Ezri Konsa has accomplished what he aimed for during his time at Aston Villa – and more besides
Ezri Konsa
Following my conversation with Ezri Konsa last year, it became clear to me on the walk back to my car at the training ground that the central theme of the piece would centre on the mark he might one day leave behind when he eventually departed.
The reality was that external interest in him had not matched the quality he had displayed under Unai Emery, ever since Emery succeeded Steven Gerrard in late 2022, yet it also seemed his time at the club would arrive sooner rather than later.
Therefore, after securing Europa League glory, Konsa sensed his phase with Villa had reached its natural conclusion.
Our brief discussion covered various subjects, including the young family he has established, which prompted a wide grin from him before our meeting drew to a close.
Given that he has remained based in London since his departure from Brentford, a switch to a capital-city club would naturally hold appeal after seven seasons at Villa. Though he supported Tottenham Hotspur during his youth, Arsenal represented a destination he would not dismiss, particularly after their recent Premier League triumph and appearance in the Champions League final.
Konsa departs Villa having accumulated 284 appearances in all competitions for the club. With 231 of those coming in the top flight, only eight players have recorded more Premier League appearances for Villa, with captain John McGinn managing just a couple more.
Only one centre-back has made more top-flight appearances than Konsa during the Premier League era – or rather a single defender in Olof Mellberg, who compiled 232 league games in claret and blue.
When questioned about leaving such a legacy, Konsa stated that it was not something he contemplated upon joining, but acknowledged that reflecting on it now, it would hold special significance.
From his initial arrival to the present day, the journey had been remarkable and the club had grown considerably. The team is competing in Champions League football for the first time in decades. He expressed a desire to leave a lasting legacy and hoped the squad could secure silverware.
It is difficult to resent him a departure now to, even if certain supporters may find this hard to accept, arguably the nation’s strongest side. He fulfilled his objectives, delivered seven outstanding years of performances for Villa, claimed a trophy and now seeks a fresh challenge.
Additionally, with the final two years of his Villa contract approaching, the club would have been fully cognisant that Konsa was prepared to pursue a different adventure, and his market valuation was only set to diminish as he approaches his 29th birthday in just over two months’ time.