Aston Villa face €25m hurdle in race to sign La Liga defender | OneFootball

Villa weigh up Boyomo move amid €25m release clause standoff

Centre-back search takes Villa to Spain

Aston Villa’s evolving summer transfer strategy appears to have entered its next phase, with reports in Spain linking the club to Osasuna centre-back Enzo Boyomo. The 23-year-old, fresh from an impressive La Liga campaign, has emerged as a potential solution for Unai Emery’s backline as Villa prepare for a packed 2025 fixture list, including Champions League football, as reported by The Birmingham Mail.

Photo IMAGO

According to Noticias de Navarra, Villa are among a group of clubs, including Juventus, Galatasaray and Como who have expressed interest. Yet Osasuna are resolute: Boyomo’s €25 million release clause is non-negotiable.

The message is blunt. As the report puts it, “clause or nothing.” No staggered payments, no bonuses, no bartering. Boyomo, for his part, seems content to stay put. “He will remain a key player in Lisci’s defence for next season. And he doesn’t seem to dislike the plan.”

From Rovers to La Liga

Boyomo’s path is atypical. Born in Toulouse, he passed through Blackburn’s academy but turned down a professional contract, opting instead to develop in Spain. A €5 million switch to Osasuna from Valladolid last summer has already doubled in value. His 37 La Liga appearances last season underlined his maturity, and his Cameroon debut capped off a breakthrough year.

Photo IMAGO

Villa, meanwhile, remain in the market for a central defender. Axel Disasi has returned to his parent club. Ezri Konsa is a certainty. Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings are options but lack match rhythm or fitness continuity.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This potential move feels both shrewd and ambitious. Boyomo is not a name that rolls off the tongue in Premier League circles, but his rise in Spain has been hard to ignore. A young, physical defender with technical quality and the confidence to step into a Europa League side — that is exactly what Villa need as they prepare to juggle domestic and European commitments.

The €25 million clause might seem steep, especially given he cost Osasuna a fraction of that just a year ago. But that is the market now. If you want top-level defenders under 25 with room to grow, you pay the price or watch someone else do it.

Boyomo is composed on the ball, strong in one-on-ones and tactically adaptable. Under Unai Emery, those traits will only be enhanced. Whether he starts immediately or integrates slowly, his ceiling looks far higher than Osasuna.

With Torres still returning to form and Mings not quite the same since injury, there’s a real need for someone fresh and fearless. If Villa can convince Osasuna to play ball or just activate the clause, this could be a very smart piece of business.