Dean Smith has already explained what Aston Villa’s main objective will be when this summer’s transfer window opens.
Dean Smith said: “I always said, the first year in the Premier League is a tough year. The second year, you can have a real strong starting XI. But in the third year you are looking to grow your squad depth, and improve on that starting XI.”
It’s that lack of depth in quality which has cost Villa this season and their European challenge has faded since Jack Grealish picked up an injury in February. Smith’s side have won just four of their last 15 games in the Premier League, dating back to the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Villa Park on Boxing Day.
Dean Smith added: “You’ve got a number of players there who’ve shown really good form in the first half of the season and it’s not there at the moment.”
The aim this summer, which is shared by Smith and sporting director Johan Lange, will be to make sure that high-quality replacements are available when those dips in form occur.
