Aston Villa are on the brink of securing a major transfer coup as Belgian midfield star Amadou Onana is set to undergo his medical with the club upon returning from his holidays according to Fabrizio Romano. The 22-year-old's move from Everton to Villa Park is expected to be one of the most significant transfers of the summer, with a reported fee of around £50 million.
Under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, Aston Villa have been making impressive moves in the transfer market, showcasing their ambition as they prepare for their first Champions League campaign since the 1982-83 season. Onana's arrival is seen as a key part of this strategy, especially following the departure of Douglas Luiz to Juventus.
Onana, who began his professional career with Lille before joining Everton in 2022, has quickly established himself as a formidable presence in the midfield. Standing at an imposing 6ft 4in, his physicality and technical skills have drawn comparisons to French midfielder Paul Pogba. During his stint at Everton, Onana made 72 appearances and became an integral part of their setup.
Unai Emery's preferred 4-2-2-2 formation at Aston Villa heavily relies on midfielders who can contribute effectively in both defence and attack. Onana's defensive prowess, highlighted by his top-eight percent ranking for tackles and top-13 percent for ball recoveries among European midfielders, makes him an ideal fit for this system. Moreover, his ability to win aerial duels and make late runs into the box adds an offensive dimension to his game, aligning perfectly with Emery's tactical approach.
The £50 million transfer fee for Onana underlines Aston Villa's commitment to building a competitive squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. This deal is set to be one of the most expensive in the club's history, second only to the signing of Moussa Diaby last year. It serves as a clear statement of intent from the Villa hierarchy, who are determined to establish the club as a force to be reckoned with in English and European football.
Aston Villa's transformation under Emery has been nothing short of remarkable. From battling relegation to securing an impressive finish in the Premier League and reaching the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League, the club has shown significant progress.
This summer, Villa have been active in the transfer market, securing several key signings, including Enzo Barrenechea, Samuel Iling-Junior, Ross Barkley, Ian Maatsen, Jaden Philogene, and Lewis Dobbin.
Onana's move to Villa Park is expected to fill the void left by Luiz and bolster the team's midfield strength. His combination of physicality, technical skill, and tactical intelligence aligns seamlessly with Emery's vision for the team.
With the medical set to take place after his holidays, Aston Villa fans are eagerly anticipating the official confirmation of Onana's signing. His addition to the squad is expected to elevate the club to new heights in the upcoming season, making them a formidable force in both domestic and European competitions.