Aston Villa’s transfer activity is heating up as the January window nears its end, with potential departures and arrivals reshaping their squad. Emi Buendia, fresh off signing a contract extension until 2027, appears poised for a loan move to Bayer Leverkusen, which includes a £17 million option for a permanent transfer. This departure creates a void in Villa’s attacking ranks, prompting manager Unai Emery to explore potential replacements.
Joao Felix, the 25-year-old Chelsea forward, has emerged as a prime target for Emery. Interestingly, Felix was previously on Emery’s radar last summer before the Portuguese international opted for a £38.4 million move from Atletico Madrid to Stamford Bridge. Having struggled to secure consistent playing time at Chelsea, starting only three Premier League matches this season, Felix could be tempted by a move to Villa Park. The nature of the potential transfer, whether a loan or a permanent deal, hinges on other transfer dealings involving Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Aston Villa’s interest extends beyond Felix, with Chelsea defender Axel Disasi also attracting their attention. Villa are currently vying with Wolverhampton Wanderers for Disasi’s signature, primarily on a loan basis. Emery’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements stems from the sale of Diego Carlos to Fenerbahce and the unfortunate re-injury of Tyrone Mings during Villa’s recent draw against West Ham. Premier League regulations, however, complicate the situation. Clubs are limited to loaning only one player from the same club at a time. This restriction means that if Villa secures Disasi on loan, any potential deal for Felix would necessitate a permanent transfer, a significant investment considering Felix’s hefty £112 million price tag when he joined Atletico Madrid in 2019.
The upcoming match between Aston Villa and Wolves at Molineux carries added significance, with both clubs desperately seeking to bolster their central defense. Mings’s recent knee injury, a devastating blow after a lengthy recovery from a previous injury, underscores Villa’s urgent need for defensive cover. While Mings’s social media post offered reassurance that the injury isn’t severe, the club is still keen to strengthen its backline.
Emery’s search for defensive reinforcements also includes Juan Foyth, the 27-year-old Villarreal defender. Emery’s familiarity with Foyth from his time managing the Spanish club makes him an attractive prospect. Foyth’s versatility, capable of playing both centre-back and right-back, further enhances his appeal. With Ezri Konsa currently the only fit senior centre-back, and Pau Torres sidelined for another month with a broken foot, Villa could pursue both Foyth and Disasi to address their defensive frailties.
Disasi’s situation at Chelsea also presents a potential opportunity. Despite a £39 million transfer fee from Monaco, the French international has struggled to cement a regular starting position, even with injuries to fellow centre-backs Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile. Disasi’s limited appearances have primarily been in the Conference League and cup competitions, suggesting a possible willingness from Chelsea to consider a loan move. This scenario further intertwines the fates of Felix and Disasi, as Villa’s ability to secure both players hinges on navigating the complexities of Premier League loan regulations and potentially committing to a substantial permanent transfer for Felix. The final days of the transfer window promise to be decisive for Aston Villa as they strive to reshape their squad for the remainder of the season.
