Matty Cash's Aston Villa career could be over if Unai Emery accelerates Oscar Mingueza move
Matty Cash has divided opinion amongst Aston Villa supporters ever since his £14million arrival in the summer of 2020.
For a long time, a majority of fans have argued that Unai Emery desperately needs to sign an upgrade at right-back, but the 28-year-old only put pen to paper on a new three-and-a-half-year deal this season.
A brand-new deal does not always mean an exit is impossible, but it likely means a bigger transfer fee would be needed for him to be sold, especially with three goals and three assists this term.
The Poland international has flourished this season under Emery. That doesn't mean that he's untouchable, however, with Villa putting transfer plans in place ahead of the summer window.
Oscar Mingueza could easily replace Matty Cash
Villa have long been linked with Oscar Mingueza from Celta Vigo, and rumours are seriously ramping up ahead of the summer window, with multiple clubs eyeing a deal for the Spaniard.
It has been confirmed by those at the La Liga club that the 26-year-old, whose current deal is set to expire this summer, has no intention of putting pen to paper on a new contract.
Given Mingueza's ability to play anywhere across the back line, plus wide midfield, he would be an ideal character for Emery's squad, but it could put Cash's place in the squad at risk.
| Matty Cash | Stats [FotMob] | Oscar Mingueza |
| 2446 | Minutes played | 1659 |
| 1 | Goals | 3 |
| 4 | Assists | 2 |
| 24 | Chances created | 22 |
| 0.4 | Successful dribbles per 90 | 0.6 |
| 0.85 | Successful tackles per 90 | 0.87 |
| 2.76 | Clearances per 90 | 1.41 |
| 0.66 | Interceptions per 90 | 0.43 |
Despite all of the competition at international level, the Celta Vigo man has four Spain caps to his name, and is likely to be handed many more as his career advances over the coming years.
Unai Emery clearly wants a new right-back at Aston Villa
Denzel Dumfries has also been linked with Villa, clearly representing the need for a new right-back, and Mingueza, capable of playing either side, would be an absolute bargain.
The former Barcelona man has experience in the Champions League and Europa League, which would add some much-needed knowledge to the squad ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Villa's recent form has been rather disappointing, seeing them slip down to fourth in the Premier League table, but not quite enough to seriously put their Champions League qualification chances at risk.
That could be a key factor in Mingueza choosing them over any other club this season, and working under Emery would be a dream for many players, especially those of the same nation.