Looks as if fans have started to show a little bit more sympathy in the situation than they were before.
Having not really produced much at St Andrew’s this season, it looks as if Fran Villalba’s time at St Andrew’s is finally coming to a close.
According to reports from the Spanish outlet La Voz Del Almeria, Fran Villalba’s move away from St Andrew’s is very nearly approaching its conclusion, with UD Almeria supposedly agreeing to a fee of around €1.8m for his services, which comes out to about £1.5m at time of writing (via XE.com).
There have been some suggestions, such as from journalist Richard Wilford, that part of the reason this deal is going through, is because Villalba feels homesick, so a move back to his homeland seems more like a personal reason rather than a professional one.
In light of this news, it looks as if Blues fans have come to accept this and aren’t exactly holding it against him as his departure grows nearer. Perhaps it goes some way to explaining why he hasn’t quite managed to rack up the numbers in B9.
If the bloke doesn’t want to be here then he should go.. Home sick or not..
— Alfiè63.. (@111Alfredd22) January 20, 2020
He obviously wants to go back to Spain, no point holding on to him If he Isn’t 100% In It…. Also If moving himnon allows us to bring In Marcus Maddison then I’m all for It
— Kieran Lynch (@KieranBcfc89) January 20, 2020
A player asks to go home because he’s home sick is not the same as getting rid. What shall we do? Lock him in the changing room?
— Jordan4 (@CJagainandagain) January 20, 2020
If he doesnt want to stay get rid and use the cash for Marcus Maddison, seems straight fotward to me. It’s a shame because Fran is clearly talented.
— Ciarán McKeown (@Kizkegath) January 20, 2020
Would rather have passionate n hard working players who haven’t got the quality over players who have the ability but don’t want to know
— Ben|40/92 (@BenBCFC34) January 20, 2020
I heard he is home sick shame as he looked decent a bit lightweight but hes still young
— Proud to be English (@CdDanksy) January 20, 2020
I think its more the fact that he doesn’t want to be here.
— Phil (@barton1875) January 20, 2020
Thought the kid was class just a shame he’s homesick
— Matt Chance (@_chancey_) January 20, 2020
How many players will leave Birmingham this window?
Less than 5
5 or more
And whilst I sympathise with him to some extent, let’s just hope that whoever replaces him isn’t afflicted with the same problems.