Aston Villa are grappling with a major setback after their midfield lynchpin, Boubacar Kamara, suffered a knee injury during their recent clash with Tottenham.
The news has left manager Unai Emery scrambling for solutions, as Kamara is expected to miss a significant chunk of the season.
Finding a replacement isn’t straightforward, though.
Financial restrictions from the Premier League and UEFA are limiting Villa’s ability to make big moves in the transfer market, forcing Emery to get creative as he searches for cover in midfield.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the Radar
One option under consideration is Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The former Chelsea midfielder has been suggested as a potential loan signing to bolster Villa’s options.
However, AC Milan appear hesitant to part ways with him, even temporarily, complicating any possible deal.
Loftus-Cheek’s availability remains uncertain, leaving Villa with few surefire solutions in the market.
Douglas Luiz: A Familiar Face Returns?
Douglas Luiz could also play a key role in Villa’s midfield plans.
The Brazilian, who starred for Villa between 2019 and 2024 before moving to Juventus, recently returned to Villa Park with Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan.
He was greeted warmly by the fans who remember his crucial contributions, including helping Villa qualify for the Champions League.
Despite his success, Forest are reluctant to make Luiz’s move permanent at the £23 million asking price, which becomes mandatory if he reaches 15 appearances of at least 45 minutes each.
Fitness and Form Questions for Luiz
While Luiz excelled under Emery at Villa, their relationship reportedly grew strained toward the end of his tenure.
Additionally, Luiz has faced fitness struggles since leaving Villa.
Still, he remains one of the few players who could slot back into Villa’s system with minimal adjustment, having thrived under Emery’s guidance in the past.
Luiz’s Thoughts on Returning to Villa
In a candid interview with Daily Mail Sport last month, Luiz expressed his affection for the club and fans. He reflected on his time at Villa, saying:
“I was at Villa for five years, and there were changes of manager but the overall idea of the club was the same, so many things stayed more or less the same.
Since I’ve arrived at Forest, there have been three different coaches and it’s difficult to find the way to be fit because they have different mindsets.
I say it every time – I love Villa.
I’ve spent more time there than at any other club and I was really happy.
I love the people and the club.”
What’s Next for Villa?
With Kamara sidelined and financial restrictions in place, Emery faces a delicate balancing act.
Villa must explore loan options, negotiate with reluctant clubs, and weigh the fitness and form of potential targets.
Whether it’s bringing back a familiar face like Luiz or persuading AC Milan to release Loftus-Cheek, the coming weeks will be pivotal for Villa’s midfield stability.
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