This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Following the Championship play-off final victory over Derby County in May, Aston Villa’s re-arrival in the English top-flight coincided with the departure of Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham, who had scored 26 goals in the West Midlands side’s promotion-winning season.
Abraham returning to Chelsea saw Villa move for Club Brugges striker Wesley, who has gradually adapted to life in the Premier League with four goals in 11 appearances, but the club have been linked with a move for Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.
Since then, former Ibrox forward Neil McCann has spoken out regarding his thoughts on the valuation of the Colombian striker.
What did he say?
“I can’t see for the life of me the board entertaining Morelos going unless it was stupid money” said McCann, speaking to the Evening Times.
He then went onto state the following:
“I mean, it would have to be crazy cash – £25 million plus, maybe, Kieran Tierney money.
“When you look at Morelos, he is a fantastic goal scorer and has so much to offer.”
Could Morelos represent the missing link for Villa?
Despite Dean Smith’s side having scored 16 goals so far this season – the most of any team in the Premier League’s bottom nine – the club have seemed to lack a striker with a clinical cutting edge upfront.
Wesley has displayed his quality at times, most notably with a well-taken brace against Norwich City, but Smith may opt to enter the January market in a bid to galvanise Villa’s striking options – a move for 18-goal Morelos could make perfect sense.
Despite issues of discipline last season, the 23-year-old has dramatically improved his on-field demeanour in the current campaign. Having been sent off five times last season, Morelos is yet to see red so far in the 2019/20 campaign, and this sense of growing maturity could be timely for a move to the English top-flight.
McCann’s comments suggest an offer in the region of £25m would give Rangers serious food for thought, and given Villa’s extensive backing – with £130m having been spent on 13 new players in the summer – this would not be a fee that Villa would baulk at.
Having scored 10 goals in 11 Europa League appearances so far this season, Morelos is displaying the calibre of a player who is capable of competing at a higher level than the Scottish Premiership.
Combine this improved discipline, proven goalscoring form and the ongoing doubts regarding Villa’s back-up striker Jonathan Kodjia – who has continued to be plagued by injuries despite initially impressing during his time with the club – an offer for Morelos in January could make perfect sense for Smith’s side in a bid to bolster their attacking options and retain their top-flight status.
