Hourihane is right to seek a permanent move

Conor Hourihane is under no illusions about his situation at Aston Villa and recently admitted being ‘definitely open’ to joining Sheffield United this summer. Villa supporters wouldn’t begrudge him talking about leaving even though he’s still contracted to the club, as the writing has been on the wall for two years.

The 31-year-old was loaned out to Sheffield United in August 2021 after falling down the pecking order under Dean Smith and has gone on to make 28 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal with four assists.  

Hourihane is soon-to-be out of contract at Villa and doesn’t have a new deal on the table, so he’s resigned to a departure. When asked if he’s consider turning his loan move permanent, Hourihane told the Sheffield Star: “I’m definitely open to things.

“Over the course of the season I feel like I’ve contributed and enjoyed it.” The Republic of Ireland international has made 151 appearances for Villa (2017 – present), scoring 29 goals with 23 assists, but he’s not had much playing time in recent years.

Hourihane was loaned out to Swansea City in the second half of last season and has spent the entire 2021/22 campaign in Sheffield, so he’s played just six times for Villa since 2020. The 31-year-old could earn promotion back to the Premier League with the Blades as they currently occupy a playoff spot, but he might weigh up his options before committing for good this summer.

In other news, Aston Villa should be wary of Jeremiah St. Juste’s injuries