Leander: I know it's over, I just need to be wanted

VILLA midfielder Leander Dendoncker admits he is no longer in Unai Emery's plans - describing it as a 'bitter pill to swallow' - and is eager to move to a club where he will feel wanted again.

- By JOSEPH CHAPMAN

The 30-year-old has been on loan at Anderlecht in his native Belgium, where he spent his formative years before joining Wolves in 2018. He signed for Villa for around £13 million in 2022, under then-head coach Steven Gerrard.

Following the recruitment of Youri Tielemans and emergence of Jacob Ramsey, plus the arrival of compatriot Amadou Onana last summer, Dendoncker quickly fell down Emery's midfield pecking order and was loaned to Napoli in January 2024, but it didn't work out.

Last summer, he completed a return to Anderlecht, who had the option of making the move permanent this summer for around £7m. However, things have not gone according to plan and it is unlikely the club will keep him on.