Aston Villa are ready to offload Bertrand Traore in the next window as Steven Gerrard considers a significant clearout in January.
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa could be preparing for a squad clear out when the next transfer window opens. In January, one of the immediate departures could be of wide attacker Bertrand Traore, who looks out of Steven Gerrard’s plans for the season.
There’s a newfound sense of optimism around Villa Park since the arrival of Steven Gerrard during the international break. The former Rangers boss ended Aston Villa’s dreadful run of five defeats with a convincing win over Brighton in his first game as the club’s manager.
While the work has certainly begun in terms of getting points on board, Gerrard will have a task at hand with balancing his playing squad. The report suggests the new manager might have inherited an imbalanced team and will make certain changes in the next window.
There are fringe players in the current squad that could be now be deemed dispensable. Bertrand Traore is understood to be one of those stars who could be sold or loaned out in the next window. The Burkina Faso international has been a reliable player until last season, although with Gerrard having plenty of wide attackers, the winger might be allowed to leave.
Traore has played just 53 minutes of Premier League football divided into four games this season as he is yet to start a single game. The sporadic playing time has been due to injury and loss of form.
Villa are ready to listen to offers for Traore and might consider a loan move if necessary in the coming months, as Gerrard eyes a different kind of player to fill in the position. Ryan Kent is rumoured to be attracting Villa’s interest, as he was one of the new Villa boss’ trusted players at Ibrox.
Gerrard is also eyeing a midfielder and might go back to his old club again with Glen Kamara in his sights. There could be other players he might be wanting in January to strengthen his side and to rebuild the squad in the way he wants. And, he will have to let go of some players, make space and generate funds.
As for Traore, it remains to be seen what kind of clubs the 26-year-old winger might attract and if he leaves Aston Villa on a loan or permanent transfer in the next window.
