James Wilson looks set leave Manchester United this summer. The Red Devils are not activating a one-year extension clause in his contract according to the Manchester Evening News.
Aberdeen are reportedly keen to land him on a permanent deal, with the Daily Express reporting that Derek McInnes wants to bring him back, following a loan spell at Pittodrie this season.
After a recent signing though, that move could be in doubt. The Dons have confirmed the signing of striker Curtis Main, following his exit from Premiership rivals Motherwell.
It is very clear from this signing that McInnes likes a certain type of striker. So what does that mean for their pursuit of the soon-to-be ex-Red Devil?
Wilson doesn’t suit Aberdeen’s play
The signing of Main shows Aberdeen are looking for a big target man. The ex-Motherwell forward, Stevie May, Sam Cosgrove, they can accommodate how the Dons plays. It’s long ball from defence to attack, with the striker flicking out to wings. Some may refer to it as ‘hoofball’.
Wilson looked short on confidence this season, scoring four times in the league. Fans can see there is a player in him somewhere though.
He can beat a defender at pace, before retaining the ball with his decent footwork. His shooting needs work, especially when he hits it from 30 yards out nearly anytime he has the ball, but it isn’t the worst.
He’d be a risky signing, considering he’d be on decent wages most likely. The Main signing signifies though that Wilson perhaps isn’t the type of striker McInnes is looking at.
Can the United forward play the target man role in McInnes’ side? No and that’s not his fault, He just isn’t that type of striker. For both player and club, if Aberdeen are going to play the long ball this season, they shouldn’t sign Wilson and the forward shouldn’t move back.
Main makes it very clear the type of striker Aberdeen want and sadly for Wilson, he just doesn’t fit that role.