Aston Villa are nearing an agreement to acquire midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton for approximately £50 million. The 22-year-old, who played for Belgium in Euro 2024, is set to gain the opportunity to participate in the Champions League next season.
Onana’s Journey and Everton Tenure
Onana, who joined Everton from Lille in August 2022 for £33 million, has since made 72 appearances for the Toffees, contributing four goals. His potential move to Villa signifies a major step, as the fee meets Everton’s valuation of the midfielder. Despite initial interest from Arsenal earlier this year, they did not pursue further negotiations. Manchester United also expressed interest, but Villa appears to have secured the deal.
Born in Senegal, Onana’s career began in Anderlecht’s academy before progressing through Hoffenheim’s ranks. He also played for Hamburg before moving to Lille. His performances at Everton have evidently caught the attention of several top clubs.
Villa’s Transfer Activity
Villa has been actively seeking a new midfielder after transferring Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42.35 million last month. Onana’s acquisition would strengthen their midfield options significantly.
In addition to Onana, Villa is expected to re-sign winger Jaden Philogene from Hull City in the coming days. Philogene, who has been with England’s Under-21 team, flew back from Hull’s training camp in Turkey on Friday. He is set to ink a five-year contract worth around £18 million, returning to Villa Park less than a year after being sold to Hull. Villa exercised a matching option to outbid Ipswich, which had agreed on an £18 million deal with Hull.
Philogene’s Anticipated Return
Jaden Philogene’s return to Aston Villa marks another significant move for the club. Villa had included a matching option when he was transferred last September, allowing them to match any offers Hull received for the winger. This strategic move enabled Villa to swoop in and bring back Philogene, despite Ipswich’s interest and agreement with Hull.
With these transfers, Aston Villa is poised to bolster their squad, aiming for a strong performance in both domestic and European competitions next season.
