Why Aston Villa should go all out to sign Joe Lolley in January
Back in May, Birmingham Mail had claimed that Aston Villa were interested in signing Nottingham Forest star Joe Lolley for £10m. However, a deal didn’t go through during the summer transfer window.
Joe Lolley, 27, enjoyed a fantastic 2018/19 season with Nottingham Forest as he netted 12 goals and supplied as many assists. However, the winger’s form hasn’t reached the heights it did at times last season.
He hasn’t yet hit peak form this season, although he’s still managed to score four times along with a couple of assists.
If the Reds are to finally end their stay outside the top-flight, Joe Lolley will be crucial. And with Lolley slowly looking like returning to his old self, Aston Villa would be wise to reignite their interest during the January transfer window.
Failure to sign Lolley saw Aston Villa’s Dean Smith bring in Diego Jota and Mahmoud Trezeguet, whilst turning Anwar El Ghazi’s loan move permanent.
But Jota has gone off the boil after a few impressive displays, while Trezeguet and El Ghazi have been highly inconsistent. The lack of service from wide players has affected Wesley Moraes’ productivity in front of goal, with the Brazilian netting just 4 goals in 11 games so far.
If the Villans are to avoid relegation at the first time of asking, Smith must prioritise signing a back-up striker for Wesley. Furthermore, the Villa boss should also target a wide player in January to compete with the likes of Jota, Trezeguet and El Ghazi. And Joe Lolley would be a good fit at Villa Park.
A boyhood Aston Villa fan, Lolley broke through at Kidderminster before moving to Huddersfield Town. He failed to cut it out in the Premier League with Huddersfield and has impressed since joining Nottingham Forest in the Championship.
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A right-winger by trade, Lolley is also adept playing on the left and causing problems for the opposition with his dribbling, movement and crossing. He has a wand of a left foot, which helps him strike the ball with immense power and score goals from outside the box.
In the video below, one would get a glimpse of his style of play and what he could offer Aston Villa if a move goes through.
Verdict
Lolley would undoubtedly add quality and strength to Villa’s attack. Even though the 27-year-old didn’t have the best of times with Huddersfield in the top-flight, it’s worth taking a risk on the Nottingham Forest attacker.