Aston Villa Striker Gabby Agbonlahor Could Move to an MLS Expansion Team in January
Aston Villa are reportedly looking to offload striker, Gabby Agbonlahor, and a move to an MLS expansion team could happen in 2017.
According to a recent report from Telegraph.co.uk, “Aston Villa eager to get Gabby Agbonlahor off their books, with MLS move a possibility.” The report also suggests that the English club are “ready to move Agbonlahor to an MLS expansion team in January.” He could be one of the new MLS team’s designated players for 2017.
With Minnesota United FC and Atlanta United FC set to begin MLS play next season, they’re candidates for the striker. He would likely occupy a designated player spot for one of the new MLS teams. Agbonlahor’s current $4 million contract with Aston Villa is the main reason they are looking to move him.
Gabby is Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer and with two years left on his contract, he could still be useful for an MLS franchise. He is only 29-years old and his scoring ability could be useful for either Atlanta United FC or Minnesota United FC when they begin play in Major League Soccer.
More from MLS Multiplex
After only scoring one goal in 15 appearances last season for Villa, the club dropped to the second tier of English football. He fell out of favor last year and that continued this season as he has not made an appearance for the team this season. Agbonlahor also declined a loan move to Reading during the summer transfer window. His time with Aston Villa is all but over.
There have been claims of Gabby being out of shape and not having full fitness. If he is able to get back to his form of just a few years ago, Agbonlahor could be a valuable signing for a Major League Soccer club. It will be interesting to see if a club does decide to make a move for him.
Bad news has followed Agbonlahor over the past few seasons and I don’t think an MLS club would want to take the risk on him next transfer window. A move stateside will depend on him returning to form and getting his head in the right place. Atlanta United FC or Minnesota United FC would definitely make the move for the Villa striker if that happens.
Want your voice heard? Join the MLS Multiplex team!
I think that this could be a good signing for MLS but only if he gets his head on straight. Agbonlahor is a talented player and he has proven that he can perform in Europe. At only 29-years of age, a move stateside could be exactly what Gabby needs to turn around his career.