Darren Bent has tipped Aston Villa to sign a new centre-forward after Mbwana Samatta was sold to Fenerbahce.
The former Villa and England striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, insists that new signing Ollie Watkins needs backup after the 27-year-old’s departure.
Villa confirmed last week that the Tanzania international, who was signed by the club back in January, had left the club to join Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Good luck, @Samagoal_77. ????
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 25, 2020
The hitman’s exit means that Smith has just Watkins and 22-year-old Keinan Davis as his senior natural centre-forward options, with Wesley Moraes still ruled out through injury.
Bent has compared Watkins’ situation to his own move to Villa Park and insists that there cannot be too much pressure put on the 24-year-old’s shoulders.
Bent told Football Insider: “They’ve signed Wesley, he’s not really cut it, Davis has played but not really, Samatta has gone so I think Watkins is the player who can get that sorted but they need strength in depth.