Aston Villa interest in midfielder ‘accentuated’ after Onana injury blow
Aston Villa’s need for midfield reinforcements has inevitably increased after Amadou Onana suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup. Because of this, a report from Spain has attempted to reconnect the club with Celta Vigo midfielder Ilaix Moriba.
Spanish newspaper Faro de Vigo claims Aston Villa’s supposed interest in the former Barcelona youngster has been “accentuated” following Onana’s anterior cruciate ligament injury. This happened during Belgium’s defeat to the United States.
The 24-year-old now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. As a result, Unai Emery is left without one of his key midfield options ahead of Villa’s return to the Champions League.
The report argues Moriba is a similar profile to the Belgium international. Therefore, he could become a more attractive option this summer.
However, there is little in the article to suggest Aston Villa have actually taken fresh steps towards signing the midfielder.
Instead, the Spanish outlet appears to be revisiting what it describes as an ‘existing interest’. Notably, it is not revealing new contacts, negotiations or a concrete move from Villa. There has been very little reporting elsewhere in recent weeks linking Emery’s side with Moriba though.
Brighton previously entered the picture
Ilaix Moriba rebuilt his career after leaving RB Leipzig, initially joining Celta Vigo on loan. The Spanish club activated a €6m (£5.2m) purchase option last summer. Since then, he is now under contract until 2029 after becoming an important player for the La Liga side.
Faro de Vigo also mentions Galatasaray, Juventus and Brighton among clubs credited with interest in the midfielder.
Brighton are the only Premier League side whose interest has been reported recently. They were linked with Moriba last year as they explored midfield options. Although that speculation has not developed into anything concrete since.
For Aston Villa, Onana’s injury naturally increases the likelihood of another midfielder arriving before the transfer window closes. However, whether Moriba is genuinely among the club’s targets remains far less certain.
As things stand, the latest report feels more like an attempt to connect Villa’s new need in midfield with previous market rumours than evidence that a transfer is gathering momentum.
