Aston Villa have reportedly begun talks to sign a £30 million Chelsea transfer target.
Aston Villa chief Monchi is reportedly eyeing a raid on his former club, Sevilla, ahead of the summer transfer window.
The president of football operations at Villa, Monchi is heavily involved in the transfer business and is keen to make use of his contacts in Spain. Sevilla, where he was based before Villa poached his services, are in the crosshairs as Monchi seeks to reignite interest in central defender Loic Bade.
Villa failed with two bids to sign Bade in the winter transfer window and were unable to agree on personal terms with the player, who at the time preferred staying loyal to his current club. A lot can change in a few months, though, and Sevilla won’t be playing any European football next season after a severely disappointing 16th-placed finish in La Liga.
Despite Sevilla’s struggles, Bade, one of the most promising defenders in the division, has maintained his stellar reputation. The Frenchman often dazzles with his clean build-up play from deep and is strong in duels, both on the ground and in the air.
It may not be long until Bade makes a move to Villa Park after all, it seems, as fresh reports in Spain have emerged early this week. It’s claimed Villa have been keeping a close eye on Bade’s progress after the rejection a few months ago and are eager to try again.
The report says Monchi is insisting on Bade as a priority target ahead of alternatives and that Sevilla would consider a sale if a convincing offer arrives. Los Nervionenses are in a delicate financial situation and could require a sale this summer to ease concerns, so Bade leaving certainly isn’t out of the question. That’s especially the case with the report stating negotiations are already underway between the two clubs.
There could be competition from Chelsea, however, as the Blues are reportedly interested in Bade. Caught Offside reported in late March that Enzo Maresca’s side are considering a player-plus-cash bid for Bade. If they enter negotiations, it could make things a little trickier for Villa.
How would Loic Bade fit in at Aston Villa?
Right-footed, towering at 6ft 3in and quick off the mark, Bade would slot in nicely alongside Pau Torres. Ezri Konsa would likely shift across to right-back in place of Matty Cash, or Bade could rotate with Konsa in the middle across the Premier League and Champions League. An alternative would be Konsa playing as a left centre-back and Bade on the right.
Also very talented with his feet, Bade is more than capable of picking out a winger on the opposite flank or dribbling out from the back himself. Having Pau and Bade as two ball-playing defenders alongside one another could be terrifying for opponents. That would suit Emery’s system to a T.
This isn’t the first time Monchi has been in talks to sign Bade as he was the man to bring the player to Sevilla in the first place. The pair had a strong relationship, as shown by hugs and laughs on live television after winning the 2023 UEFA Europa League. Monchi could work his magic again to secure Villa their man at the second time of asking.
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