What could Aston Villa do to prepare Zion Suzuki’s absence in 2027?
Aston Villa would need to prepare a contingency plan to deal with Zion Suzuki’s future absence in early 2027.
Aston Villa have been on a positive trend before the international break. One of the key figures in Villa’s current side is the Japanese goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki. He is one of the new signings who plays a key role in Villa’s slight tactical alteration. His ability to be a reliable sweeper-keeper, especially in the attacking build-up through either short passes or long balls, is beneficial for Unai Emery’s side.
Unfortunately, Suzuki could be absent after the New Year following the schedule for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. He could be unavailable for eight games if The Blue Samurai reach the final, which has been their target. The former Parma man is also aiming for his first international title with his nation.
So, what would Villa do ahead of his absence? Would counting on Marco Bizot and the inexperienced James Wright be enough, especially since the campaign is heading towards a crucial stage? Here are two possible plans Unai Emery could consider.
Recalling a loanee
Losing Suzuki for vital matches in the second half of the season would certainly be a big loss. Yet, relying on Bizot for big games might be a bit risky, considering his form this season, let alone counting on James Wright.
Unlike last season, the former Brest goalkeeper has been rather below par. One example can be seen in his performance against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup last summer. Despite making four saves, the Dutchman made a blunder that led to a goal.
Since Aston Villa need only a temporary solution, they could turn to their loanee, who has done quite well so far in the Portuguese top flight, Oliwier Zych. The 22-year-old shot-stopper has been playing regularly for his team, Vitoria Guimaraes.
Zych has featured in all seven league games so far, keeping two clean sheets. Based on data from FotMob, the Polish goalkeeper has made 11 saves, with a 57.9% save percentage. He has acted as a sweeper-keeper eight times and made two high claims. His xA is 0.02, while his successful pass rate stands at 69.2% and his accurate long-ball rate at 46.2%.
It is still unclear whether it would be possible for The Lions to recall him in January. Yet, should Emery’s side be able to do so, they could loan James Wright to Vitoria instead, allowing the Portuguese outfit to have a replacement for Zych’s return. It would clearly be an inexpensive solution.
Nevertheless, the Polish shot-stopper still has his own weaknesses. He has flaws in anticipating long-range shots. In terms of the sweeper-keeper role, Zych seems to be able to perform better than Bizot.
Signing a new shot-stopper
Another option would be signing a new goalkeeper. It could be a solution for finding Bizot’s replacement as Suzuki’s deputy. Bizot’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027, and he is already turning 35 years old. Thus, signing an experienced goalkeeper whose contract is also expiring next summer could be a considerable option.
One name Villa could sign is a goalkeeper who has been their target before, Real Sociedad’s Alex Remiro. The 31-year-old shot-stopper is an experienced figure and an ideal candidate to be Suzuki’s understudy. Signing him in January could be possible if they could make room for him in the squad by releasing Bizot in the same transfer window.
Apart from the Spaniard, Villa could also turn to other goalkeepers whose contracts expire soon as alternatives. They were among The Lions’ targets last summer, including River Plate’s Santiago Beltran and Racing Club’s Facundo Cambeses, Bodo/Glimt’s Nikita Haikin, and West Ham man Alphonse Areola.
