Monchi could now do Aston Villa a huge favour by simply looking at Brighton’s transfer plans.
As the start of the Premier League fast approaches, the clock continues to tick in the transfer window.
So far, Aston Villa have welcomed seven new faces, with Monchi’s work not expected to be over just yet.
Unai Emery will be eager to get his squad at the level required to compete in the Champions League, something that could be helped if one free agent is signed.
Aston Villa should hijack Brighton’s plans to sign Mats Hummels
When analysing Villa’s business so far this summer, there is a trend of lack of experience.
Out of the seven new arrivals, only Ross Barkley is over the age of 25, with the oldest besides the Englishman being 23-year-old Enzo Barrenechea.
As a result, Monchi should scan the market for much-needed expertise ahead of Villa’s Champions League campaign, with few players better equipped for the job than Mats Hummels.
Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported this week that Brighton are plotting a move for the German, relaying that contact has been made between the defender and Fabian Hurzeler.
The most important part of the update is that Hummels is yet to decide on his future, something that should catch the attention of Monchi at Villa this summer.
Last season should inspire Unai Emery to sign Hummels
Currently, Emery has three centre-backs ready to start the 2024/25 season, which will grow to four when Tyrone Mings returns to action.
While the manager is clearly satisfied with his depth in the position, he should have some concern about how vital Villa’s depth was in defence throughout last season.
Mings was ruled out for the year on the opening day, while Pau Torres and Diego Carlos suffered their own injury woes, leaving the boss having to call upon former loanee Clement Lenglet.
Had Villa not signed Lenglet, it would be difficult to imagine how the Villans would have got through the season in the Premier League and the Europa Conference League.
For that reason, and the experience concern, Emery should explore the conditions around signing Hummels, who would not only add depth but invaluable experience at the highest level.
The 35-year-old, who was described as a “legend” by former teammate Neven Subotic, is a six-time Bundesliga champion, a World Cup winner and a player with 90 Champions League appearances to his name.
Capturing the centre-back, who is still very much operating at the top of his game, could prove to be a stroke of genius from Monchi ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
