Pundit Kevin Phillips believes Aston Villa could part ways with Morgan Sanson in the summer, Football Insider report.
The Lowdown: ‘Dejected figure’
Prior to Saturday’s clash with Watford, Sanson hadn’t played a single minute in the win over Everton, draw with Leeds and defeat against Newcastle.
The 27-year-old, who Dean Smith labelled as ‘frustrating’ last year due to injury problems, has made just two starts all season.
According to Birmingham Live’s Patrick Rowe, the Frenchman cut a ‘dejected figure’ at St James’ Park after Gerrard brought Carney Chukwuemeka off the bench with five minutes to go.
It isn’t the first time Sanson has reacted angrily following a substitution, previously taking his frustration out on a bunch of water bottles after Smith brought on Anwar El Ghazi as a final switch against Arsenal in October.
The Latest: Phillips reacts
Phillips, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding Sanson.
He admitted he wouldn’t be surprised if Villa cashed in on Sanson over the summer after what he believed was the Frenchman storming off.
“Steven Gerrard’s clearly not afraid to make the big calls and big decisions.
“He let Matt Targett go when he brought Lucas Digne in after Targett was player of the season last year.
“He’ll do what is right for the football club going forward. If you’ve got a player who storms off and is then not starting and is on the bench that’s a sure sign that the club will start to look at other players to come in and do that role.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he was to move on in the summer.”
The Verdict: Exit possible?
Things haven’t exactly worked out for Sanson in the Midlands following his £14.22m move at the start of 2021.
He has made just 16 appearances for the club and is yet to make a goal contribution, so it wouldn’t come as a shock if Gerrard looked to move the player on ahead of his first full season in charge.
Midfield looks set to be the manager’s priority when it comes to the summer window, meaning Sanson, should he stay, would have even more competition to deal with.
In other news: NSWE set to lose ‘terrible’ Villa player in summer; Preece and Evans have slammed him this month