Aston Villa Rocked As 27-Year-Old Rejects Offer Despite £50m Transfer Threat: What Should They Do Now? | OneFootball

Aston Villa have hit a major obstacle in their interest in Roger Ibañez, with the Brazilian defender rejecting an offer from the Midlands club, according to transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Aston Villa face setback in chase for 27-year-old Brazil defender

The 27-year-old has reportedly made his preference clear. He wants to stay at Al-Ahli, despite Villa’s interest and the growing uncertainty around Ezri Konsa‘s future amid reports linking Arsenal with a £50m-plus move.

Al-Ahli aren’t sitting back either. The Saudi club have increased Ibañez’s salary in a fresh proposal as they try to keep hold of a defender who has become an important figure since arriving from Roma in 2023.

His numbers from 2025/26 explain why Villa have taken notice. Ibañez played 28 Saudi Pro League matches, scoring twice and registering two assists. Across 2,426 league minutes, he produced 106 clearances and 26 interceptions while completing 85% of his passes. There was a downside, though. Three yellow cards and two red cards underlined the aggressive streak that has followed him throughout his career.

T4O take: Aston Villa shouldn’t let Ibañez drag this out

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 29: Roger Ibañez #24 of Brazil takes the field during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at Houston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

There could be more to Ibañez’s decision than a lack of interest in Villa. With only a year left on his Al-Ahli contract, he holds a strong hand and may want better wages or time to see whether another Premier League club enters the race.

His recent return to the Brazil setup has only strengthened his position. At 27, he is at a good age, still physically sharp and desperate to keep his international place.

Villa, however, need to keep control of the situation. If Konsa really attracts a £50m-plus bid from Arsenal, Unai Emery will need clarity quickly rather than a transfer saga stretching through the window.

A short deadline would be reasonable. If Ibañez doesn’t want the move, Villa should turn elsewhere. His output in Saudi Arabia has been impressive, yet those two red cards last season raise questions about whether he can offer the discipline Emery demands.

Aston Villa already have other routes available

Victor Lindelöf is already providing an experienced, Premier League-tested alternative, while Villa could spend a major Konsa fee on a younger centre-back from Serie A or Ligue 1.

They could take an even simpler route: keep Konsa. Rejecting Arsenal’s interest would remove much of the urgency and leave Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings competing for places.

Ibañez has plenty to offer, but Aston Villa shouldn’t wreck their wage structure or wait around for a player who may prefer Al-Ahli’s improved deal.