Aston Villa cull will see Steven Gerrard green-light sale of hapless star

Aston Villa are reportedly ready to green-light the sale of Anwar El Ghazi, whose loan period at Everton has been anything but successful.

Steven Gerrard’s arrival at Aston Villa in 2021 has had repercussions for a number of players. Indeed, it is clear that Gerrard has a vision for his side moving forwards.

The first big indication of Gerrard’s ambition was the loan signing of Philippe Coutinho. Villa are reportedly nearing the completion of a permanent deal for Coutinho.

The signing of Lucas Digne was also a statement of intent from the boss. Those deals forced a couple of Villa stars to search for new clubs in the short term; Matt Targett was one, who moved to Newcastle United on loan.

El Ghazi was another, he played just 33 minutes under Gerrard, and soon found his way out to Everton on loan. It seems that he will be looking for a new club permanently, following an update.

Villa look to be gutting their squad of fringe players. Morgan Sanson and Douglas Luiz will reportedly be told they can leave, and the same is true for El Ghazi, per Football Insider.

El Ghazi played a role in Villa’s return to the top flight, as he scored in the playoff final against Derby County. He also had an impact in the Premier League under Dean Smith, scoring 10 goals last season.

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However, it appears he is surplus to requirements under Gerrard.

The Dutchman is under contract at Villa Park for another year.

As such, Villa will be keen on selling up in the summer, and guaranteeing a fee for El Ghazi.

Everton to pass on El Ghazi

El Ghazi has been on loan at Everton since mid-way through January. He was signed when Rafa Benitez was still at the helm at Goodison Park.

However, since then, Frank Lampard has taken charge of the Toffees, and El Ghazi has hardly been used. The winger has played just 11 minutes of football since he made the loan switch.

The report states that Everton plan to pass on El Ghazi, and will let him return to Villa at the end of his loan period. That is no surprise given his lack of minutes with the Toffees.

With neither Villa or Everton interested in keeping El Ghazi, he will hope that another side wants to take him.

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