Steven Gerrard’s £13m transfer mistake to Aston Villa must be fixed by Unai Emery

Last season was one that, at various times, promised a lot and delivered very little for Leander Dendoncker. The Belgium international has lost his place in the Red Devils squad for the ongoing Euro 2024 campaign, having previously been a regular squad selection for his country – in 2021 he played 12 times during the year.

A man with a wealth of experience and versatility that various managers have found useful, Dendoncker joined Aston Villa in 2022 from local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers after four years of playing regular football domestically and in Europe. Nuno Espirito Santo, in particular, thought Dendoncker was handy in defense or midfield.

With a new wave at Molineux, Dendoncker was allowed to leave along with a host of other regulars and Steven Gerrard decided he would like to give the midfielder the chance to stay in the West Midlands. Dendoncker completed his move to Villa Park on transfer deadline day that summer.

After three years of being a routine selection in old gold, however, Dendoncker – now heading into his late 20s – found the competition much tougher at Bodymoor Heath. Gerrard had already recruited Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn and Douglas Luiz were guaranteed starters. Even Jacob Ramsey was immediately ahead of the Belgian on arrival, but he played in 21 games in his first season.

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Last year, compatriot Youri Tielemans increased the competition even more. Dendoncker was exposed to some Conference League football in the group stages at the start of the campaign by Unai Emery, who had by now replaced Gerrard at the helm and who has been looking to turn his side around as they set a fast pace in the Premier League .

There was a brief glimmer of light for Dendoncker, a glimmer of hope that he could break into the side again when he started – and scored – in what was ultimately a defeat at Manchester United on Boxing Day, but that it was short lived. After impressing with Middlesbrough’s FA Cup win, he was granted a loan move to Napoli.

Due to his fault, the second half of Dendoncker’s season was a disaster. He made just three substitute appearances for Napoli in Serie A, all coming in February. Dendoncker did not make the Champions League squad, sent off after deadline day, and the change of management at Napoli seemed to do him no favours. On top of that, he wasn’t able to prove his worth at the international level then.

Dendoncker, who got married this summer, now faces a career crossroads. Villa are expected to listen to offers for the midfielder, who at 29 has reached a crucial moment. And for Villa, now is the time to part ways with Dendoncker if they hope to raise funds before his value disappears.

The former Anderlecht youngster has two years left on the four-year deal he signed when he joined from Wolves a few years ago, so while Dendoncker has financial security, Villa are likely to look for a suitor this summer. It is certainly a situation that Emery and Monchi must aim to resolve now; Everton have already been linked this summer, while former managers Nuno and Gerrard are currently with different clubs.

For Dendoncker, a pedigreed international midfielder who has proven his worth at the highest level since arriving in England but has simply failed to keep up with Villa’s rapid rise in recent years, a change permanent looks to be on the cards this summer and an opportunity to put this disastrous season behind them.

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