Aston Villa have reportedly initiated discussions with Villarreal to secure the services of defender Juan Foyth, a player previously utilized extensively by Unai Emery during his tenure with the La Liga club.
According to reports from TBR, Villa have turned their attention to the versatile Argentine defender as they seek to bolster their squad in the current transfer window. Emery, now at the helm of Aston Villa, is keen on a reunion with the World Cup-winning defender, who excelled under his management at Villarreal.
The pursuit of defensive reinforcements has been a priority for Aston Villa since the January transfer window opened. The club is said to be in search of both a right-back and a central defender. The need for a central defender has become more pressing following the departure of Diego Carlos, who joined Fenerbahce on a permanent transfer.
Adding to their defensive woes, Villa are dealing with a long-term injury to Pau Torres, who is sidelined until mid-March, and a fresh injury concern for Tyrone Mings, sustained during their draw with West Ham on Sunday. Even before Mings’ injury, Villa were actively exploring options for a center-back. Reports suggested they had reached an agreement for Loic Bade but ultimately abandoned the deal due to the player’s preference to remain at Sevilla.
The club has also been linked with multiple right-back targets, including Juan Foyth, as Emery aims to provide competition and cover for Matty Cash. While Villa were reportedly advancing in negotiations for Oscar Mingueza, their focus now appears to have shifted toward Foyth.
During his time at Villarreal, Foyth demonstrated remarkable versatility under Emery, playing across various defensive roles. This adaptability could be a key factor in Emery’s interest, as the manager looks to strengthen his backline with a player capable of covering multiple positions.
Will Aston Villa Secure Juan Foyth?
Reports suggest that Villarreal are open to allowing Foyth to leave during this transfer window, further fueling speculation about a potential move to Villa Park. Negotiations between Aston Villa and Villarreal are said to be ongoing, with progress expected in the coming days.
Details regarding Villarreal’s asking price remain unclear, though Foyth has 18 months remaining on his current contract with the La Liga side. Aston Villa’s good relationship with Villarreal—evidenced by their previous acquisition of Pau Torres—could play a significant role in facilitating this deal. Director of Football Monchi will likely aim to secure the defender at a reasonable price, leveraging the club’s established rapport with Villarreal.
