Ludwig Augustinsson Done Deal to Aston Villa
Social media’s transfer guru Fabrizio Romano today confirmed that Swedish left-back Ludwig Augustinsson has completed his medical and Villa have agreed a loan deal with Sevilla with a buy option – the total potential package of the deal is thought by Romano to be worth €4.5m.
With that said, it’s time to continue the brass tacks, no filler skinny guide of Villa’s signings, that MOMS has been doing this preseason. Where we ask – Who? What? Where? Why? & Worries?
Ludwig Augustinsson – The 5 W’s
Who?
Hans Carl Ludwig Augustinsson is a Swedish international left-back who most recently played with Diego Carlos at Sevilla. He’s also played for IFK Gothenberg, Copenhagen and Werder Bremen since leaving his boyhood club IF Brommapojkarna in January 2013. Interestingly enough he’s done a bit of modelling. His family was referenced in a Swedish media debate on how it was easier to be a success in sports, coming from a privileged background. He also managed to endear himself to England when he said in the past they were overrated at youth level.
What?
With a reported loan-to-buy deal initially costing £500,000, Augustinsson, will be a specialist left-back back-up for Lucas Digne, should injury or suspension occur. Better than that, he’s the competition that will keep the French International on his toes all season.
Where?
Augustinsson will start as an understudy to Digne. Still, someone with 46 international caps and supposedly at the peak years of their career, will have eyes on challenging for a starting berth. If not, he can always move to Manchester United, which he claims to be a lifelong supporter of.
Why?
It seems to be a sensible move. With Ashley Young signing up for another year, the left-back cover wasn’t a priority. However, the wrong injury at the wrong time could leave Young as the only left-back for an entire season. This isn’t a situation Villa want to be in.
Enter Augustinsson…
He played 19 of Sevilla’s games last season (10 were from the bench), so he isn’t a confirmed starter. He also crossed paths with Johan Lange at Copenhagen, another box ticked in due diligence.
To complete the set, at the price point for a loan, he’s £14.5 million cheaper than keeping Matt Targett in the squad.
Also on MOMS – Why Augustinsson is a Sensible Deal
Worries?
Despite it being a sensible move for both parties, you wonder whether Villa will get to see much of the Swede. He’s a fairly decent set-piece taker, with a wand of a left foot, traits Villa desperately need, yet he’s up against one of Villa’s best performers.
Lucas Digne was definitely showing his class towards the end of last season and showed a willingness to play as much as possible, despite a plated collarbone.
Augustinsson, also had a poor season, in a Sevilla defence that had an excellent season. He only made nine league starts, and was at fault for a few goals, in fact by the end of the season Sevilla coach, Julen Lopetegui, played centre-back Karim Rekik in his stead.
So like fellow Swede, Robin Olsen, he will be the cover, that Villa will hopefully not need to rely on for lengthy periods of the season.
UTV
