Aston Villa notified of interest from Dutch giants for out-of-favour winger to replace English talent

Aston Villa could receive an official approach from PSV Eindhoven for unwanted winger Anwar El Ghazi, according to reports in the Netherlands.

El Ghazi is into the final year of his contract with Aston Villa after spending the last six months of the 2021-22 season on loan at Everton. He has not featured in any of Steven Gerrard’s squads since his return to Villa Park.

It seems unlikely that Aston Villa are counting on El Ghazi for the season ahead. With that in mind, they could take their last real chance to sell him before the end of the transfer window.

According to Voetbal International, El Ghazi has now become a target for PSV Eindhoven back in his native country.

The 27-year-old has not played in the Eredivisie since leaving Ajax for French side Lille in 2017. However, he is now under consideration by PSV.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side are in need of a new winger due to an injury suffered by England under-21 player, Noni Madueke. Therefore, they have turned their attention to El Ghazi, who could be gettable.

There are no details in the report of any potential transfer fee – it is unlikely to be huge, given his contractual situation and recent decline in form – but he is someone they are thinking about.

Their need for a new winger could increase even further if they end up selling Cody Gakpo to Manchester United. But in that event, the Dutch side would be targeting an additional reinforcement.

El Ghazi could be within their plans – an update from De Telegraaf claims they have already notified Villa of their interest – which would give him the chance to add to the 70 Eredivisie appearances (and 20 goals) he racked up for Ajax between 2014 and 2017.

Dutch return could make sense for El Ghazi

It seems as if El Ghazi’s hopes of making it in the Premier League are nearing an end. His record of 26 goals and 16 assists from 119 appearances in all competitions for Aston Villa is not the worst in the world.

But after only scoring once in the Premier League for Villa – and never for Everton – last season, his impact has been winding down.

Yet, at the age of 27, he is not a player necessarily past his prime. For many of his age, this stage would represent the peak of a career.

Hence, perhaps all El Ghazi needs is a fresh start with a more suitable platform. And heading back home to Holland would be one method by which he could get back up to speed quickly.

In addition, he would get to experience Europa League football with PSV, who are in the same group as Arsenal. Therefore, even if El Ghazi ends up leaving English football behind, he could be back on British soil not before too long.

But returning as a PSV player might be a better fit for him at this point.

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