Stevie’s in-tray is stacked with some pressing issues
STEVEN Gerrard has continued to place a huge emphasis on the importance of a “really strong” pre-season as he gets set for his first full campaign in charge at Villa.
The head coach inherited Dean Smith’s squad eight months ago and was quick to add quality in January.
Gerrard has done so again this summer, having nailed down the permanent additions of Robin Olsen, Diego Carlos, Boubacar Kamara and Philippe Coutinho.
The Birmingham Post assesses what will be in his in-tray as the boss returns to work at Bodymoor Heath.
TRIM THE FAT
Villa have 33 first-team players on their books with eight returning from loan spells away last season.
Winger Trezeguet remains in negotiations with Trabzonspor in Turkey over a £3 million move, while Anwar El Ghazi and Lovre Kalinic are free to find new clubs.
Brazilian striker Wesley will stay on loan at Internacional S.C until the New Year and Frederic Guilbert’s future appears to lie away from Villa Park with Gerrard keen to promote Kaine Kesler Hayden.
Villa are willing to listen to offers for Keinan Davis following his successful stint at Nottingham Forest. Davis, along with Jaden PhilogeneBidace, will get the chance to impress Gerrard during pre-season before decisions are made over their respective futures.
The boss also needs to iron out the futures of Bertrand Traore and Morgan Sanson given their lack of match action last season. The Post understands both players are happy at Villa.
Leon Bailey, meanwhile, will be given every chance to finally crack it after an underwhelming first season.
STRENGTHEN THE GROUP
A few player sales will allow Villa to move more freely in the transfer market as they look to replenish – and improve – the squad.
A new left-back, elite-level midfielder and an experienced centreforward are still on Gerrard’s radar.
He is desperate to have competition for places and wants those within his squad fighting for starting shirts every single week, which hasn’t been the case for a long while.
Sporting director Johan Lange is working closely with Gerrard and the recruitment team to identify highcalibre targets in key positions.
CONTRACTS
Two players fall into this bracket. Carney Chukwuemeka and Douglas Luiz, the former lighting up the Under-19 European Championships while the latter is attracting serious interest from AC Milan.
Gerrard says the club have “done all they can” to persuade 18-year-old Chukwuemeka to sign new terms.
The midfielder is using the summer
championships with England as a springboard with big clubs circling given he has just 12 months remaining on his deal.
As for Douglas, Gerrard has always remained coy on the Brazilian’s situation. The 24-year-old has clocked up 111 games in just three seasons at Villa Park, which underlines his importance.
Given the addition of Kamara as Villa’s new defensive midfielder, there is hope Douglas can make a real statement playing in his preferred No.8 position next term.
He is valued at as much as £30 million, despite his dwindling contract. Will Villa look to cash in or will a new deal be in the offing?
Elsewhere, Gerrard will hope for a final decision from Ashley Young this week.
Young, who turns 37 in July, has been offered a new 12-month contract.
CRITCHLEY’S ROLE
Gerrard acted quickly following Michael Beale’s departure to QPR and brought in Blackpool manager Neil Critchley, who is fully expected to slot into the assistant’s role.
It should be seamless while, having had time to bed in and put his own stamp on the club, Gerrard will take a more hands-on role next season.
LOAN DECISIONS
There will be a big question mark next to Cameron Archer’s name with a decision set to be made late in the window.
Tim Iroegbunam is another touted with a loan move but the Post has been told that is not on the agenda with the 18-year-old expected to be mentored by new addition Kamara.
Kortney Hause could be loaned out as Gerrard will have five centre-backs when Ezri Konsa returns from injury while, in the academy, Aaron Ramsey, Louie Barry and Ben Chrisene are all expected to secure EFL loan deals.
Highly-rated centre-back Josh
Feeney, 17, will be kept among the first-team group on a regular basis with a loan likely in January.
It will be the same with Rory Wilson, 16, who will make his £300,000 move from Rangers official this week.
Also, depending if Villa are busy bringing new players in, loans could well be in the offing for Sanson and Traore.
APPOINT THE CAPTAIN
In April, Gerrard revealed he would continue to review the captaincy ahead of naming his full-time skipper ahead of the start of the 2022/23 season.
Tyrone Mings remains favourite to retain the armband but John McGinn is a strong contender.
STRONG START TO SEASON
Villa will have six games before the transfer deadline and it is imperative a good start is made.
The opening three fixtures – Bournemouth, Everton and Palace – appear kind before a second-round tie in the Carabao Cup.
After that it’s West Ham and Arsenal, who both did the double over Villa last season as they continued to struggle against sides above them in the table.
Villa must beat a few of the socalled ‘big boys’ this season. Big results will inject some much-needed momentum as Gerrard looks to make his side a much stronger and more consistent team.