Aston Villa approach Celta midfielder Nemanja Radoja amid Serie A interest
By Josh Tonti
Rumors swirling in Spain link Aston Villa to Serbian midfielder Nemanja Radoja at Celta Vigo. The La Liga player was an integral part to the club for the previous four years, but a contract standoff means he’s yet to appear this season.
Aston Villa Sporting Director Jesús Garcia Pitarch continues to circle Europe following his October appointment at the club. He’s using his role to search for reinforcements – already helping seal goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic on a 4.5-year deal.
His next task may take him back to his roots in La Liga. Aston Villa have quietly approached Celta Vigo midfielder Nemanja Radoja about his potential interest in a move to England. Radoja, 25, and twice capped by Serbia at the international level, played 31, 36, 50, and 26 games for Celta Vigo each season beginning in 2014/2015. This year, however, he’s yet to feature amid a contract standoff between club and player.
Radoja previously tried to join West Ham United in August, but a move never materialized.
These are all soft rumours at the moment, but they are coming from two different Spanish sources. Radoja checks all the boxes that make a sensible deal. He’s a player in his prime, available at a reduced price, in a position that could use strengthening (defensive midfield / centre midfield depth).
With Jack Grealish out a month or more, Conor Hourihane has been forced back into a more attacking central role alongside John McGinn. As Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan approach the final months of their respective deals, a defensive midfielder was always going to be a critical signing in the summer. It seems, though, Villa have expedited that process due to injuries to Jedinak, Tuanzebe, and Grealish.
Why another midfielder you may ask? Because why only have 3 good options when you can have 4? Aston Villa should seek value wherever it is on the pitch. Radoja is attracting interest in Serie A from Fiorentina and S.P.A.L. as well.