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da dobrowin： Aston Villa have been linked with a number of defensive targets in the transfer window. Adam Webster has been the subject of interest whilst they’ve enquired about Huddersfield’s Terence Kongolo too.
However, they also seem keen on adding Burnley’s Ben Gibson to their ranks.
TEAMtalk have claimed that the Clarets are willing to let him leave just a year after buying him from Middlesbrough, with Sheffield United and Norwich City also keen on Gibson.
The report suggests that the club could be willing to consider a loan deal for the 26-year-old who initially signed for £15m last summer.
It’s fair to say that the central defender hasn’t had the easiest of rides since making the switch, appearing just five times in all competitions as he became an outcast at Burnley.
Within that time Gibson scored one goal in the only Premier League game he featured in whilst he also picked up a red card against Olympiacos in the Europa League.
Villa made terrific use of the loan market last season by bringing in the likes of Anwar El Ghazi, Axel Tuanzebe, Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause so it’s a deal that would have similarities if they could secure the player on a temporary basis.
With a potential deal on the cards, what do Football FanCast’s writers make of it? Here’s what they’ve had to say about whether Villa should move for the Premier League outcast…
Charles Jones
“Gibson couldn’t break into Burnley’s starting XI last season, but that doesn’t at all indicate that he isn’t a capable defender. The former Middlesbrough man looked brilliant during his time at the Riverside Stadium, playing almost every game as Boro conceded just 45 goals that season, and he has been coached by two of the best defensive managers in England in Sean Dyche and Tony Pulis.
“He is a bit one dimensional as his pass success rate of 66.7% last season indicates that he isn’t the best ball player. A newly promoted side could do a lot worse than adding the Englishman to their ranks though as he has the defensive acumen to play a deep-sitting style that would frustrate quality teams by doing the basics well. Dean Smith would be making a good move if he brought Gibson to Villa Park.”
Harry Sherlock
“It simply hasn’t worked out for Gibson, has it? A £15m deal saw him become Burnley’s joint-record signing and yet he played one game of Premier League football in 2018/19. That’s a risible return and one has to wonder whether Burnley were left with buyer’s regret. He’s got pedigree, though, and was a genuinely exceptional centre-half at Middlesbrough, making over 200 appearances.
“A loan deal would make a lot of sense from Aston Villa’s perspective; he may not play all 38 games next season but he will have a point to prove and could form a key part of a backline attempting to stave off relegation.”
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James Beavis
“Despite the fact that Gibson endured a frustrating first season with Burnley where he was barely on the field – he played just 63 minutes of Premier League football – due to injury and being unable to break up the successful partnership of Ben Mee and James Tarkowski, he would still offer something to Aston Villa.
“The 26-year-old led by example as captain during his only other Premier League campaign in 2016/17, showing his defensive capabilities despite the fact that the Teesside outfit ended up being relegated. 31 out of 39 successful tackles and 234 clearances prove that as he played every minute for Boro, and he will be chomping at the bit to prove himself at this level again if he does go out on loan. A win-win situation for Smith and Villa, then.”