Manchester United vs Aston Villa match preview and early team news
The latest transfer news as Aston Villa contact Barcelona ahead of a possible January swoop.
Aston Villa are reportedly among the potential suitors for a wantaway Barcelona star this January.
Much of Unai Emery’s focus is on the busy festive period as he seeks to continue his side’s tremendous form in both the Premier League and Europa League, though some attention will soon shift to the January transfer window.
Although Villa are still having to tread carefully with the profit and sustainability rules (PSR) and UEFA squad cost rules (SCR), at least some business will likely be done as Emery seeks to address various issues. They may not feel like huge issues at the moment given Villa have won 10 of their last 11 Premier League matches, but they will become more noticeable when the form dips.
One position Emery may look to strengthen is at goalkeeper, as Emiliano Martinez hasn’t been as reliable as in the past. The World Cup winner has put in some terrific displays this campaign - memorably against AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers - but a tricky back injury has stopped him in his tracks recently. It also hasn’t been long since Martinez tried to force a transfer away to Manchester United.
Villa recruited Marco Bizot in the summer for a mere £1.5 million, however the Dutchman is unfortunately not at the level to take on the first-choice goalkeeping duties long term. If Martinez is to go, whether it be this winter of next summer, a replacement will need to be signed.
Aston Villa lodge ‘enquiry’ for £10.5m Barcelona star
To address this, Villa have reportedly spoken to Barcelona about the possibility of signing Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The 44-time Germany international, once a UEFA Champions League winner and six times a La Liga champion, was previously one of Barcelona’s most important players - and he remains their captain - but he has fallen down the pecking order.
Barça signed Spain international Joan Garcia in the summer to become the new number one and veteran Wojciech Szczęsny has acted as the immediate backup. Ter Stegen, who has endured many injury problems in recent seasons, is still trying to get back up to speed but has struggled to do so due to his current standing at Camp Nou.
Mundo Deportivo reports Villa are eager to offer Ter Stegen an escape route and have made an official enquiry to Barcelona about his availability. The 33-year-old, who cost £10.5 million to sign from Borussia Mönchengladbach back in 2014, is of interest to La Liga side Girona, who have also enquired.
How would Ter Stegen fit in at Aston Villa?
It awaits to be seen how much Barcelona would charge for Ter Stegen, though if he were to join Villa, he would likely become the new first-choice shot-stopper. That is, of course, if Martinez were to leave. This rumour is also based on the assumption, after all, that Villa’s Argentine goalkeeper will transfer away in the not-too-distant future.
Ter Stegen may not have played much of late - in fact, he has only made nine La Liga appearances since the start of 2024/25 - but there’s no doubting his pedigree. The German has racked up 423 career appearances for Barcelona, keeping 176 clean sheets. His experience would undoubtedly be welcomed through the doors at Villa Park.
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