughout recent Premier League history.
Looking at what is possible with Aston Villa
Essentially having the inside track on Özcan's long-term future is incredibly valuable for Villa. If the level of play appears like it will be too much in the EPL, then the club can sell him for a decent profit, and the defender is placed in a good situation for himself to further his career.
If things work out, Özcan will have a good season in the Belgian Pro League and then be that much better prepared to join Villa and make the full Premier League jump.