Sources: Aston Villa reach agreement in principle to sign Jan Bednarek
Aston Villa have reached an agreement in principle to sign Southampton star Jan Bednarek, sources have told Football Insider.
The Midlands giants are closing in on the Poland international as they look to secure a replacement for injured Diego Carlos.
Villa have submitted a loan-to-buy offer for Bednarek, 26, and have made progress on a deal over the last 24 hours.
He has agreed personal terms with Steven Gerrard’s side and could now sign early next week.
Negotiations will continue in the coming hours and all parties are increasingly confident a full agreement will be secured.
A crushing injury blow to Carlos has forced Aston Villa back into the market for another proven centre-back option.
Sources told Football Insider earlier this month (16 August) that the Brazillian is expected to be out for the rest of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon.
Meanwhile, Kortney Hause has joined Championship side Watford in a season-long loan deal.
Bednarek, who has made 42 Poland appearances since his debut in 2017, will bring a wealth of experience to Villa Park.
He notched 30 league starts amongst 34 games across all competitions for Southampton last term – and has started three of their four games in the new campaign.
The centre-back, who is out of contract in June 2025, has made a total of 152 appearances for the Saints since joining from Lech Poznan in July 2017.
Bednarek is set to become Aston Villa’s sixth summer addition – after deals for Robin Olsen, Ludwig Augustinsson, Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara, and Carlos.
Gerrard’s side have started this season with three points from a possible nine and face bottom club West Ham on Sunday (28 August).
In other news, Aston Villa expert issues three-word verdict on Gerrard’s future after latest.