Sport Nation 2Aston Villa has been tipped to make a significant move in the upcoming January transfer window, with former midfielder Stiliyan Petrov suggesting the Premier League side could target Celtic’s attacking duo, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi. Petrov, who enjoyed notable spells with both clubs, believes that Unai Emery’s side could benefit from the addition of these two dynamic forwards as they aim to strengthen their squad in the second half of the season.
Celtic Stars Linked to Villa
Petrov, who made over 500 appearances combined for Aston Villa and Celtic during his playing career, has spoken highly of both Maeda and Kyogo, pointing out that their performances in the Scottish Premiership this season make them suitable candidates for a Premier League move. The Bulgarian midfielder expressed his opinion that Villa, despite already competing successfully in both the Premier League and Champions League, could enhance their squad with these two Celtic players.
Maeda and Kyogo have been pivotal for Celtic in the current season, contributing to their strong start in the Scottish Premiership. In just seven league games, Maeda has been involved in four goals while Kyogo has contributed to five, showcasing their attacking prowess. According to Petrov, these players’ talents and characteristics would fit well with Aston Villa’s playing style under Emery, especially as they look to maintain their momentum in multiple competitions.
Petrov’s Praise for Maeda and Kyogo
Speaking about Maeda, Petrov lauded the 26-year-old forward for his pace, energy, and relentless pressing ability, describing him as one of the best in football when it comes to pushing full-backs and applying pressure. Maeda’s work rate and versatility have made him a standout performer for Celtic, and Petrov believes that this tenacity would be a valuable asset for Aston Villa, particularly in their high-intensity system under Emery.
As for Kyogo, Petrov described the 29-year-old striker as a “classy player” with a knack for scoring goals. He highlighted Kyogo’s intelligence on the pitch, as well as his clinical finishing ability, which has seen him become one of Celtic’s main goal threats. Petrov emphasized that Kyogo’s goal-scoring record and football intelligence would make him a perfect fit for Villa’s attacking setup, even if he would face stiff competition for a starting spot.
Strengthening Villa’s Attack
While Aston Villa’s current forward line is already performing well, with players like Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, and Jhon Duran enjoying excellent form, the addition of Maeda and Kyogo would provide Emery with additional depth and firepower. Villa’s fixture list is set to become even more demanding as they compete in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup competitions. This increased workload will require a deeper squad to maintain performance levels across all competitions.
Ollie Watkins, in particular, has been in sensational form, but as the season progresses, Villa will need more options to rotate the squad without sacrificing quality. Kyogo, with his sharp instincts and proven goal-scoring ability, could provide vital support and competition for Watkins in the striker role. Meanwhile, Maeda’s versatility could allow him to be deployed on the wing or as a secondary striker, adding further flexibility to Villa’s attack.
With the UEFA Champions League adopting a new format that increases the number of fixtures, clubs like Villa will need to be prepared for the additional demands on their players. Injuries and fatigue are inevitable over the course of a long season, and having players like Maeda and Kyogo available as reliable alternatives could prove crucial to sustaining a successful campaign.
The Potential Transfer Fees
According to Transfermarkt, the combined market value of Maeda and Kyogo is currently estimated at €21.5 million (£18 million). For a club like Aston Villa, this price tag represents a reasonable investment for two players who have consistently delivered in Scotland and could bring fresh impetus to their squad. The fee aligns with the current transfer market, where top-flight clubs are willing to pay for proven talent that can make an immediate impact.
Considering Villa’s ambitions to solidify their position in the upper echelons of the Premier League and compete effectively in Europe, securing these signings in January would not only bolster their attacking options but also signal the club’s intent to continue strengthening.
The Challenges of Breaking into Villa’s Starting XI
Despite Petrov’s enthusiasm for the potential signings, breaking into Aston Villa’s starting lineup will not be easy for Maeda and Kyogo. Players like Watkins, Rogers, and Duran have been performing exceptionally well, and Emery has built a cohesive attacking unit that is delivering results. However, as seen in successful teams across Europe, depth is crucial for maintaining performance levels across multiple competitions, and having high-quality options on the bench can be just as important as the starting XI.
Maeda’s ability to play in multiple attacking positions could make him a valuable rotation option, particularly in games where Villa will look to exploit tired defenses with his pace and energy. Kyogo, known for his predatory instincts in front of goal, could be used in rotation with Watkins or even alongside him, depending on Emery’s tactical approach.
Both players would likely start as squad members rather than automatic first-team selections, but their presence would provide Villa with the depth needed to maintain their high standards throughout a demanding season.
The Appeal of Aston Villa for Maeda and Kyogo
A move to Aston Villa would represent a significant step up for both Maeda and Kyogo, offering them the opportunity to play in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. The Premier League’s global visibility and prestige are strong attractions for players looking to test themselves at the highest level. Additionally, Villa’s participation in the Champions League this season would provide Maeda and Kyogo with the chance to compete on the biggest stage in European football.
For Celtic, while losing two of their star players would be a blow, the financial benefit of such a transfer could be reinvested into the squad. Celtic has a history of developing talent and selling players to bigger clubs, and this potential transfer would continue that tradition.
Conclusion
As January approaches, the possibility of Aston Villa moving for Celtic’s Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi is an intriguing one. Both players have proven their worth in Scotland, and their skill sets could bring added depth and versatility to a Villa squad that is already performing well. Petrov’s endorsement of the duo highlights the respect they have garnered through their performances, and Villa fans will be eager to see whether Unai Emery looks to make a move when the transfer window opens.
While breaking into the first team might be challenging for Maeda and Kyogo, their addition would strengthen Villa’s squad as they navigate a busy fixture schedule. For the players, it would be an exciting step up in their careers, offering them the chance to compete in one of the most prestigious leagues in the world. Whether this transfer speculation turns into reality remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Aston Villa is a club with big ambitions, and January could see them making a significant move to boost their attacking options.
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