Former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore has urged his old club to swiftly pivot and secure a 'top' central midfielder this January, following their bitter disappointment in the transfer market.
Spurs' Last-Minute Hijack Leaves Villa Empty-Handed
Aston Villa's protracted pursuit of England international Conor Gallagher has ended in failure, after Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur staged a dramatic late hijack of the deal. Widespread reports confirm that Spurs boss Thomas Frank personally convinced the 22-cap midfielder to choose a move to North London over Villa Park.
The collapse of the transfer is a significant blow to manager Unai Emery, for whom Gallagher had been a long-term target across multiple windows. Despite the setback, the desire to add quality and depth to the engine room remains a priority for the Villa hierarchy, provided the right opportunity emerges.
Collymore's Loan Recommendation Amid PSR Constraints
When asked by Birmingham World where Villa should turn next after missing their top target, Collymore pointed to the club's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) situation as a defining factor. "The financial situation at Villa makes a big money deal difficult, it would have to be a loan," the 54-year-old pundit exclusively revealed.
Collymore, who made 60 appearances for Villa between 1997 and 2000, suggested a specific strategy for the recruitment team. He believes the club should scour Europe's top leagues for a midfielder currently out of favour with his club, who could arrive on a short-term deal with an option to buy permanently in the summer.
"I think the club should be looking at midfielders from one of the top European leagues who may be out of favour with their current club, who can come in and do a job until the end of the season with an option to buy," Collymore elaborated.
Midfield Reinforcements Needed Despite Depth
This call for a new signing comes despite Villa already boasting a crowded midfield roster, including established figures like Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, and the recently signed Amadou Onana, alongside Ross Barkley and others.
Collymore admitted that the Gallagher deal seemed "virtually done and dusted" and was the ideal profile—a player with "legs" and a point to prove for England selection ahead of the upcoming World Cup. He emphasised that finding a similar profile to support and complement the efforts of McGinn and Kamara should now be the focus.
Villa have already been active this window, securing the signings of Brazilian winger Alysson from Gremio and teenage striker Brian Madjo from FC Metz for a combined £20 million. However, Collymore's analysis indicates the central midfield area is now the critical battleground for the club's recruitment staff before the transfer deadline.
