The latest transfer news as an update emerges involving Aston Villa and Leeds United.
Leeds United have reportedly been quoted an asking price by Aston Villa for in-demand left-back Alex Moreno.
Junior Firpo has left Leeds despite being one of their star players during their Championship title-winning campaign. The Dominican Republic international, formerly of Barcelona, has decided to depart Elland Road following the expiry of his four-year contract.
Leeds are now searching for a replacement and have reportedly listed Villa’s Moreno as a target. TEAMtalk reports the Lilywhites are among several clubs keeping a close eye on Moreno’s situation, while it’s claimed Villa, who have transfer listed the defender, are seeking £5 million to let him go.
Why are Aston Villa letting Alex Moreno leave?
Villa are willing to let Moreno go this summer as they are seeking to reduce their wage bill, all while increasing their income. Unai Emery is more than content with Ian Maatsen and Lucas Digne as his left-backs and Moreno is no longer in his plans.
The 32-year-old defender, who joined the Villans in January 2023 for around £12 million, still has one year left on his contract and has retained some of his value. Villa are hoping to recoup just under half of the fee they paid and believe that would be a fair price given Moreno is now proven in the Premier League.
Despite failing to live up to expectations overall, the Spaniard was superb during his first half a season at Villa Park. Effectively an immediate starter, Moreno saw out Emery’s first campaign at Villa, helping his side finish seventh in the Premier League and achieve qualification for the UEFA Conference League.
It all went downhill after that, however, as Moreno played just 1,559 minutes throughout 2023/24, not helped by injuries. A loan to Nottingham Forest followed and he had a good start before falling down the pecking order and playing even fewer minutes last season.
Moreno outlines transfer preference
Moreno will be eager to get his career back on track following two frustrating campaigns of sitting on the bench. Although starts were occasional, Moreno often had to play second fiddle to Neco Williams at Forest and Digne at Villa.
Leeds could provide a much better shot at guaranteed starts following Firpo’s departure, though Moreno seemingly prefers the idea of a move elsewhere. According to the report from TEAMtalk, the left-back is eager to return to La Liga and there are several clubs in the division already alerted to his £5 million price tag.
Real Betis, where Moreno mastered his craft between 2019 and 2022, have emerged as favourites to re-sign their former player. Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Sevilla have also been linked. Rather ironically, though, all four clubs are reportedly considering Firpo as an alternative.
The good news for Moreno - albeit perhaps not so great for Leeds - is that he has plenty of time to figure out the best course of action. As Moreno is now 32 and entering the twilight years of his career, this is a huge decision and one he will not take lightly.
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