Villa reportedly willing to let £22m man go, ideal Odsonne Edouard replacement at Celtic – TBR View

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Aston Villa are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Brazilian striker Wesley. The powerhouse has fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park for two reasons – two England internationals, and a knee injury. Celtic are likely to sell Odsonne Edouard – and Villa ace Wesley is an ideal replacement.

Wesley, 24, joined Aston Villa in the summer of 2019 from Club Brugge for a whopping £22million. He caught the eye in the first half of 2019-20 but during an away trip to Burnley, Wesley ruptured his ACL and kept him sidelined until the end of the 2020-21 season. He has since been replaced.

Last summer, Villa spent £33million to sign Ollie Watkins who has since become an England international. Meanwile, Villa have also brought in another England striker – in Danny Ings from Southampton this summer. A report from the Daily Mirror (12/8; page 56) says Wesley is free to go.

Wesley to Celtic: Why Villa star is ideal replacement for Edouard

Edouard looks more than likely to leave – and it might have got to the position that Celtic want him to go. Japan international Kyogo Furuhashi has come in and started above Edouard in Celtic’s last three games – scoring four goals. Edouard looks leggy, uninterested, and out of form.

The Frenchman has been dropped by Ange Postecoglou and is in the final 12 months of his contract at Celtic. While Wesley is more of a target man than Edouard, they both boast pace and a brilliant first touch. Wesley will be more of a presence, but he does not offer the creativity of Edouard.

However, with he is a different striker to Kyogo and Villa might be open to a deal that sees Wesley go on loan initially. The Midlands club will be aware that they will have to make a loss on Wesley. But sending him on loan might remind clubs what he can do. Celtic should sign Wesley, if Edouard goes.