‘Risky one’ – Injury Expert reacts as Aston Villa want to sign England int’l with 159 PL apps
Aston Villa Linked With Mason Mount, But Injury Record Raises Red Flags
Aston Villa have emerged as one of the clubs reportedly monitoring Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount ahead of a potential summer transfer. The 26-year-old playmaker, who made a high-profile switch to Old Trafford from Chelsea in 2023, has endured a frustrating spell marked by limited appearances and recurring injury issues — factors that are now drawing serious scrutiny from potential suitors.
While Mount’s name undoubtedly carries weight due to his pedigree and experience in the Premier League, Villa may need to tread carefully when assessing the value of such a move, particularly given the player’s recent injury history and underwhelming form.
Injury Concerns Take Center Stage
According to Dr. Rajpal Brar, a well-known physical therapist and sports scientist, Aston Villa would be taking a considerable risk by investing in Mount at this stage of his career. Speaking to Villa News, Dr. Brar emphasized that Mount’s recurring hamstring injuries — including two separate incidents during the 2023/24 season — should raise significant concerns among Villa’s medical and coaching staff.
> “Villa may take a closer look at his history of hamstring injuries, particularly with him suffering two of them last season,” Dr. Brar explained. “He has played just 30 league games in the last two seasons, which is far from ideal.”
Dr. Brar added that while Mount is no stranger to the fast-paced, physical demands of the Premier League — having featured over 150 times for Chelsea and Manchester United — the nature of his injuries suggests he may struggle to consistently stay fit.
> “While it helps that he’s used to the Premier League’s nature, this is a risky one,” he concluded.
Mount’s Impact Since Leaving Chelsea Has Been Modest
When Mount joined Manchester United in a £55 million move last summer, the expectation was that he would add creativity, energy, and tactical flexibility to Erik ten Hag’s midfield. However, his debut season at Old Trafford has been largely forgettable, with injuries curtailing his involvement and limiting his contribution.
Over the course of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, Mount made just 14 league appearances, scoring once and providing a solitary assist. These numbers are a far cry from the performances he delivered during his breakout seasons at Chelsea, where he regularly featured under Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel and was instrumental in the Blues’ 2021 Champions League triumph.
His struggles at United have inevitably sparked debate about his long-term viability as a top-tier midfielder. With persistent fitness concerns and no consistent run of form to speak of, the question Villa must answer is whether Mount is still capable of reaching his previous heights — or if his best days are behind him.
Aston Villa’s Summer Strategy: Caution Over Nostalgia
Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa have made tremendous progress, securing Champions League qualification for the 2025/26 season and firmly establishing themselves among the Premier League’s elite. Their recent transfer strategy has largely revolved around signing players who fit the Spaniard’s high-octane, tactical system — individuals who are technically proficient, physically robust, and adaptable across multiple roles.
While Mount’s skill set could theoretically align with some of Emery’s tactical requirements, his lack of durability and dwindling form may ultimately outweigh the benefits of his experience.
Aston Villa are expected to prioritize midfield reinforcements this summer, with the goal of bolstering their squad depth ahead of a demanding domestic and European calendar. However, many analysts believe that a younger, more reliable midfielder — someone capable of thriving in Emery’s intense, possession-based setup — would be a smarter long-term investment.
Final Thoughts: Is Mount Worth the Gamble?
There’s no denying Mount’s Premier League pedigree and past achievements. At his peak, he was a key figure at Chelsea, showing flashes of brilliance with his creativity, pressing ability, and versatility. But the last two seasons have painted a different picture — one of inconsistency, injuries, and missed opportunities.
For a club like Villa, aiming to solidify its position as a Champions League regular and perhaps even compete for domestic silverware, the margin for error in recruitment is small. Any new signing must contribute immediately and reliably — especially in midfield, where control and cohesion are vital to Emery’s success.
Mount may still have something to offer, but unless he can prove his fitness and re-establish his form, Villa would be wise to look elsewhere for reinforcements.