Aston Villa could be set to do business with Barcelona just days after suffering a heavy defeat against the Spanish champions in the Champions League.
Unai Emery’s side perfect start to their Champions League campaign came to an end at the Camp Nou on Tuesday, but they have since received positive news surrounding the manager’s future.
Unai Emery close to signing new Aston Villa contract
Speaking after the 3-0 defeat in Catalonia, the Spaniard insisted that the experience would help his team improve.
“Barcelona is at the highest level in Europe, so it was a good test for us and gave us a lot of information about how we can get better, how we can build our structure stronger for the next weeks and months in this competition and in the Premier League.”
Villa have subsequently received a significant boost regarding their manager’s future.
Emery is close to agreeing a new contract at Villa Park, with talks progressing over a deal that would extend his stay beyond 2029.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Villa are determined to secure his future amid interest from Manchester United, who reportedly regard the 55-year-old as an ideal managerial candidate should they part ways with Michael Carrick.
With Emery seemingly committed to overseeing the club’s long-term development, attention can now turn towards strengthening his squad ahead of the January transfer window.
Aston Villa hold talks with Jorge Mendes over Alejandro Balde transfer
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, via Sport Witness, Aston Villa are among the Premier League clubs involved in discussions over a potential January move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde.
The 23-year-old has featured for just 124 minutes across all competitions this season, and his agent, Jorge Mendes, has subsequently begun talks with January suitors, namely Villa, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Barcelona are prepared to sanction Balde’s departure for approximately €40m (£33m), although Mendes reportedly believes a loan agreement containing an option to buy would be a more achievable solution.
The Spain international favours a move to the Premier League, with his representatives expected to assess the available opportunities before making a decision in December.
Villa could certainly benefit from further competition at left-back following Lucas Digne’s departure.
Ian Maatsen is currently Emery’s principal option in the position, but the club lack an established specialist replacement should the Dutchman become unavailable. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has provided cover this season, but it is not his natural role.
Balde would therefore represent an exciting addition, bringing Champions League experience and considerable potential to a position where Villa could benefit from greater depth.
However, competition for his signature is expected to be fierce, with Manchester City and Tottenham also monitoring developments.
Unai Emery rebuilding Aston Villa ahead of Manchester United clash
Villa’s interest in Balde comes amid an extensive overhaul of the squad that delivered Europa League glory last season.
Several members of that successful team have since departed, with Emery tasked with maintaining the club’s upward trajectory while integrating a new generation of players.
The departures of influential figures including Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers have created opportunities for new arrivals to establish themselves, but have also increased the scale of the rebuilding job at Villa Park.
Despite a difficult opening to the current campaign, Villa have shown considerable improvement in recent weeks, and that makes the prospect of extending Emery’s contract particularly significant, ensuring the manager who has transformed the club’s fortunes remains central to its future.
Villa now face another important test against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Emery hoping to demonstrate how far his rebuilt side have progressed.
A victory against a direct Premier League rival would provide a welcome response to the disappointment in Barcelona, while further additions in January could help Villa maintain their ambitions across multiple competitions.
Source: www.footballfancast.com
