Football News

Aston Villa transfer news: Allardyce urges Smith to sign Steven Nzonzi after Galatasaray bust-up

By Ben Green

Published: 12:10, 16 January 2020

Sam Allardyce believes the signing of Steven Nzonzi from Roma would be a “no-brainer” for Aston Villa.

The 31-year-old has been involved in disciplinary issues at Galatasaray, where he is currently spending the season on loan, sparking rumours that his time in Istanbul could be cut short.

Could Villa sign Nzonzi? Five things to know…

  • According to the Mirror, Aston Villa are trying to persuade Nzonzi to return to the Premier League.
  • The former Stoke midfielder is currently on loan at Galatasaray but has endured disciplinary issues.
  • The 31-year-old was suspended indefinitely last month after his involvement in a training-ground altercation.
  • He’s since stated: “It’s probably most advantageous for everyone involved, perhaps, that this loan ends and I find a new place.”
  • Allardyce — who worked with Nzonzi at Blackburn — has urged Villa to secure the Frenchman’s services amid interest.

Several reports in Turkey have indicated that Nzonzi walked out of a training session, which has since caused huge backlash from the top brass and led to the Frenchman being frozen out at the Turk Telekom Stadium.

Last month, Galatasaray posted a brief statement on the club’s official Twitter page confirming the suspension. The statement read: “Steven Nzonzi of Galatasaray Professional Football Team was suspended indefinitely due to his undisciplined behaviour during the last training session.”

With Nzonzi seemingly living on borrowed time in Istanbul, Villa have emerged as frontrunners to secure his signature this winter window, and Allardyce — who brought Nzonzi to the Premier League with Blackburn in 2009 — believes the Frenchman would revolutionise Smith’s midfield.

“100 per cent,” Allardyce told talkSPORT when asked if Villa should sign his former player.

“Get Steven Nzonzi and you will succeed, more so than they are now. He’d be massive for Aston Villa, and he’s experienced now. It’s a no-brainer.

“This lad has got so much experience and so much talent. He could guide Villa out of trouble.

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“His passing to the attacking midfielders and strikers is exceptional. You think [John] McGinn is a good player, wait till you see Nzonzi.”

Smith has already recruited this window, adding to the 12 signings he acquired over the summer by bringing both Danny Drinkwater and Pepe Reina to Villa Park on loan from Chelsea and AC Milan respectively.

Despite recruiting precipitously, Villa continue to be linked with numerous candidates, but Nzonzi will certainly stand out as one of the more favourable rumours among diehard Villans, as he comes with an exceptional set of midfield skills, vast Premier League experience and a physically-imposing frame.

He would be the ideal signing for any club battling it out at the foot of the table and make no mistake, Villa — who are 8/13* to be relegated this season — are certainly in a scrap to stay in the Premier League.

*Odds provided by William Hill, Squawka’s partner for the 2020 January transfer window. You have to be 18+ to gamble. For more information, go to GambleAware.org