Matty Cash looks as though he could be on his way out of Aston Villa this summer and Unai Emery will need to replace him.
In the Unai Emery era at Aston Villa, Matty Cash has played a pivotal role in their rise from relegation battlers to top-four finishers.
The attacking full-back has so often dazzled at the top end of the pitch but when called upon defensively, has flattered to deceive.
Cash suffered an alarming slump of form towards the end of the campaign and in the big games, Emery preferred to use Ezri Konsa as a right-back instead.
The 26-year-old has since attracted interest from Italian giants AC Milan and Sky Italia have revealed that talks have been held between both clubs.
If he is shifted on, Emery will need to replace the Poland international. Here are three names he should consider…
Joakim Maehle
Joakim Maehle is a name familiar to most for his incredible performances for Denmark on the international stage with Ian Wright once comparing a pass he made at Euro 2020 to Kevin De Bruyne.
Aston Villa will see the 27-year-old in action against England this summer at Euro 2024 as the two sides meet in the group stage.
Maehle is fresh off a productive campaign in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg where he produced two goals and four assists but also impressed across an array of defensive and attacking metrics.
An explosive ball carrier who is equally proficient at defending, the Danish star ranked in the top 12% of defenders in Europe for progressive carries and produced 2.28 tackles per game, more than Konsa’s total of 1.58.
Although he only joined the Bundesliga last summer, Monchi could tempt Wolfsburg with a bid and lure him to Villa Park.
Denzel Dumfries
The most obvious replacement for Cash is a player they’ve been linked with, and that is Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries.
Inter will reportedly listen to offers, amid interest from Villa, but Dumfries wants to stay in Italy, so tempting him to move could be difficult.
The dynamic Dutchman sees his contract expire in 2025 and could be available at a cut price this summer.
Dutch icon Rafael van der Vaart previously lauded Dumfries as the “ideal defender” after watching him dazzle on the international stage while he left Micah Richards “breathless” at Euro 2020, with the 28-year-old capable of being a real force at both ends of the pitch.
Not only has he produced 11 goals and 20 assists in 132 appearances for Inter but he also ranks in the top 5% of defenders in Europe for aerials won and the top 20% for progressive carries, and would therefore be a huge upgrade on Cash.
Lorenz Assignon
Lorenz Assignon was loaned from Stade Rennais by Burnley in the January transfer window.
The 23-year-old gained a regular taste of the Premier League and was a shining light for Vincent Kompany as the Clarets were relegated.
Assignon scored once and produced two assists in 15 appearances while ranking in the top 14% of defenders in the league for interceptions and the top 20% for blocks.
Emery likes a full-back who can defend, first and foremost, and the Frenchman ticks that box.
Burnley attempted to sign the talented youngster for 10m euros (£8.5 million) but he rejected that chance and will instead return to France to figure out his future.
That could be back in the Premier League if Villa sell Cash given he’s a more than capable replacement.
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