Aston Villa signing this 30-year-old West Ham outcast would be an absolute steal and Smith must do it

Why Aston Villa should sign Angelo Ogbonna from West Ham

Aston Villa have recovered well after a close to disastrous start to the season under Steve Bruce. However, after the arrival of Dean Smith, the performance level has taken a rise. The team is looking after itself in games and picking up points to close the gap with the top six in the Championship.

Villa were denied a place in the Premier League this year when they lost the playoff final to Fulham. Hence, the target should be to at least finish in the playoff spots by the end of this campaign and fight for promotion once again.

On current form, they are likely to sustain their good run and eventually breach through the top six. As of now, the Birmingham club are four points behind Middlesbrough, who are sixth in the table.

Looking at Aston Villa’s squad, they lack depth in certain areas of the pitch. However, there is one area which really needs cover – centre-back. Dean Smith has Axel Tuanzebe and James Chester as the only viable options, with the former being a loanee from Manchester United.

Mile Jedinak and Alan Hutton can play in that position when required but they are not a solution to the problem. Hence, it is imperative from the club’s viewpoint that they sign a new centre-back in January to keep their foot on the accelerator and fight for promotion.

Here’s why they should sign Angelo Ogbonna from West Ham United:

Ogbonna could be ideal for the Villans

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has preferred to start with the new signing partnership of Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop in central defence. The Chilean did give Ogbonna the chance in the first few games but the Italian hasn’t got too many opportunities in the league after Diop and Balbuena started playing together.

Therefore, it is high time for the 30-year-old to leave the London Stadium and look for opportunities elsewhere. Aston Villa can show their positive intent by signing the Italian next month. The player possesses high quality and would be an ideal fit for Dean Smith’s team.

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Ogbonna’s experience and know how to handle various situations with a calm head will help the Villans in pressure games. Moreover, having played in the Premier League, he will have the knowledge on what is expected from the players, if they are to play top-flight football next season.