Former Tottenham defender Alan Hutton believes Kelechi Iheanacho would only be a squad player at Aston Villa if he moves to Villa Park this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.
Iheanacho is wrapping up his last week at Leicester City, where he has spent the past seven years, scoring 61 goals and contributing 34 assists in 232 matches.
He has been associated with a potentially lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia, which may represent his largest payday so far.
With his Leicester contract set to expire this summer, Iheanacho is anticipated to finalize a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia. Last season, he scored five goals that contributed to Leicester’s return to the Premier League.
Aston Villa has also shown interest in Iheanacho, potentially enticing him with their Champions League campaign next season. Football Insider reported that Villa is keeping tabs on the 27-year-old Nigerian forward, and their sporting director Monchi has already held discussions with his representatives.
Villa are reportedly evaluating Iheanacho as a replacement for Jhon Duran, as the 20-year-old Colombian international is poised to depart Villa Park amid interest from Chelsea.
Villa are reportedly evaluating Iheanacho as a replacement for Jhon Duran, as the 20-year-old Colombian international is poised to depart Villa Park amid interest from Chelsea.
“I feel like they will (aim for a higher target), Hutton said. “I mean we’re talking about a Champions League team here. You know I like Duran, I just don’t think that’s an upgrade if I’m honest.”
Hutton suggested Iheanacho could be a useful squad player for cup games but doubted he would challenge Ollie Watkins for the starting sport.
“Watkins is my top choice, there’s no denying that,” the ex-Villa player emphasized. “You need another option; you can’t go through a whole season plus European competitions with just one striker.”
Iheanacho, known for his scoring prowess, has Champions League experience, having netted twice in three matches for Manchester City during the 2016/17 season.
He also ranks among Nigeria’s top performers in Premier League history, tallying 42 goals and 25 assists in 196 appearances.
