Not signing Neal Maupay looks like a serious Aston Villa mistake

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Aston Villa are currently struggling during their maiden campaign back in the Premier League. The Villans are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Dean Smith added 12 players to his ranks during the summer. Some have cited that figure as being too many. Others believe that the wrong players were sought and other options might have proved more fruitful.

One man who fits the billing of the latter is Neal Maupay.

Villa were linked with the French striker who was brought to English football by Smith during his time at Brentford.

He eventually signed for Brighton for a paltry £16 million (BBC Sport), with Villa landing Wesley from Club Brugge for considerably more.

The big Brazilian has taken some time to adapt to English football, scoring four goals so far this season.

Last night, Maupay scored his seventh of the season against Crystal Palace and he is showing the same prowess that he was renowned for at Griffin Park.

If Villa do drop back into the Championship, they could seriously regret not signing the 23-year-old.

It’s not as if Villa haven’t scored enough goals. The 23 they have scored is the most of any team in the bottom half. Killing teams off has been problematic though and Maupay might have helped with that.

As the halfway stage approached Villa fans will rightly start to analyse their signings. It’s fair to suggest that Wesley perhaps hasn’t done enough.

Maupay has the potential to be a regular Premier League goalscorer for years to come and Brighton have got themselves a real steal.

Style

His goals could ironically keep the Seagulls up at the expense of Villa and Smith should have moved heaven and earth to land his former talisman.

Wesley is a striker who thrives on service whereas Maupay is capable of making things happen himself.

Tammy Abraham is built similar to Wesley and Smith must have fancied him to have a similar impact based on his style of play.

It hasn’t worked out, however, and not signing Maupay looks like a real error of judgement.