Aston Villa could receive an offer this summer to move on midfielder Leander Dendoncker a year before his contract ends, as speculation over his future continues.

Dendoncker, who returned to Belgian side Anderlecht on loan this past season, may remain there beyond the summer—though doing so would require him to accept a pay cut. The midfielder originally left Anderlecht in 2018 to join Wolves, later moving to Villa in 2022 under Steven Gerrard on a four-year deal. He has since fallen out of favour under Unai Emery, with competition from teammates—many of them fellow Belgians—pushing him out of contention.

While with Anderlecht this season, Dendoncker made 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and captaining the side at times. Despite his contributions, a permanent move is uncertain due to financial factors. Anderlecht reportedly had a £7 million purchase option but are unlikely to activate it.

Now 30, Dendoncker admits his time at Villa is likely over. “It’s tough to accept I’m not part of Villa’s plans anymore, but I respect the decision. Unai Emery is the best coach I’ve worked with,” he told Het Laatste Nieuws. “I have one year left on my contract and will return to England in the summer, but with two small children, this instability is far from ideal. I want to end my career without regrets, feeling valued and part of a meaningful project—preferably without any more loans.”

Belgian media reports suggest Anderlecht may still try to negotiate a deal. If Villa are open to releasing Dendoncker early and he’s willing to lower his salary, a return to his boyhood club could be on the cards.