Tyrone Mings has proved he’s good enough to play in the Premier League during his spell at Aston Villa, so he must be in England’s top flight next season no matter who he plays for.
The Sunday Mirror (page 72 and via HITC) reported Southampton are keen to buy the 26-year-old from his parent club Bournemouth in the summer, while Villa have an option to match any bid that comes in. Where in the Premier League Mings goes is less important, but his age means he can’t afford to be stuck in the Championship.
If Villa reach the play-offs and are promoted it would be a great decision to stay at Villa Park and grow in a team he’s comfortable with. He also wouldn’t have the burden of having to prove himself to his new fans if he remained where he is. Their form at the moment suggests they have every chance of reaching the play-offs, so it’s not impossible and the two could be great for each other.
If Mings was five years younger it would be the best decision to make a permanent move to Villa even if they stayed in the Championship, because he’d be able to grow into a player capable of playing in the top division later in his career. That ship has sailed though, and he must make the step up now or risk being overlooked.
Football moves quickly and Southampton will have other targets in mind for the position. All it takes is for his form to drop early next season or for him to have a lengthy spell injured and his top-flight prospects are ruined. Southampton, meanwhile, are famed for their belief in youth and they could give him the break he never got as a youngster.
Mings must keep his head down for the remainder of the season and keep his form up, so the Premier League move he deserves, whether that be with a promoted Villa or Southampton, becomes a reality.
Whatever happens, he’s far too good for the Championship.
Villa fans, how do you feel Tyrone Mings would cope against Premier League opposition? Join the discussion by commenting below…
