Would this be a sideways move for Robbie Brady?
The Norwich City star is one of a few Irish players, another being James McCarthy, who could arguably do with a move in the January transfer window.
Brady was linked with a number of clubs following his heroics with the Republic of Ireland at Euro 2016, but a move failed to materialise and he remained with Norwich in the Championship.
The 24-year-old was recently linked with a move to Sunderland, which arguably could result in a return to the Championship in May, with David Moyes’ team currently bottom of the Premier League.
Robbie Brady strongly linked to Premier League club he really should avoid https://t.co/lF4jStWQXU
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) October 21, 2016
Unless another Premier League side makes a move for the player, Brady may be better off sitting tight until next summer.
Norwich had looked on-course earlier this season to make an instant return to the Premier League, and may still do so. But they’re currently in ninth place, 13 points off Newcastle United at the top of the table, but just two off Leeds United in the final play-off position.
Aston Villa are currently two points back in 13th position, on 28 points after 20 games, and are reportedly prepared to pay £10m for Brady in January, and make him one of the Championship’s highest-paid players on wages of £50,000 a week.
The Sun report that Villa owner Dr. Tony Xia will provide the club’s new manager Steve Bruce with a large transfer fund to ensure they make an instant return to the Premier League.
Bruce signed Brady for Hull City on permanent deal back in January 2013, and worked with him until the Dubliner departed for Norwich in 2015 following Hull’s relegation from the Premier League.
Norwich are believed to have priced Brady out a move back to the Premier League last summer, with clubs such as Leicester City reportedly balking at the asking price of £16m last summer.
Robbie Brady is just an example of these bullshit boundaries that separate the top tier from the rest https://t.co/NP7Kh6xpRx
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) September 1, 2016
So Villa will either have to offer more, or Brady’s asking price has dropped since the summer.
A transfer to Villa would, on the surface, appear to be a sideways move for the player who has ambitions, and the talent, to play in the Premier League.
However, they’re a big club, with a manager who knows Brady well and has been promoted three times in his managerial career.
Villa fans will get to see Brady in action tomorrow night, as Norwich host Bruce’s side at Carrow Road.
