Amadou Onana ‘closing in on Aston Villa exit’ as ‘big money’ deal lined up
Amadou Onana is edging closer to a move away from Aston Villa in the summer but it will take big money for Unai Emery’s side to sell.
This comes after the 24-year-old hinted at wanting to make the next step in his career in a recent interview in which he spoke about joining a “world-class club”.
The likes of Man United and Barcelona have previously expressed an interest in the Belgium international, with Villa beating both to his signing from Everton.
However, it could be difficult to land Onana as he joined Aston Villa for £50million in 2024, and they will be looking to make a profit from his sale.
Former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that there is no shortage of interest in Onana, who could be tempted into a move sooner rather than later.
- Read more: Aston Villa fans have been stunned by Onana.
Amadou Onana could quit Aston Villa
Football Insider exclusively revealed last summer that Aston Villa could cash in on Onana amid ongoing financial issues, with interest from multiple top clubs.
That interest has seemingly turned the head of the Belgium midfielder, while Villa could be tempted to accept a new offer should it meet their lofty valuation.
“It wouldn’t surprise me to see Onana leave Villa,” Brown told Football Insider.
“On one hand, you can look at the fact he’s got these ambitions to play at the top level as a positive thing given what Villa are trying to achieve.
“But the fact he seemed to suggest he couldn’t achieve it with Villa and wants to go to a bigger club, I’m not convinced that will go down particularly well.
“He’s a player I’ve been very impressed with since he came to Villa, he’s surprised me.
“I can see where he’s coming from in terms of I think he could make that big move happen, he’s good enough at his best to play for a top club.
“I’m not sure about whether he is at that level all the time, I’d have questions about his consistency which might put some of these clubs off of a move.
“The thing is, even if he wants to leave Villa and they say okay we’ll let you go, it has to be for the right price and it’s going to take a big fee to get him out.
“I don’t doubt the interest is there, and I don’t doubt he might want to make a step away from Villa, but whether it’s going to be possible is up to them.”
Aston Villa plan to accept offer for Lucas Digne
Onana is not the only player being linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer as they eye potential changes in a number of positions.
Brown told Football Insider on 17 February that Lucas Digne could be allowed to leave Villa, with Emery keen to land an improvement at left-back.
The 32-year-old has struggled in back-to-back games against Bournemouth and Newcastle and has been at fault for a number of goals so far this season.
Villa’s recruitment team have already begun assessing potential alternatives, while Ian Maatsen’s playing time has increased in recent weeks.
The area has been identified as one of their top priorities, while Digne is also expected to be open to moving on should sufficient interest emerge.
For the latest updates on Amadou Onana’s future at Villa Park, head over to Villa News.