Looking to finish the January transfer window with a flourish, Aston Villa have now reportedly opened talks to sign a Champions League winner in a repeat of their previous deal to sign Philippe Coutinho.

 

 

It has been a hectic month for the Villans, from the arrival of Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia to the departures of Diego Carlos, Emiliano Buendia and most surprisingly Jhon Duran. Those in the Midlands simply could not turn down the reported €77m (£64m) offer sent their way by Al-Nassr and Duran, himself, could not turn down the Saudi riches this month, culminating in a shock move.

 

Left with money to spend to ease any profit and sustainability concerns, the rumours have been coming thick and fast in the closing days of the transfer window. Among players mentioned includes Joao Felix, who even received a mention from Aston Villa sporting director Monchi.

 

 

Aston Villa attempting quick deal to sign ace who’s close to joining Spurs

The Villa chief told Cope, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano: “João Félix? Unai trusts João’s talent. We were close to getting deal done last summer. These years he’s always been part of our desires. João is a big talent, he needs the right environment… but it’s not an easy deal.”

 

With that said, those in the Midlands could yet sign an alternative option. According to Romano, Aston Villa have now opened talks to sign Marco Asensio, who would be keen on a move from Paris Saint-Germain this month.

 

A Champions League winner at Real Madrid, Asensio is a big name playmaker who burst onto the scene only to fail to fulfil his potential quite as expected in Spain, which makes a move reminiscent of Steven Gerrard’s attempts to revive Philippe Coutinho’s career at Villa.

 

And whilst the Brazilian never hit consistent heights, he still had some special moments at Villa Park in a path that Asensio could now follow.

 

“Great” Asensio can revive career at Aston Villa

Whether it’s been at Real Madrid or at PSG, Asensio has never truly had the chance to become the main man and now at 29 years old, he’s in danger of leaving the spotlight with a whimper more than anything else. Aston Villa could yet change that and revive the Spaniard, however. A player who’s started just eight times in Ligue 1 this season, Asensio desperately needs a move.

 

 

At his best, with all of that winning experience, he is still a player worth taking a gamble on. There’s still the player in there who he helped Real Madrid to three Champions League medals before leaving for PSG.

 

Earning plenty of praise from Luis Enrique when he was at his best for Spain in 2022, the former national team boss told reporters as relayed by Madrid Universal: “It’s a pleasure too see how our six forwards press, they give is guarantees. Marco is a guarantee and he’s in great form for the World Cup.”

 

Talks are underway as Unai Emery seeks to lure a Champions League superstar to Aston Villa.

 

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Aston Villa have reportedly initiated discussions with Paris Saint-Germain over the possible signing of attacking midfielder Marco Asensio.

 

The 38-time former Spain international has been a peripheral figure at PSG this season, accumulating just 755 minutes across Ligue 1 and the Champions League. The Parisiens’ head coach, Luis Enrique, has preferred the likes of Kang-in Lee, Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele and Destiny Doue in the starting lineup.

 

 

Asensio has also won the Ligue 1 title once, as well as three domestic French cup competitions with PSG and a further three Spanish cup trophies with Madrid. Such experience could really benefit Villa as they aim to progress through the last 16 of the Champions League into the quarter-finals and beyond.

 

Aston Villa receive huge cash injection

Emery will soon welcome a healthy boost to his transfer kitty with Jhon Duran set to complete a stunning €77 million (£64.5m) transfer to Al-Nassr. Duran, who has agreed terms on a five-and-a-half year deal, will join up with Cristiano Ronaldo at the Saudi Pro League club.

 

“The club is working, we have to be intelligent and competitive,” Emery added. “Of course we are developing players and increasing our objective, increasing our target – getting it playing in the Champions League. “We are in the eyes for other strong teams and other strong countries or leagues like in Arabia. It’s something I can feel proud of, because they are improving and we are having players interesting for other clubs and as well paying good money for us.

“He’s a fantastic player with fantastic potential as a young player. I was always trying to give my advice for everything, I was so close with him in his development. But the players as well have their objectives and their ambitions, in case he’s leaving it’s because he prefers to do another way in his career.”

When asked about the Duran situation on Wednesday night, Emery admitted: “I don’t know exactly until everything is done if Jhon Duran is leaving or not, but if he is leaving, it’s good news for us because they are paying good money.

 

“It’s good for him, we developed one good player in two years getting this offer. This is one thing for the club, the player and the team. Those three circumstances can be positive.

 

 

 

 

Aston Villa have one last chance to seal automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16 when they face Celtic in a crucial ‘Battle of Britain’ clash on Wednesday

 

Aston Villa have one last chance to seal automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16 when they face Celtic in a crucial ‘Battle of Britain’ clash on Wednesday. Heading into the final round of league phase fixtures, Unai Emery’s side sit ninth in the standings, with the top eight guaranteed to advance directly to the last 16. Teams who finish ninth to 24th will face a nerve-wracking play-off round that determines the final eight clubs to progress. Villa, who are one point behind eighth placed Bayer Leverkusen, will almost certainly have to beat Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic at Villa Park to avoid the play-offs.

 

They could have almost wrapped up a last 16 berth by beating Monaco last week, but instead slipped to a surprise 1-0 defeat against the Ligue 1 side.

 

Villa defender Tyrone Mings is confident his side can cope with the strain of such a critical match.

 

“It isn’t pressure, it’s something we deal with every time we step out on to the football pitch, that’s no different. We enjoy it,” Mings said.

 

“It’s obviously a very big game next week, but they all are in their own way.”

 

 

Mings left the pitch in tears after suffering a first-half knee injury during Sunday’s 1-1 draw against West Ham, sparking fears the influential centre-back will miss the Celtic match.

 

 

 

Celtic are sure to finish in a playoff spot after beating Young Boys 1-0 in Glasgow last week.

 

But Brendan Rodgers’ 18th-placed side are unlikely to take it easy against Villa as they look to finish as high as possible in the table and potentially secure a less formidable play-off opponent.

 

 

Celtic also have a point to prove after being thrashed 7-1 at Borussia Dortmund in the most daunting of their league phase matches.

 

A positive result against Villa would quiet those who suggested their progress to the play-offs was due in part to a favourable fixture list.

 

 

“I think we learned our lesson in Dortmund and bounced back really well. Sometimes you learn when you have a tough time,” Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel said.

 

“Barring one game, we have been solid, we have been very good. We have had some very mature performances.

 

 

“That’s the mark of the squad, we never get carried away, we stay humble and keep learning.”

 

Celtic, unbeaten in five European matches, will travel south well rested after Saturday’s game against Dundee was postponed due to damage at the club’s stadium caused by Storm Eowyn.

 

But Rodgers’ men are depleted by the absence of Japan internationals Daizen Maeda, who is suspended, and Kyogo Furuhashi, who completed a move to Rennes on Monday.

 

Kyogo’s departure was softened by winger Jota returning from Rennes, but he is not eligible to play on Wednesday.

 

Meanwhile, west midlands police hope to keep the lid on potential crowd trouble in the latest volatile clash between English and Scottish clubs.

 

The fixture at Villa Park comes six days after Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Rangers in the Europa League was marred by violent scenes.

 

There were 39 arrests as Rangers fans infiltrated sections of the stadium reserved for United supporters, with disorder also reported in the city centre.

 

 

 

The Bundesliga giants are said to be exploring a loan deal for Buendia in what looks like something of a surprise move for someone currently out of favour at Villa Park.

If Unai Emery can’t find room for Buendia in this Villa side, then it’s hard to imagine the Argentine getting much of a look-in at Leverkusen after all their recent success.

Still, Florian Plettenberg has reported on the situation below, posting on X about Leverkusen’s interest in signing Buendia on loan with an option to buy.

Leverkusen considering a loan with an option buy. Villa demanding an obligation option. Another club is also in the race… pic.twitter.

com/ — Florian Plettenberg (@) January 25, 2025 The can be a fine player on his day, so perhaps he could revive his career with a move to Germany to play under Alonso, who is one of the most exciting coaches in the game at the moment

Aston Villa host West Ham to the Midlands in the Premier League this afternoon. It’s the second meeting between the teams this month, as Villa beat West Ham 2-1 in the FA Cup’s third round on January 10th.

Unai Emery’s side are unbeaten in four Premier League games and can move within one point of the European rankings with win.

However, a Champions League loss to Monaco in the middle of the week dealt a setback to the team’s ambitions of making headway in Europe.

That cup match at Villa Park was the first game under new manager Graham Potter, and West Ham is still getting used to his ways.

 

He has since guided the Irons to a 3-2 victory over Fulham and a heartbreaking home loss to Crystal Palace.

This weekend, Aston Villa has few choices at center-back and in central midfield.

Amadou Onana is not expected to play after suffering a hamstring injury against Arsenal last week. The Belgian is joining Ross Barkley and John McGinn on the sidelines.

Diego Carlos’ transfer to Fenerbahce further depletes the defensive stocks, as Pau Torres is still out. It is anticipated that Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa would continue their collaboration.

Andres Garcia, a 21-year-old full-back who signed this week from Levante, may join the team, while Donyell Malen, who arrived from Borussia Dortmund, may get his debut.

 

When Aston Villa hosts West Ham United in Premier League action on Sunday (ko 4.30pm), Donyell Malen is excited to see Villa Park packed.

Having played at Villa’s stadium during his youth career while at Arsenal, Unai Emery’s first January hire is no stranger to B6.

During his first week and a half with the club, Malen talked about how busy he has been but also how much he has enjoyed getting to know his new teammates. He now looks forward to seeing Villa Park crowded.

It’s been a lot, from the time I boarded the plane to the medical examinations, contracts, gym membership, and all the scans, but I’ve truly enjoyed it.

“After training, I simply consider my tasks. I’m definitely looking forward to it, and I’ve really enjoyed it [so far]. “I recall playing with [Arsenal] 23s [at Villa Park].

” As a player in the academy, it was among the first stadiums I played in. I thought, “Wow, this is huge.

” It’s great to be working there after ten years, and I can’t wait to see all the fans there. “I’ve watched a few games, and I’m impressed with the stadium’s performance versus Bayern and Man City.

Adidas Club Logo Men, four hours ago Malen is excited about Aston Villa FC’s reunion at Villa Park. Distribute 17:30 Sunday, January 26, West Ham home competition crest Villa Park Purchase Tickets for Hospitality When Aston Villa hosts West Ham United in Premier League action on Sunday (ko 4.30pm), Donyell Malen is excited to see Villa Park packed.

Having played at Villa’s stadium during his youth career while at Arsenal, Unai Emery’s first January hire is no stranger to B6.

During his first week and a half with the club, Malen talked about how busy he has been but also how much he has enjoyed getting to know his new teammates. He now looks forward to seeing Villa Park crowded.

 

 

 

Aston Villa are planning a move for Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy before the close of the transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

 

Villa are long-term admirers of Kilicsoy and boss Unai Emery has identified the Turkey international as a top target as they look to bolster their attacking options.

 

 

The 19-year-old, who can play anywhere across the frontline, is regarded as one of the best young prospects in Europe after bursting onto the scene at Besiktas at 17.

 

He has played regularly for the Turkish giants in the 2024-25 campaign, making 28 appearances across all competitions.

 

Kilicsoy has notched two goals and six assists in those outings, 16 of which have come as part of the starting lineup.

 

His breakthrough came last season, when he hit 12 goals in 30 games as Besiktas won the Turkish Cup and Super Cup.

 

The two-footed teenager was selected to play for Turkey at Euro 2024 after making his senior debut last year and made one appearance at the tournament.

 

Kilicsoy, who signed a new four-year Besiktas contract 12 months ago, has played both as a centre-forward and as a winger during his development in Istanbul.

 

Aston Villa are planning to add the Turkish sensation to their forward line, which currently boasts Ollie Watkins, Jhon Duran and new signing Donyell Malen.

 

The Midlands giants sit eighth in the Premier League table and are well placed to progress directly to the Champions League knockout stage.

 

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