Aston Villa are keen on bringing UD Almería’s Dion Lopy to Villa Park.
The Villans qualified for the Champions League, after finishing fourth and winning the Europa League this season.
Aston Villa would further improve Unai Emery’s squad and are also looking at the Spanish market this summer.
The Premier League side’s interest in the defensive midfielder isn’t new. In 2023, Sport Witness relayed news of Emery’s side attempt, but he left Stade Reims for the Spanish club.
Last summer, we covered claims from Spain of Everton’s interest but they didn’t get the deal over the line.
Aston Villa already made advances
The Senegal international is back on Aston Villa’s radar and La Voz de Almería cover the latest.
His development at the Segunda División side hasn’t gone unnoticed. Aston Villa view the 24-year-old as the player for both the present and future.
Unai Emery spent two years between 2006 and 2008 at UD Almería and had Felipe Melo at his disposal in the final season. The manager sees Dion Lopy as the new Felipe Melo and is keen on securing his services.
Aston Villa have submitted an initial offer of €17m. This is short of his side’s expectation of €20m.
At the same time, for the second division Spanish club, the Premier League side’s interest is tempting.
After missing out on promotion this season, Almería want to return to the top flight next year. The midfielder would have a key role to play while his summer sale can improve their finances.
Lopy could also be tempted to join Aston Villa, who can offer Premier League and the Champions League next season. In short there’s ‘European temptation amid promotion battle’.
If Aston Villa were to raise their offer slightly by €3m, it could be difficult for Almería and Lopy to turn it down.
Contract, value and agent info
The midfielder has a contract until 2029 and is valued at €4m by Transfermarkt. The highest value was €10m in June 2024, after his debut season at UD Almería.
British agency CAA Stellar represent Dion Lopy and their client list includes Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa. The Senegalese played 1,991 minutes from 28 matches this season.