Why Chiedozie Ogbene Would Be A Good Signing For Villa
Aston Villa are reportedly interested in bringing Limerick striker Chiedozie Ogbene to the club next month, though the young man is being courted elsewhere too.
The League of Ireland finished in October and since then, the 20-year-old striker has spent time on trial at a number of clubs in England, most notably Chelsea, and looks like he’s heading across the Irish Sea on a permanent basis.
Ogbene is under contract for one more year at Limerick, although it wouldn’t take a massive bid to tempt them into selling him and it seems the most certain interest in the powerful forward thus far is from Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa.
Born in Nigeria, Ogbene grew up in Cork having moved with his family 12 years ago and has now become a regular at Limerick, playing 38 times last season and scoring 8 goals.
It would appear though that another move is on the cards for the young man and Villa are the most serious suitors at this point. But is he worth the risk for the West Midlands club?
They already have four centre-forwards on their books right now in Jonathan Kodjia, Scott Hogan, Gabriel Agbonlahor and young Keinan Davis. That sounds like a lot of competition already but when analysing closer, Villa certainly need something else right now.
Kodjia and Agbonlahor have both suffered from injuries, with the latter having struggled with his form as well in recent times. They probably can’t be relied on so much. Even when Kodjia is fit, they need more than him in the squad and relying too much on the 19-year-old Davis could slow down the young man’s development overall.
Scott Hogan, after his big money move from Brentford, has not really hit the heights and has injury problems, so you’d say there is definitely a need for another forward at Aston Villa.
Given the money paid in the past for the likes of Hogan and Ross McCormack without success, it may also be prudent of Villa to go for a cheaper option and put their faith in their coaching set-up to get the player up to speed at Championship level.
All things considered then, it seems this move would be good for all concerned. Limerick FC would get some much-needed funds, the player would get a higher quality of football and Villa would get the competition they need up front, going into the second half of the season.