Aston Villa has firmly closed the door on any potential January departure for Lamare Bogarde, despite Brighton’s keen interest in the young midfielder. Currently, Villa is enjoying a strong position in the Premier League standings and has a lot on its plate both domestically and in Europe. As a result, the club has little appetite to part with such a promising talent at this time.
Brighton’s Interest in Bogarde
Brighton seems to have set its sights on Bogarde as if he were the last biscuit in a tin. However, Aston Villa is not inclined to let him go this winter. The 21-year-old midfielder has become an integral part of manager Unai Emery’s setup. Brighton’s scouts appreciate his blend of energy and tactical intelligence, believing he could secure a regular role in the top flight. Nonetheless, Villa recognizes that weakening their squad mid-season would be counterproductive to their goals.
Bogarde’s Impact in Europe
Bogarde’s contributions in European competitions have been particularly impressive. He started every minute of Villa’s Europa League fixtures until a slip-up in Switzerland led to the only goal conceded in their 2-1 win against Basel. His overall performance in that match highlighted why Emery relies on him in high-pressure continental games.
Key Points About Bogarde’s Performances:
- Started every Europa League match for Villa this season
- Integral in high-stakes matches and maintaining squad integrity
- Continues to develop under Emery’s guidance
Domestic Opportunities and Squad Depth
While Bogarde has had limited opportunities domestically, making just three Premier League starts this season, he has started four matches in six European outings. This disparity reflects the strength of Villa’s midfield options and Emery’s strategic rotation as fixtures accumulate.
Current Midfield Dynamics:
- Youri Tielemans has returned from injury and has instantly made an impact.
- Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana add to the competitive midfield mix.
- Bogarde remains a vital asset to Villa’s long-term plans.
Villa’s Future Outlook
With aspirations for Europa League success, Aston Villa sees continuity in their squad as essential for achieving higher aims, including a potential backdoor to next season’s Champions League. Losing a player like Bogarde, who has adapted well to Emery’s tactics in Europe, would undermine their progress.
As January approaches, Aston Villa’s message is clear: if clubs are hoping to acquire Bogarde, they should plan for a summer approach. This will not be an easy task, as Villa intends to celebrate their young talent rather than part with him lightly. Overall, with Tielemans potentially securing a new deal, combined with strong performances from Kamara, Onana, and Bogarde, Villa is well-prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead.