Morgan Sanson free to leave Aston Villa on one condition as Unai Emery plots transfer rebuild

The latest from the head coach as Emery discusses the future of Morgan Sanson after a frustrating two years at Villa Park

Ashley Preece Local Democracy Reporter

22:30, 12 Jan 2023

Morgan Sanson is free to leave later this month(Image: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Unai Emery has given Morgan Sanson the green light to walk away from Aston Villa. The Frenchman has made just 22 appearances - and seven starts - in two years since signing a four-and-a-half year deal from Marseille for £14 million.

‌

Sanson, 28, was handed a rare start in the FA Cup last weekend and scored in a standout performance before Villa capitulated against League Two opponents Stevenage. It’s understood that Sanson’s former club, Montpellier, are closing in on a loan deal for the midfielder while Nantes and an unnamed German club are also keen to take the former France under-21 international.

‌

At Villa, Sanson has struggled with a catalogue of injuries and has failed to stake his claim under Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard and Villa’s current boss Emery.

‌

BirminghamLive asked the head coach if he envisages Sanson leaving this month, to which he replied: “I spoke with him. He didn’t play a lot here because of different circumstances. He’s a very smart guy, a very smart player. He is very skilled and he played very well on Sunday (vs Stevenage).

Article continues below

“I spoke with him and, usually, he has the possibility to leave but, as well, while he’s here with us I can use him and, for example, for tomorrow he’s in the squad. He has the possibility to play tomorrow and to help us.

“But thinking about the next month with the matches, his future as well and, if he can have some opportunity to leave and to play more minutes than he's playing here, he can leave.”

Emery added: “I am so happy with him as a person. With him, every day he’s working and he’s helping the team. He’s together, his commitment, I’m so happy with him, really. I was so happy with his performance on Sunday but the result was a pity that day.”

‌

Villa, meanwhile, will look to strengthen their midfield and remain hot on Matteo Guendouzi of Marseille. BirminghamLive has been told that the former Arsenal man is keen on a reunion with Emery in the Premier League but Villa are yet to table a bid. Marseille will hold out for a fee north of £30m. Villa also have Mallorca’s South Korean international Lee Kang-in on their shortlist this month.

Pushed on how many more signings to expect following the capture of Alex Moreno for £12m, Emery added: “Maybe zero, or maybe we add one more. The January market is not easy and we only want to add players if they really will improve us and make us better as a team.

“I am so demanding with the players we can sign. I am being so demanding because we have in the squad very good players and we will only do something if we can improve. I’m speaking with Johan Lange every day about the possibilities in the transfer market.”

Article continues below

Morgan Sanson free to leave Aston Villa on one condition as Unai Emery plots transfer rebuild

The latest from the head coach as Emery discusses the future of Morgan Sanson after a frustrating two years at Villa Park

Do you think Sanson will leave Villa this month? Have your say in the comments section...

READ NEXT