Aston Villa Planning On Replacements If This Defensive Ace Moves In January: What Are Emery’s Options? | OneFootball

Aston Villa are currently scrutinising the transfer market for long-term defensive options. This follows reports that Pau Torres faces an uncertain future at Villa Park.

Mick Brown is a former senior scout for both Aston Villa and Manchester United. He exclusively revealed to Football Insider that the 28-year-old Spain international could eventually return to La Liga. Barcelona are currently showing concrete interest. Brown maintains significant connections within the industry.

He claimed that while Unai Emery rates Torres highly, the club must be ready for anything. The report suggests that Torres might favour a return to his homeland. However, Villa will only sanction such a departure if they secure an immediate, high-quality successor.

Villa find themselves in a tough spot this January. Emery’s side are chasing domestic glory and European progression. Consequently, they simply cannot afford to weaken their squad mid-season. Brown emphasised that any potential move remains far more likely for the summer window.

A move is unlikely during the current winter period. The West Midlands club are actively monitoring centre-back targets as a precautionary measure. This ensures they avoid a defensive crisis if Barcelona formalise their interest later in 2026.

Villa’s recruitment team are hopefully working quietly in the background. Logic suggests that they would want to identify left-footed centre-backs who fit Emery’s specific tactical requirements.

Strategic Outlook: Aston Villa Must Hold Firm Before Summer Rebuild

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 30: Pau Torres of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Villa Park on November 30, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

It would be a huge mistake for Aston Villa if they sell Pau Torres in January. The Spaniard acts as the primary playmaker from deep. Finding a way to replicate his unique profile is incredibly difficult during the mid-season window. Emery must keep his compatriot until at least the summer.

This will maintain the team’s rhythm and stability in their pursuit of silverware. A summer exit seems the only logical conclusion if the player definitely desires a return to Spain. This allows Villa plenty of time to reinvest the substantial fee they would undoubtedly demand.

Looking at potential successors, reports indicate Villa are tracking Sassuolo’s Tarik Muharemovic. He is a 22-year-old Bosnian defender who mirrors Torres’s left-footed profile. Muharemovic has impressed in Serie A with his aerial dominance and composure on the ball.

This makes him a viable long-term candidate for Emery’s system. Furthermore, recent links to Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza present another intriguing option. Mingueza is naturally right-footed, but he offers exceptional versatility and brings Champions League experience from his time at Barcelona.

Villa should look at securing a younger talent like Muharemovic now. They can integrate him slowly before potentially sanctioning Torres’s departure in July. This would ensure a seamless transition in their backline.