Crystal Palace Eye This Aston Villa Star For A Big Transfer: Why Should The Lions Not Sell Him? | OneFootball

Aston Villa continue to show evolution under Unai Emery with a balance between progress and control. The club wants to compete in the upper half of the Premier League but still faces pressure from financial rules that affect their transfer plans. Emery has built a side known for adaptability, and Ezri Konsa stands out as one of its most dependable defenders.

Villa generally handle contracts carefully, as they are close to renewing Youri Tielemans’ deal. It proves that they want to keep the core group together even while other teams try to lure their best players. Still, while Villa focus on stability, a London club has now turned its attention to one of Emery’s key men.

Crystal Palace line up Konsa as Guehi’s replacement

Journalist Mark Brus has reported that Crystal Palace plan to sign Ezri Konsa as they prepare for Marc Guehi’s departure. The England defender looks set to leave Selhurst Park, and Liverpool continue to chase him after missing out in the summer. Even if his move to Anfield collapses, Palace refuse to lose him for free when his contract ends. That realisation pushes them to target Konsa, who continues to impress at Villa Park both as a centre-back and as a right-back.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa speaks during a press conference at Bodymoor Heath training ground on September 24, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Villa must comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, which adds another layer to this transfer situation. The club has already sold Douglas Luiz, Jhon Duran, and Jacob Ramsey in recent windows. If Palace make a strong offer, Villa might consider it.

However, the Lions plan to pay €40 million for Joel Ordonez, and they are already exploring defensive reinforcements in case changes occur. Even so, Emery relies heavily on Konsa, and his consistent form keeps Villa’s defence organised despite tactical tweaks and injuries.

Why Villa must hold firm on Konsa?

Aston Villa must reject every bid for Konsa, no matter how tempting the money looks. His role under Emery remains too important to lose. The 28-year-old strengthens the right side of the defence and helps maintain the high line that lets Villa control games. His ability to play both centre-back and right-back gives Emery flexibility that no one else in the squad offers.

If Villa sell Konsa, they will leave a gap that they cannot easily fill under their financial limits. He has built a strong understanding with other defenders over several seasons, and breaking that partnership could weaken the entire backline. The English defender has already proven himself in the Premier League, which removes the risk of signing an untested player. With Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea all showing interest, Villa should demand at least £40–45 million if they ever decide to sell.

Even then, keeping Konsa benefits Villa more than cashing in. His consistency, intelligence, and adaptability make him vital to Emery’s plans. If Palace truly want him, they must pay a price that reflects not just his skill but the balance he brings to Villa’s defence.