Aston Villa are set to confirm the signing of Amadou Onana from Everton in the coming days who will solve two of the biggest weaknesses in Unai Emery’s team.
Villa’s transfer window has shown no signs of slowing down. Throughout the summer, plenty of players have come and gone from Villa Park as they aim to repeat their Champions League success in the upcoming season.
While many of their signings have been excellent, their biggest loss so far has been long-time servant Douglas Luiz, who departed the club for Juventus.
However, Emery seems to have found the perfect replacement. Onana has played for Everton since 2022 and has largely impressed.
Now, Villa looks set to sign the midfielder for a massive sum of money ready for the 2024/25 campaign.
Amadou Onana set to sign for Aston Villa for £50 million – he can solve two of the club’s biggest weaknesses
According to the Athletic, Aston Villa and Everton are close to finalising a £50 million deal for Onana.
The 22-year-old has agreed personal terms and will sign a long-term contract at the club. Onana was believed to be a key target for Emery with the midfielder also enthusiastic about playing for the Villains under the Spaniard.
It is also easy to see why Emery chose to target the Everton man. In the 2023/24 campaign, Villa were one of the worst Premier League sides at winning tackles and headers.
The latter caused a big issue in defending set pieces for Villa which often allowed their opponents to get back into the game.
However, according to Fbref, Onana is one of the best in the league in both of these categories.
In the air, the 6’6” midfielder wins on average 2.24 duels per 90 minutes. Onana also completes 3.06 tackles a game.
Another very smart signing from Unai Emery and Aston Villa
While Douglas Luiz will no doubt be a big miss for Villa, Onana is the perfect person to replace the midfielder.
Not only is the 22-year-old a massive presence on the field but if he can put an end to some of the club’s biggest weaknesses such as their set-piece issue; you could argue he is an upgrade.
Onana could help transform the Villa starting XI and he will no doubt add better depth to the squad as well.
Many would argue that this is a statement signing from Villa and a warning to the rest of the ‘big six’ clubs that Emery’s side are planning to stay in the Champions League race next season.
