Conor Hourihane - thanks and farewell

[SoccerHQ]

Frustrating we can't really get any money for him. I presume the plan was for Swansea to come up and sign him permanently for 4-5m but they played in that play off final like we did v Fulham so didn't happen.

Just a loan with a year left in his deal, we're looking at about 1m in January which I think is what we paid Barnsley four years ago.

When you see Watford selling Will Hughes to Palace for around 6m then I can see why our owners could potentially be getting frustrated we can't move on squad players for decent fees. Hughes may be a few years younger but he's simply not a significantly better midfielder than Hourihane.

We signed Wesley, Gulibert and Nakamba for around 40m two years ago. Wouldn't get close to half of that if all three left us permanently in next 48 hours.

El Ghazi is someone we could trade on for a healthy profit but sell him and not sign anyone else and suddenly we have lack of options for left of midfield.

Dosen't shock me really in last 18 months there's been more of a directive to go for many young players given how well that model works for Chelsea.

If that raises 50m every transfer window for us in next 2-3 years then so be it as selling existing squad players dosen't get us close to that with our current model.

No issue with player anyway, been a very good pro for us and while he's not quite good enough for week in week out mid table prem football he played a decent part in keeping us up in 19/20 which shouldn't be forgotten.

[Demitri_C]

Best of luck conor. Prob wont olay for us again. Bargain signing

[Jon Crofts]

That worldly against the Throstles will live long in the memory, good luck Conor.

[West Derby Villan]

That worldly against the Throstles will live long in the memory, good luck Conor.

Never to be forgotten, by us and the bitters

[Matt C]

A great servant for us, wish him nothing but the best.

[Richard E]

Clearly always understood what a privilege it is to play for Aston Villa FC. Thank you for your service to the cause, Conor.

[ChicagoLion]

A very professional attitude and played a role in our recovery.
Best Wishes.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Clearly always understood what a privilege it is to play for Aston Villa FC. Thank you for your service to the cause, Conor.

This. Only to add I wish him the best of luck at United.

[Abbeyfealeavfc]

Good luck and best wishes Conor.
A truly professional player for us who always showed his class.
His goals and assists will live long in the memory.
Fitting that he should be captain for his last game in the famous claret and blue of Villa.

[CT]

Good luck Conor, top man, top pro.

Thanks for the memories, especially that belter against the bitters in the play off game.

[algy]

Best of luck to the guy. Great professional, and as others have said he's an excellent Championship player or a decent squad player at the right Premier League side. Would happily have had him knocking around our squad for 12 months, but it says a lot about him that he's not happy to just sit about picking up a pay cheque.

[London Villan]

He’d have done more than barkley in a lot of games last season.

[Ian.]

He’d have done more than barkley in a lot of games last season.

I’d have done more than Barkley in most of those games.

Good luck Conor, super player and a great attitude.

[dave shelley]

Good luck Conor, a great pro.

[richtheholtender]

The way things are looking he would more value to aston villa staying than saving his wages.