Title: Aston Villa’s £8 million Hope in limbo as Leander Dendoncker struggles to make an impact
Nearly a year ago, Aston Villa acquired Leander Dendoncker for £13 million during the Steven Gerrard era. His standout performance against Newcastle United raised hopes for his career at Villa Park. However, as of March 2024, Dendoncker has only started one game in the current season. Seeking more game time, he moved to Napoli in January but has played significantly fewer minutes than expected.
Difficult Season for Aston Villa’s Leander Dendoncker
Since joining Napoli, Dendoncker has only played 21 out of a potential 810 minutes. Despite Napoli holding an £8 million option-to-buy clause in his contract, his limited playing time may deter them from making the deal permanent. Dendoncker’s agent, Seraino Dalgliesh, remains optimistic, stating that Dendoncker is committed to working harder to secure more minutes in the upcoming matches.
Napoli Sale Hanging in the Balance
Dendoncker’s situation worsened when his initial supporter, Walter Mazzarri, was replaced after the January transfer window. Interim coach Francesco Calzona has granted Dendoncker little playing time since his arrival. Dalgliesh emphasizes Dendoncker’s contentment in Napoli for the time being, but his future at the club depends on the forthcoming manager. Dalgliesh elaborates on the impact of coaching dynamics on Dendoncker’s playing time, indicating the uncertainty surrounding his tenure in Napoli.