Aston Villa midfielder brutally told it's 'time to move on'

Former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton has handed Morgan Sanson a clear transfer instruction regarding his future at the club, after admitting the player 'needs a change' following several injury setbacks.

Sanson, 27, was signed by Villa in January 2021 in a deal worth around £14 million but has struggled to gain a regular spot in the starting line-up due to several injuries.

His former manager Dean Smith commented on the setbacks Sanson had faced in a Villa shirt in September 2021, where he stated: “When he arrived at the club we were doing well so it was always going to be tough. Then he had a knee injury. When you miss pre-season it is difficult and he has had to work extremely hard.

“It got to a stage where we got him back in the team on Wednesday and he was playing really well against some very good opponents. It is frustrating for him that he felt a twinge in his hamstring and he was frustrated straight away.

“But, I saw him on Thursday morning and he was back full of life again, realising it is not a substantial injury and just a twinge. Hopefully, he will be back soon.”

The comments arrived after Sanson was given his first start of the season this year in the Carabao Cup against Chelsea but was forced off through a hamstring injury within the first half.

Hutton has also commented on the turbulent beginning to life at Villa for the player whilst speaking to Football Insider, where he provided the midfielder with a harsh admission regarding his future. He stated: "He’s been in a situation where it’s been difficult. Niggly injuries, different things, not being picked, a change of manager.

“It’s not like a switch. You can’t just switch it on and you’re back 100 percent fit. It takes time, you need to build