The transfer news in and around Villa Park this season, has all been about Ashley Young, and quite rightly so. Impressive for club and country, the former Watford man has captured the attention of Manchester United and Liverpool, and it is widely speculated that the England ace will move from Aston Villa this summer. You can be forgiven for not realising what an impressive season Stewart Downing has had, due to the Young ‘saga’ but the former Middlesbrough man has improved and impressed greatly this campaign. Downing only managed two goals and one assist in 2009/10 season, a measly return for an attacking winger, but this season the winger has turned things around with seven Premier League goals and seven assists. It is those sort of statistics as well as such comments as “I am 26 and at a major crossroads in my career, so I won’t be committing to a new deal at the moment…but I do want to play in the Champions League at some point.” that will get the ‘big boys’ of the Premier League looking to sign the Villa player, but if Downing were to leave, what represents the best move for the England international?
Manchester United
The Red Devils are covered for attacking and creative wingers, with Nani and Valencia in my opinion of a higher and more consistent standard than Downing. However this current crop of United players has often been criticised this season for its lack of depth and lack of ‘superstars’. I’m not for one minute suggesting that the former Middlesbrough player is a footballing superstar but he certainly would offer a lot more than the likes of Gaberial Obertan and Bebe, but would Downing accept playing a bit part role from the bench? I actually think he would, not for his whole career obviously but a chance to play with Europe’s elite on a constant basis would be a huge thing for the winger. The other aspect to consider is Ryan Giggs is more than likely retiring within the next twelve months meaning Downing will be able to stake more of a claim for a place in Fergie’s starting eleven.
Liverpool
The Merseyside outfit have been crying out for a natural winger all season, with Maxi the most inconsistent player I have ever seen, Dirk Kuyt has had a prolific season in front of goal (by his standards anyway) so sticking the Dutchman out on the winger isn’t the answer and Luis Suarez has been an inspired signing but he can’t work both flanks can he? Downing’s acquisition would be a sensible bit of business by Kenny Dalglish but the inability to offer Champions League football right now may put Downing off joining ‘King Kenny’.
Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Redknapp will no doubt be as active as ever in the transfer market after Tottenham’s end of season collapse which cost them Champions League football. Left wingers aren’t really an issue for the Lilywhites with PFA player of the season Gareth Bale in that position and you can’t really see Redknapp playing Downing over Bale. The Tottenham manager does like to have a strong 25 man squad though and you can’t bet against ‘Arry making a move for the left winger. The move to White Hart Lane would be an exciting one for Downing, he would be more than a bit part player and with Redknapp still tinkering with his best formation Downing could still find a place in the starting line up yet.
Arsenal
After this season’s capitulation Arsenal fans wouldn’t mind Wenger signing Ugo Ehiogu, just because it would show some intent on spending by Wenger. However Downing may well be a very sensible and ideal signing for the Gunners, with major squad overhaul rumours being constantly circulated, there would definitely be room for the winger. Andrey Arshavin has been a shadow of his former self, Theo Walcott is unbelievably inconsistent and Samir Nasri is locked in a contract dispute. Downing is easily suited to the ‘sexy’ football Arsenal play and would be the sort of signing that would get the Gunners faithful off Wenger’s back.
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