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EPL Index
·19 July 2024
Report: Aston Villa Targets Big-Name Duo from Barcelona
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·19 July 2024
Aston Villa’s Ambitious Transfer Moves: Felix and Raphinha on the Radar
Aston Villa are gearing up for a serious run in the Champions League next season, and their latest transfer targets underline their ambitions. Reports from TEAMtalk suggest that Villa are confident in securing Joao Felix, potentially snatching him from under Barcelona’s nose. Additionally, Unai Emery is keen on bringing Raphinha to Villa Park, further complicating matters for the La Liga giants.
Photo: IMAGO
After a remarkable fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season, Aston Villa’s resurgence under Unai Emery is undeniable. Emery’s strategic signings have already made waves, with the arrivals of Ian Maatsen, Enzo Barrenechea, Samuel Iling-Junior, and the returns of Ross Barkley and Cameron Archer. Now, the potential addition of Joao Felix could elevate Villa’s status even further.
“Aston Villa are reportedly confident in their ability to land Joao Felix, ensuring he can’t return to Barcelona, while Unai Emery is keen on a Barca star, too.”
This move could significantly enhance Villa’s attacking prowess, providing a dynamic edge to their gameplay.
Joao Felix’s future has been a hot topic, and it appears Aston Villa are making significant strides to secure his services. According to TEAMtalk, “reports in Spain suggest Emery’s side are now confident that they’ll be able to strike a deal for the former £113million man from Atletico Madrid.”
Felix’s turbulent relationship with Atletico Madrid seems to play in Villa’s favour. The Spanish club would prefer to offload him to the Premier League rather than a direct rival in La Liga. Felix himself is reportedly keen to finalise his exit before rejoining Atletico in August, which positions Villa advantageously.
This transfer could deal a significant blow to Barcelona, who had Felix on loan last season and were interested in making the move permanent. The possibility of missing out on Felix, coupled with Villa’s interest in Raphinha, could leave Barca scrambling to reassess their strategy.
Raphinha, another La Liga star, is reportedly on Villa’s radar. His potential exit from Barcelona could further fund their move for Spain star Nico Williams, another player Villa has shown interest in. TEAMtalk notes that Villa “could be well positioned in the race for Spain star Nico Williams, after holding talks.”
Photo: IMAGO
Should Villa succeed in these pursuits, they would not only strengthen their squad but also deliver a double blow to Barcelona, who are already facing financial constraints and the need to rebuild their squad efficiently.
Emery’s approach to recruitment is methodical and ambitious. By targeting top talents like Felix and Raphinha, Aston Villa are signalling their intent to compete at the highest level. Their recent signings and ongoing transfer pursuits reflect a clear strategy to bolster their squad depth and quality, essential for a successful Champions League campaign.
As Villa continues to negotiate these high-profile deals, their fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead. The club’s upward trajectory is a testament to Emery’s vision and the board’s commitment to backing him in the transfer market.