Carney Chukwuemeka leaves pundit shocked with Aston Villa star told it’s not too late to reverse big mistake

Carney Chukwuemeka hasn’t proved himself worthy of a move to one of the big boys and will be making an all too familiar mistake if he leaves Aston Villa, says one pundit.

The 18-year-old rose to the fore this summer with England’s Under-19s. Chukwuemeka played a starling role for Ian Foster’s side who were crowned European Under-19 champions for the second time in five years.

The Villa starlet played in every England match in the tournament, notching three goals along the way. Chukwuemeka scored the decisive goal in extra time in the final against Israel and duly earned a place in the team of the tournament.

Chukwuemeka made 12 appearances in the Premier League last season and his influence is expected to increase this year. That is, of course, if he signs a new contract.

His current deal expires in the summer of 2023 and as yet, he has refused to pen fresh terms.

Manager Steven Gerrard revealed an offer has been tabled, though has thus far gone unsigned.

Gerrard attempted to give the youngster the hurry-up when leaving him off the pre-season tour of Australia. However, according to Sky Sports News, Chukwuemeka is no closer to signing a new deal and has no intention of doing so.

The vultures are predictably beginning to circle. Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle and Leeds have been credited with interest. Aston Villa will reportedly accept a bid of £20m to ensure they are well compensated if a new deal won’t be signed.

From further afield, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona have been linked.

A move abroad would be Villa’s worst nightmare as Chukwuemeka would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement from January 1. In that scenario, Villa would not be due the same levels of compensation they’d receive if he left for another English side.

“He hasn’t proved himself” – Hendrie

Now, speaking to Sky Sports, pundit and former Villa midfielder, Lee Hendrie, admitted he’s shocked at Chukwuemeka’s actions.

Furthermore, Hendrie warned the youngster he is potentially falling into a trap many others in his position have succumbed to in the past.

“I’m shocked that Carney Chukwuemeka doesn’t want to sign a new deal at Aston Villa,” said Hendrie.

“There’s no hiding the fact he’s got a fantastic manager in Steven Gerrard, who will certainly nurture him.

“He has given him the belief, but sometimes these youngsters get side-tracked by people telling them they could go to bigger clubs.

“He hasn’t proved himself, for me. How many times do we see these young lads go off to so-called bigger clubs and not really get the opportunity and fizzle away?

“I think he has got to really think about what he is doing and make the right choice – in my mind, that means staying at Villa Park.”

Why does Chukwuemeka want out?

Sky Sports News reported the player’s dissatisfaction relates to game-time. However, if that is the case, staying precisely where he is at Villa Park would make the most sense.

A move to one of the true big hitters would put him in a far deeper talent pool.

Taking Liverpool for example, Chukwuemeka would be competing with the likes of Thiago Alcantara and impressive youngsters Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho.

Chukwuemeka does have a Philippe Coutinho-shaped hurdle to overcome if he remains. The Brazilian has operated in an advanced midfield role in pre-season.

Though given his status as a homegrown Villa star, Gerrard will be itching to give him as many minutes as possible. In this instance, it’s hard to see why Chukwuemeka wants out.