Aston Villa’s first deadline day deal is expected to be announced shortly.
Unai Emery has all but confirmed that Aston Villa will sign Victor Lindelof on transfer deadline day after an agreement was struck with the former Manchester United defender.
Birmingham World understands Lindelof flew into Birmingham on Sunday ahead of completing the formalities of the deal, including medical tests. The 71-time Sweden international remains on track to be announced as a new Villa signing in due course, with a two-year contract on the table.
Emery wanted to add defensive depth and cover and believed Lindelof was a decent option, given that he’s proven in the Premier League. The 31-year-old may no longer be in his prime but he still boasts 194 English top-flight appearances and has played 38 times in the Champions League throughout his career.
A report from Fabrizio Romano suggests Villa were not the only club in for Lindelof, with Premier League rivals Everton among those to offer the free agent a contract. Romano revealed on Sunday that Villa offered a ‘higher proposal compared to Everton’. Italian Serie A side Fiorentina’s offer was also gazumped by Villa’s.
It may not be the most glamorous transfer but it’s one that will help Villa as they navigate another busy fixture schedule. The Europa League games won’t be as tricky as what Villa faced in the Champions League last season but there will still be many challenges along the way. Adding depth will only help with that.
Lindelof deal all but confirmed by Emery
The mood was sour on Sunday night after Villa suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace but Emery was still willing to address transfers, just about. After hearing of the progress made with the Lindelof deal, Birmingham World asked Emery what he made of the ex-Man Utd man.
“He’s experienced and a good player,” Emery admitted. Then, when asked whether the deal is finalised, Emery responded: “We will see tomorrow how we are closing the deadline but we are expecting, of course, to add some players.”
It’s not often Emery speaks about players that are not his, so the fact he was willing to talk about Lindelof - albeit only very briefly - suggests the deal is indeed done. It’s understood Lindelof is highly unlikely to be the only new signing of deadline day, but he’s expected to be the first.
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