Aston Villa’s summer transfer spree continues as they secure the signing of midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton in a £50m deal. This move comes after Onana’s impressive performance in Belgium’s Euro 2024 campaign, where he played every minute of the tournament. Now, the 22-year-old has the opportunity to represent Villa in the upcoming season’s Champions League.
Onana initially joined Everton from Lille for £33m in 2022 and went on to make 72 appearances for the Toffees, scoring four goals. His talent did not go unnoticed, as he was linked with a move to Arsenal in 2023, with several top clubs reportedly interested in him this summer.
Villa manager Unai Emery had been actively searching for a new defensive midfielder following the sale of Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42.35m in June. With the acquisition of Onana, Villa aims to strengthen their squad for the challenge of Champions League competition, a level they have not reached since the 1982-83 season, which followed their European Cup triumph.
The arrival of Onana brings Villa’s summer spending to approximately £140m. In addition to Onana, Villa has made several other significant signings. They spent £35m on securing Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, £18.6m on the double signing of Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus, £18m on Jaden Philogene’s return from Hull, £5m on Ross Barkley’s move from Luton, and £9m on Lewis Dobbin’s transfer from Everton.
With these acquisitions, Villa is aiming to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions. Their Premier League campaign kicks off on Saturday, August 17th, with an away match against West Ham.
Villa’s ambition and investment in new players demonstrate their determination to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in English football. The club’s previous success in the European Cup and their return to the Champions League after a long absence highlight their rich history and the potential for future accomplishments.
As the new season approaches, Villa fans eagerly anticipate seeing their team compete against the best in Europe. The signing of Amadou Onana adds further excitement to their already high expectations. With a talented squad and a manager known for his tactical acumen, Aston Villa is poised to make a strong impact in the Premier League and potentially surprise many in the Champions League.